If, like myself, you look forward to theMottram Show and were disappointed to see it washed away this year, may I take this opportunity to introduce you to a fantastic alternative.
Those of you who enjoy agricultural shows and who would like to spend a great day out tomorrow (Saturday 13th) might be interested in the 136th Penistone Show.
Alright, it's not strictly a local event but it is only a short trip up the A628. It is also a colossal show (many times larger than our own Mottram Show) and there is usually at least one local group that have a stall there, so don't be surprised if you bump into a few people that you know or recognise.
At last year's event for instance the
Woodhead Mountain Rescue Team were present and tomorrow will see the
Save The Woodhead Tunnel Group (who want to re-open the railway line to Hadfield) make their debut at the Yorkshire show.
The group meet monthly at the Prince of Wales in Glossop and their next local meeting is on Thursday 9th October but in the meantime anyone who wants to help out at the stall and who needs a lift over should contact Alan on 07938 026056. The first 'shuttle' over the moors is planned to leave from Glossop Railway Station at 8.30pm.
Details of the show itself can be found on the
Penistone Show website, including an itinery of events and a map of the area, though having visited the show myself previously, the website hardly does justice to the event, due largely to a lack of quality photographs from previous shows. They appear to be trying to remedy this by having a photographic competition at this years show, with winning entries appearing on the website for next year's event, so take your camera along!
It really does have everything you would want and expect from a show of its type though. An example of what's in store is described in the text below, which I have shamelessly culled from the website:
"The aims of Penistone Show are to provide an agricultural show, which promotes the countryside, agriculture & horticulture and associated interests. There are various livestock on display i.e. Cattle, Sheep, Pigs, Goats, Pigeons, Hens, Bantams, Shire Horses, Lurchers, Terriers, Companion Dogs and many more. There are exhibitions and displays including Vintage vehicles, Owls, Farriers, Dry Stone Walling, Hounds, Handicrafts, Horticulture, Photogaphy etc. Also promoted is the local farmers market where you can buy fresh produce direct from the growers, Butchers, Bakers, Cake makers, Jam Makers. The list is endless.There are Livestock and equestrian competition classes, there is a 10 K road race organised by Penistone Footpath Runners Club and a Tug O War competition. Trade stands vary from farm machinery and implements to commercial enterprises selling country clothing, garden plants, furniture, cars and country crafts, etc.
There are 3 rings providing entertainment throughout the day, and there are food outlets to keep you going and a fully licensed bar.
Live music is played at various times through the day. There are Jazz Bands, Brass Bands, Ladies Choirs, as well as music from a local radio stations Road Show. There is an excellent programme of events to keep you entertained throughout the day."
So, if that's enough to be going along with, why not come along and enjoy a wonderful family day out - and keep everything crossed for the weather, which does tend to make or break these type of outdoor events, as Mottram 2008 bears testimony to!
