Wensleydale Agricultural Show

Back 'home' in Yorkshire for the Bank Holiday I had to cut a swathe through the small front garden to access the door. We hadn't been there for many months and everything was overgrown.

Ripened figs hung over the boundary line of the garden. Great! I could pick enough to make some jam to enter in the local agricultural show.

The recipe is from my mother's farmhouse kitchen book, using dried figs which you soak overnight. I cut the fresh figs into much smaller pieces than the recipe suggests. It sets easily and turns into a lovely deep red jam.

The Wensleydale Show on a dry, sunny Saturday, was busier than ever this year. Good weather brought the crowds and extra fields had to be used in order to park all the cars. 

The care taken in displaying the vegetables always amuses me. (I'd left a neighbour to pick my veg while we were in Yorkshire. When I returned I discovered 'courgettes' that had turned into marrows that would have given some of the Yorkshire competitors a run for their money!)

There is something for everyone. 

I always enjoy the children's section with their edible necklaces and miniature gardens.

Hoorah, Wee One got second prize in the handicraft section! (Oh dear, thinks our boy, I hope I'm not going to have to wear it once the show is over. Not to worry, the items in this class are being donated to the local dementia unit.)

Our grandson much prefers looking round the poultry marquee.

I LOVE ducks and hate to see them in cages.

I used to keep Khaki Campbells and am tempted to do so again. Only the knowledge that foxes would be only too keen to take them makes me hesitate. This call duck was very beautiful.

I'm always impressed by the involvement of children in all aspects of the show. They have a real enthusiasm and pride in what they do and I'm aware that long before they reach adulthood they will have acquired considerable knowledge and expertise. 

This lad knew everything there was to know about his father's road worker's truck.

He gave Himself a blow-by-blow account!

This curious little tractor was used in America to move up and down the rows in vineyards.

The carthorse had a lot of attention

and I liked the work-wear outfit.

One of my favourite events in the main ring is the carriage driving, there is so much to enjoy; the smartness of the rig and driver, the  relationship of horse and owner and the skill involved.

This is Linda Jones  with Tiger Lily.
Don't they look grand!

At the end of the show there was terrier racing which kept everyone amused. After a series of heats the final race was won by Barney, a smooth fox terrier, second a Lakeland and third another smooth, Barney's relative. I have had two smooths as pets and they are a joy. They are an endangered breed so I do hope that Barney's success will revive some interest in keeping the breed alive.  

It was a great day out!