THE disappointments of last year were forgotten last Saturday when Emley Show went ‘home’.
After a blank 2007 due to a flooded showground, this year’s eagerly-awaited, “bigger better show” turned out to be just that.
The change of venue followed repeated flooding problems at the former site on Litherop Lane.
The expanded event was staged at its new 150-acre site at Factory Farm, in the shadow of the famous landmark, Emley Moor Mast.
All did not augur well early on the morning of show day, but the rains subsided, the clouds parted and things went ahead to great effect. The sun shone and the rains held off until the very end, when traders and exhibitors were packing up to leave.
The Savile family, who own the land, had given the green light for the move to the new site and the Hampshire family, who farm there, put in a great effort to prepare the site for the estimated 14,000 visitors who came to see 14 marquees, trade stands and an array of new entertainment.
There was a Scrufts dog show, a spectacular acrobatics display from Tamworth-based Kangaroos Gymnastics Display Team, a traditional Punch and Judy show, children’s rides, a climbing wall, a farrier’s demonstration, birds of prey, dry stone walling demonstrators and a mini-ice rink. Emley Brass Band and the Bourbon Street Roof-Raisers Jazz Band provided the musical entertainment.
As usual there were a large number of entries in the horse classes, with shire horses, donkeys, show jumping and Pony Club games and this year there was a new sheep section and new Jersey classes in the cattle section.
Other popular classes included the stick show – with more than 200 entries.
Smaller animals sections included hamsters and rabbits and a variety of birds from poultry to pigeons and colourful caged birds.
There were also cookery, craft and art sections and a honey class and a bee-keeping demonstration.
Flowers were on show and there were miniature gardens, artwork and cookery entries in the children’s section.
Visitors generally seemed impressed with the change of venue which features impressive views across the landscape. The new site and added attractions won wide acclaim and, thankfully, this year the event organisers had the weather on their side.
It could be that as far as Factory Farm is concerned, the show is here to stay.
