THE 62nd Greenholme Gala and Agricultural Show, was literally a ‘whirlwind event’, when a mini twister hit the field. The marquee being used by locals, Olive Wharton and Elaine Smith, to sell home-made crafts and produce, was drawn up into the air, ripping tie-ropes and buckling supporting poles. Home-made aprons were sucked up into the sky, and cheese and cakes toppled to the ground. Olive was nearly blown off her feet, and Elaine ended up on her back with a table on top of her. Fortunately no-one was hurt by the freak wind, which only struck this one small area of the field, and occurred around 12.30pm, before the majority of the crowd turned up. Running repairs were carried out, and though a little shaken, Olive and Elaine continued with their stall for the remainder of the show.

President for the day Nigel Davis, who is also president of the Rough Fell Sheep Breeders Association this year. At the traditional show lunch held in the main show marquee, he thanked everyone for all the hard work involved in bringing the show together. He said what a difficult task it is for the judges with such high standards in all the classes, especially the Rough Fell Sheep, setting this year’s judge David Watson, with quite a task. Greenholme is a noted centre for the breed, and each year some of the best Rough Fell Sheep in the country are on display. Judge for other sheep classes was Stephen Huck.

After a heavy shower around lunch time, the afternoon kept dry, if cold, and a good crowd gathered to enjoy the children’s sports, tug-of-war, and relay races. There were a number of side shows, bouncy castle, and metal detecting.

Greenholme is one of the smallest shows, but attracts many entries. The marquee as in other years was packed. Many of the children’s classes, planned in close co-operation with both Orton and Tebay schools, had more than 20 entries.

Still going strong, 62 years from it’s revival after the Second World War, Greenholme is a well loved family show, which combines old farming traditions and farming families, with new ideas and innovations. Entrants range from those who have been coming to the show for years, to children and new comers to the area. Judging by the continuing interest and support, Greenholme will continue for many years to come.

Trophies and special prizes.

Mason Cup, best pair Gimmer Hoggs: N.C. Dodd. Rough Fell Sheep. Cup, best male: E & K Bland. Reserve R Steadman. Cup, best female: V Guy. Reserve E & K Bland. Dodd Cup, best on field: V Guy. Reserve E & K Bland. Cup, most points: N C Dodd. The Gate Cup, best Texel Sheep: E Winder. Perpetual Challenge Shield, best of any other breed: D Douthwaite. Reserve: J Potter. The Holmes Cup Perpetual Challenge Trophy, best sheep on field: V Guy. Mrs Thomasson Cup, best exhibit confectionery: J Huck. Cup, most points confectionery classes: S Coates. Westmorland Cup, best exhibit handicrafts: K Winchester. Brook Cup, most points handicraft classes: K Winchester. Brethdale Cup/Bainbridge Prize, best children’s exhibit: Rowan Arkle. Greenholme Cup/Jean Nelson Prize, most points children’s classes: Rachel Bland. Special Prize, best children’s planted container: Madeleine Beck. Cup, best photograph in show: John Taylor. Cup, most points photograph classes: S. Thorpe. Cup, photograph of local scene: S Bainbridge. Special Prize, photograph of a cat: J Stam. Ann Thackery Cup, most points handicrafts/confectionery/photographs: Jackie Taylor. Cup, planted container: F Lawler. Lower & Upper Junior Relay Races: Tebay. School Tug-of-War: Tebay.