THE 183rd Stanhope Show suffered with the weather when showers and bitter coldness descended.
As the third of Weardale’s shows got under way, folk could do no more than compare it to the glorious weather enjoyed by Wolsingham and Chapel shows. However, the show opened as it has done for well over 100 years by the spectacle that is Stanhope Silver Band marching up the main street. Stopping occasionally at Woodhall’s shop in memory of Joan and Gordon who founded the Stanhope business dynasty now run by their daughter, Diane Wright, the President of the Show and patron of the band itself.
Next stop was at The Grey Bull where scores of people gathered and afterwards the tentative walk across the stepping stones, holding on to their instruments to make their triumphant entrance into the showfield. That was the signal for the fun to begin – and so it did.
A score or more of trade and charity stands lined the oval-shaped walkway as visitors made their way around, stopping to chat to old friends while watching what was going on in the main ring and smaller ones. One attraction caused quite a stir and divided the crowd as well as upset the hard-working committee and volunteers.
A falconer rode into the main ring on his beautiful black horse carrying a Union flag on a pole and caught everyone’s attention – it was a spectacular entrance and everyone was set to be entertained. What happened next threatened to spoil the show. The falconer made an impassioned speech, dedicating his act to the late Charlie Kirk, a right-wing, Christian politician who had been assassinated the day before.
The flag was welcomed by organisers and the crowd alike but then he continued to speak over his microphone about what Charlie Kirk stood for and at one point directly spoke to the children in the audience. He advised them not to go to school, that their teachers were liars who did not teach the truth, especially mentioning climate change, which, he said, is a lie.
Afterwards, he was asked to leave the showground and later made an attack on the Show committee via his social media. A committee spokesperson, standing under the show’s Union flag, near to the Secretary’s office, said that the falconer had displayed disruptive behaviour as soon as he had entered the showfield two days beforehand. He was reportedly verbally abusive to the Chairman of the Show and then to the female Show Secretary. He had informed them on the day that he would be dedicating his performance to Charlie Kirk.
Neither the use of the Union flag or the dedication to Mr Kirk was objected to by the committee but as he had made inflammable statements in public in what is simply an agricultural show and without the knowledge or acceptance of the show committee, he was asked to leave.
Stanhope Show weekend had been a whole year in the making, which is not a simple task. It takes many meetings and lots of sheer hard graft by the many volunteers who see it as a labour of love. Every single minute of the weekend is carefully planned with scores of volunteers giving up their free time to make it a show to remember for locals and visitors alike. Anyone who has organised even the most simple of events knows how many hours of work it takes. For one person to create division and divert the attention of the crowd to matters that should not concern families simply out for a good day, is not acceptable.
The falconer, Jonathan Marshall, is a convicted offender who, in the past, has been banned from keeping large birds of prey and was made subject of a suspended prison sentence in 2014. The judge at the time branded him ‘dishonest and very criminal’. Jonathan, however, disturbed by the backlash to his performance, made a video posted to social media giving his side to the story in which he explains the difficulties he experienced after his long journey from Cornwall and the need to feed and house his horse as well as his birds when he first arrived on the showfield.
Although the incident threatened to spoil the show weekend, as the Weardalians do, they kept calm and carried on and there was certainly plenty to see on the showfield and in the marquees. The star of these had to be Stanhope pensioner, Linda Mears, who had spent the few days beforehand baking, cooking, wrapping lucky dips and sorting a tombola as well as so much more to help the charity she helped to found and supports – 123 Help4Families. She offered a five-piece tea for £3.50 that included a choice of sandwiches, a drink, chocolate bar, cake, fruit, crisps – the bargain of the day. Her home-made pies, which are legendary in Stanhope, sold out immediately. Well done, Linda and as this is her last year, having to ‘retire’ due to ill health, let us take this opportunity to recognise one of the Dale’s amazing unsung heroes, which is exactly what you are.
Linda was helped by her daughter-in-law, Sally who worked equally as hard on the most popular stall on the field.
Outside on the field, there were charity stalls, including the Light Up the Dale group who ensure the villages in the Stanhope Parish are able to celebrate Christmas with lights, the ‘Save the Church Hall’ group and others like the Weardale Community Hospital. The exhibit shed was full to bursting with the offerings of both children and adults, including work and exhibits from children at Frosterley and Stanhope primary schools. There was a huge display of walking sticks among the hand-knitted garments, home-baking, home-made wines and so much more.
The shed was used again the following day for the horticultural section with the showing of flowers, fruit and veg. Again, this is no mean feat by the exhibitors who have spent the whole year tenderly growing their exhibits. This is always a popular part of the show and congratulations to ALL exhibitors whether you won or not – it is taking part that makes it successful.
The cows and sheep at the back of the showfield appeared to be depleted from other years but farmers are having a hard time of it so that is no surprise. It IS an agricultural show and was founded for that very reason so farm animals are an important part of the show. The fur and feather tent appeared to have less entries than more recent years too? Nevertheless, there was still plenty to see, discuss and appreciate by those who are interested.
There was a huge horse entry in the various categories from Shetland to the heavy horses and on the Sunday, also the side-saddle class, which is a speciality of Stanhope’s Janet Price who makes her own dresses too. The dog classes were very popular, especially with lurchers and terriers on the Sunday too. And on both days, there was the main ring’s main attraction with the quads – flying through the air with the hills in the background always popular with photographers.
The strongman competition and the Cumberland and Westmoreland wrestling attracted the crowds too. Then live bands were popular, especially the three ladies who made everyone in the vicinity get up and dance.
The craft tents witnessed large crowds with local home crafters hoping to sell their wares and the funfair was enjoyed by the children. Weardale Young Farmers were there both days too with a tractor full of balloons and a tombola stall eager to publicise the fact they exist in the Dale and have done for a long time. Crook and Weardale Scouts too had a tent and were attracting interest.
All-in-all, it was a successful show and the inexhaustible Secretary, committee and all the volunteers, stewards, health and safety officers are to be congratulated for putting on a show enjoyed by so many. And perhaps, if anyone thinks they can do better, go and join them for next year!
