Pictures: North Devon Show beats weather hoodoo

There were smiles and relief all around as North Devon Show made its return with no hint of the freak monsoon conditions that struck last year.

Aside from a little morning drizzle, thousands of visitors to the Umberleigh showground enjoyed a great day at the popular event organised by North Devon Agricultural Society.

Bustling livestock classes included 110 cattle, 475 sheep, 185 horses and 32 taking part in show jumping, not to mention alpacas, a dog show and giant tortoises!

The one day celebration of rural North Devon attracted visitors from far and wide to enjoy a range of displays, equestrian skill, countryside pursuits, meet the animals, enjoy performers on the live music stage, browse vintage vehicles and sample plenty of food and drink.

Livestock are the foundation of the show and as ever there was a busy schedule as veteran breeders exhibited prize animals while there was plenty of opportunity for youngsters to learn their craft in the show rings in the junior sections.

The dairy champion was the Holstein, Hoops Trientje, owned and exhibited by Stuart and Michelle Ley from Sutcombe, Holsworthy, while supreme beef champion went to Graham Hilsdon with Poole Treasure, a British Limousin.

Above: The supreme dairy champion Hoops Trientje, with owner Stuart Ley and show presidents Andrew and Lisa Symons. Credit: Mel Davies/ND Show

The supreme sheep champion was a British Charollais ewe exhibited by Tom Nancekivell from Kilkhampton.

The supreme horse champion was Shovern Nutella, exhibited by Chantel Searle.

Above: Shovern Nutella, exhibited by Chantel Searle, was supreme horse champion at North Devon Show. Credit: Mel Davies/ND Show

After a loss of revenue last year when unseasonal monsoon rains turned the show into a quagmire and saw many visitors’ vehicles having to be towed out of the car park by tractor, show secretary Theresa Soanes was relieved and very pleased everything was back to its best this year.

She said: “I was absolutely delighted with how the day went this year, the weather played a huge part and our traffic management plans were tested to the full and successfully implemented. 

“The day was a huge relief for the society, after our loss last year and it is always great to see all our visitors enjoying the day with smiles on their faces. Thank you to all our visitors for joining us, our sponsors for their amazing support, exhibitors and not forgetting our 100-plus volunteer stewards who make the show happen.”

Above: The crowds were treated to displays of horsemanship and falconry from Jonathan Marshall. Credit: Debbie Soden Photography

Above: Giant tortoises returned and were once again a big hit. Credit: Debbie Soden Photography