Mid Devon Show 2024

Published 2024-07-29
Thousands of people basked in the sunshine at this weekend’s Mid Devon Show—a stark contrast to the previous year’s rain-soaked event.
Knightshayes Estate hosted the 31st show, and organisers hoped to recover the £30,000 lost from 2023’s washout.
Show organiser Colin Nation expressed relief and gratitude: “We put so much hard work in throughout the 12 months. I'm the only person who's paid for the show, and everybody else is volunteering. That's 250 people who put on this show in their own time, and seeing so many here is a recognition of all their hard work.
“Thanks to the support of everybody coming, it means that we hopefully will be able to carry on for another year.”
Ray Radford, the president of the 2024 show, was delighted with the turnout and the day’s events: “I’ve enjoyed it, and it’s a great day and ideal weather. It’s a very popular event, reflected by the number of people here. It’s one of the best events in the Westcountry.”
Angus Cottey, chairman of the Mid Devon Show, emphasised the community aspect of the event: “I want this to be a community show. My committee is hardworking and wants it to be a community show. We're proud to call us a town and country show, so we've got the best of both here, and everybody I’ve seen here has had a wonderful time.”
He added, “For me, the standout thing is that I love the giant tortoises, but saying that, the stunt team from Stannage, the traders, the farmers, the livestock; we try to bring something new to the show every year.”
The showground was bustling with activity, featuring the finest livestock, including pigs, cavies, sheep, and cows. The Grand Parade celebrated these animals, with winners announced and trophies presented.
Mark Davis from Rivermead Jerseys at Westcott Farm in Tiverton won champion Jersey and supreme champion dairy. “It’s a fantastic achievement,” Mark said. “It’s a great show, and our local show is one we would like to support. Much work goes into preparing, not just the day before, but months and weeks to get ready.”
Jo Smith from Jacobstow, who won with her beef shorthorn Treventon Treasure, was thrilled. She said, “It’s brilliant, not just to have won a class and then win champion native. She then went on to win an interbreed junior animal and interbreed overall. We’re buzzing.”
Vicky Smith from Thelbridge, who won supreme champion in the sheep section with her blue texel, shared her excitement: “It's the first time she’s been shown, so we’re over the moon. It takes quite a lot of preparation.”
Amanda Bodley from Marcombe in Torquay won best in the show with her goat Cora. “We weren’t expecting to win,” she said. “There’s a lot of work which goes into getting ready, especially as she’s got quite a bit of weight.”
The event also featured music from various local groups and performances from the Stannage Stunt Team, whose thrilling stunts and fire displays captivated the audience.
Aaron Stannage said, “I love coming around these areas. We've been doing stunt shows for 20 years. I hope we will bring a smile to people's faces, as seeing them means we’ve done a good job.”
The food pavilion offered a delectable array of drinks, treats, and savoury bites, while hundreds of stalls provided information from various clubs, political parties, and businesses.
The show’s chosen charity, Marie Curie, had a notable presence.
Georgia Brooks, community fundraiser for Marie Curie in Mid Devon, said, “We're so delighted. They show that the team has been such a pleasure and supportive to work with.
“It’s an amazing opportunity to raise funds for Marie Curie, raise our profile, and show people what we do.
“I hope visitors to the stall take away a bit of cheeriness. We're an end-of-life charity, which is a complex and sensitive topic. But I think we're also about joy, fun, and happiness, and I believe that what we're trying to blend today is having a perfect time.
“We've got face painting and a spin-the-wheel game, but we also have a lot of information.”

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