Fatstock show to return to South Molton after nearly 50 years

SOUTH Molton is going back to its agricultural roots on Sunday (December 14), when a Christmas Show and Fatstock Sale returns to the Pannier Market for the first time in 45 years. The event will feature the sale of sheep, cattle, live poultry and home and

SOUTH Molton is going back to its agricultural roots on Sunday (December 14), when a Christmas Show and Fatstock Sale returns to the Pannier Market for the first time in 45 years.The event will feature the sale of sheep, cattle, live poultry and home and garden produce. Other live animals in the market will include a sheep dog, shire horse, Exmoor pony, and even an alpaca.The event, from 10am to 4pm, aims to reflect all aspects of countryside life, with produce stalls; butchery and cookery demonstrations; carol singing by pupils from Brayford Primary School; and a visit from famous shepherd, author and film maker David Kennard and one of his dogs.There'll also be lots to eat, including a hog roast, pies, barbeque, fresh soups, and even ostrich burgers. And if that all sounds like thirsty work, there'll be plenty of local wines and ciders to sample - as well as a good old cup of tea.As well as the animal auction, non-agricultural members of the public will be able to bid for gifts being auctioned in aid of North Devon Hospice."In North Devon we have it all really, the cattle, sheep, corn growers, and the dairy business," said local agriculturalist Morley Heale, who is organising the event with Michael Edwards of Stags Auctioneers."We are currently seeing a strong surge towards buying produce from local providers, for environmental and quality reasons. "South Molton grew up around its farms and I'm hoping for strong support from both the farming and local communities. "Who knows, if this goes well it might even become an annual event to pull more people into the town."Mr Heale added: "Agriculture is at the heart of South Molton and I'd love to think that we could have a new livestock market here sometime in the not too distant future."In the meantime, I think it will be a very good this to have the animals back in the Pannier Market, although for safety reasons the cattle will be penned in the adjacent part of the livestock market."All the cash prizes for the stock show have been donated by local businesses and while entry to the event is free, visitors are asked to make a donation to the North Devon Hospice.To register interest in a stall at the Fatstock Sale and Show, contact Morely Heale on (01769) 540441 or email jayne.gillanders@btinternet.com. To enter livestock, produce or show items, contact Michael Edwards at Stags on (01769) 572042.