Eager show-goers flocked to Tockwith on Sunday (3 August 2014) to enjoy the 69th annual Tockwith Show.
Organised by the Tockwith and District Agricultural Society, it featured traditional sheep, pig, fur and feather classes, as well as entertainment in the main ring.
Visitors watched demonstrations by the Lilliput forge and parades of classic vehicles and vintage tractors, as well as a dog scurry and a tug of war. Meanwhile, the Farmers’ Market marquee was filled with local producers offering everything from cheese and chutney to meat and eggs.
Show chairman Lisa Chasney said: It was yet another fantastic Tockwith Show, with thousands of people through the gates and plenty going on all day.
Many of our attractions have been part of the schedule for years, so we know they are a hit with visitors. However, it was pleasing to see the new Discovery Zone proving popular with families – particularly the live chick hatchings brought by HatchIt, which were a hit with people of all ages.
Another event that proved to very popular was the inter pub tug-o-war between the Spotted Ox and the Boot & Shoe, both of which are pubs in Tockwith. After some tremendous effort and pain, the Spotted Ox won by two pulls to one. It was so popular that, for next year, we are considering adding a ladies’ inter pub match as well.
At the end of the day, show president Sam Blacker held the traditional auction of items from the various competitions, raising money for his two chosen charities: Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution.
Immediately following the show, he and show secretary Steve Ross were preparing to set off on a charity walk for those two charities. The pair will complete the coast to coast walk from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood’s Bay on the east coast of North Yorkshire over the coming fortnight.
Steve said: Setting up and taking down the show is always a busy, tiring task, so it was very tempting to give ourselves a rest for a while afterwards before doing the walk.
However, we’ve been collecting donations and sponsorship at the show, and these two charities do fantastic work, so we’re keen to get going as soon as possible and raise as much money as we can. We’ll be updating the website where we can along the route if anyone wants to follow our progress.
For more information, visit www.tockwithshow.org.uk
