Record numbers at Wayland Agricultural Show
The annual Wayland Agricultural Show celebrated its 140th year on Sunday 4th August 2013 when it returned to Watton with an attendance of 20,000 visitors, soaring temperatures and its traditional mix of food, farming and agricultural countryside pursuits.
A far cry from last year’s event which was cancelled at the eleventh hour due to a sewage leak, this year’s show is due to raise more money than ever before for local charities and community projects. The final figure is to be announced shortly.
Visitors were treated to entertainment from the James Dylan International Motorcycle Stunt Show, Merion Owen’s Quack Pack, Horkesley Park and Banham Zoo Suffolk Punches and an appearance from Flog It! and Bargain Hunt star Philip Allwood.
It was also a great day for the winners of the show’s competitions and the field was even more competitive as entries in livestock categories hit record levels.
The unique Champions of Champions competition puts pigs, sheep, rabbits, horses, cattle and fowl head-to-head to see who is the best in show. The Norman Sculfer silver salver and prize money of £250 was won by a Limousin cow and her calf, owned by PJ Gooderham of Gislingham.
Mr Peter Gooderham, owner of winning cow Fan and her calf said: “Fan is three and a half years old and we’re delighted that she won as it takes a lot of training and preparation to get a cow in such good shape to compete in such a prestigious show such as Wayland. Fan was praised for her exceptional quality by judges and was up against all the livestock at the show. The standard of livestock was outstanding and I shall be returning next year.”
The Young Achievers award is designed to recognise outstanding dedication and contribution to agriculture, horticulture, wildlife or any other rural related sector or industry. The prize of £100 and trophy was awarded to Emma Germany, 19, who plays a big part in her family business in the day to day running of a free range poultry unit. She is the secretary for the North Walsham branch of Young Farmers and is Country show chair and is also on the committee for the forthcoming Young Farmers 70th Anniversary Ball.
