Bumper crowd flocks to rural showfield
Sep 1 2009 By Brian Daniel, The Journal
A BUMPER Bank Holiday crowd made its way to Northumberland yesterday, for one of the region's most popular shows.
Organisers of the Glendale Show, held just off the A697 south of Wooler, had yet to tally up the attendance last night but were delighted with the turnout.
The summer sun was interrupted by the occasional shower but that failed to dampen spirits.
The showfield’s main arena provided entertainment for visitors throughout the day, including a dog show, falconry and the Chariots of Fire stunt display team. One of the event’s highlights was in the demonstration kitchen – the Ready Steady Cook-style competition between former Scotland rugby star Peter Walton and cheesemaker at Doddington Dairy Margaret-Ann Maxwell.
The pair had half an hour each to cook up a meal using only local ingredients.
A huge crowd packed in to see Peter make a lamb dish with potatoes and carrots from his dad’s garden and broad beans, from a vicar’s garden.
However, he was beaten by Margaret-Ann’s stir fry dish.
Peter said: "When we tasted the food afterwards I still would have stuck with mine.
"I have never seen that place so packed, it was unbelievable. It was enjoyable, I would do it again."
Showgoers also took part in a coconut shy with a difference, organised by Sunny Hill Eggs of Belford.
They threw mini rugby balls at cartoon chickens, raising more than £200 for the Help the Heroes armed forces charity.
Company co-owner Catherine Armstrong said: "Everyone has been generous. I think it has been a great success actually, I am really pleased."
Reflecting on the day, show secretary Rachael Smith said: "I think it has been absolutely fantastic.
"We do not have any numbers at the minute but it is so full – extremely busy everywhere.
"And we have had a sunny day!"
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