THE 124th FALSTONE BORDER SHEPHERDS SHOW
 Saturday 22nd August 2009

SUN SHINES ON FALSTONE SHOW

To the relief of all the committee and the many helpers enlisted for the day Falstone Border Shepherds’ Show had both real sheep and sunshine. With more people in attendance than the last few years the 123rd Falstone Show was a good day.

The Show was held in a different field due to the difficulties the weather had caused in not allowing the crops to be gathered before the show day. The week before was touch and go for many involved. One victim of the change of venue was unfortunately the Fire Engine that was unable to attend on the day.

The industrial tent was host to a selection of produce from a pot of marmalade to a cucumber, a decorated wellie to shepherds crook, chocolate cake to a view of Northumberland. Thanks must go to all those people who took the time and patience to make, bake, photograph, grow, arrange, collect, knit, sew, paint and encourage your children to do the same. It was due to your efforts that such an ample display was on show in the industrial tent. Isobel Wallace emerged as winner of the Baking Section, with Emily Symons winning the children’s baking cup. The cup in the preserves section was won by Isobel Wallace. The Special Prize in the Photography classes was awarded to Sheena Robinson.

A good show of livestock was on display with Sheep, one pig! Sheep-dogs, terriers and hounds. The Challenge cup for the Swaledale Cross Champion was won by Andrew Stainton, with the Shepherds Blackface special being presented to John Dixon. The Dog Judging kept those young and old entertained, with Best hound puppy being received by Owen Balding for Daystar. A strange array of feathered creatures was to be found in the craft tent. The entrant who took the Champion Feathered Friend was (guess who) yes yet again the very talented editor of the Tarset News – Helen. The Children’s Champion Hen was made by Leanne and Daniel Little, it is rumoured that a feathered creature may have lost its life in the quest for a perfect hen. The runner up in this class was Abbie Stainton.

The Vintage Tractors were on display again this year thanks to all the owners, it is a reminder of years gone by.

During the afternoon ‘most’ of the children enjoyed the Olympics or the children’s sports as we know it. Adults who wanted to make a spectacle of themselves had there chance in the Comical Dog Trial. The eventual winners being Selby Robson & Steven Little. A Special prize was received by to local ladies – The most Entertaining! – Dorothy Bell & Maureen McCracken. Thanks to C I Accountancy a new sponsor this year. Those with a more serious sporting attitude took part in the fell race. The Sheep Dog Trials showed us the talent of the dogs and their owners.

Cups and special prizes were presented by Chairman Charles Allgood before the beer tent did more business as the tradition of filling the cups was upheld. The night was rounded off by a disco in the village hall organised by Bellingham Young Farmers.

The committee would like to take this opportunity to thank all our Judges, subscribers, and helpers for their assistance, generosity and support in making this years show a great success. Please accept my apologies for anything I have not mentioned. Check out the website www.falstoneshow.co.uk for all winners and photos from the day, we welcome anyone with photos they wish to share.

Eileen Little 2009