Todmorden Show 2009: All creatures great and small at a busy event
IF last year's Todmorden Agricultural Show was battered by storms, the sun took its hat off to the event in its 80th year as the afternoon wore on.
An overcast but crucially fine morning gave way to a heavy lunchtime shower but in 2009 that was it as by mid-afternoon Centre Vale Park was bathed in sunshine and the show provided a packed day's entertainment for visitors from the upper Calder Valley and far beyond.
More was packed into this year's show than ever before but a new showground layout worked a treat as there seemed to be more space to move around and enjoy the events.
From classic cars and motorcycles to majestic shire horses via everything in between, there was no shortage of things to do. There were strong numbers of entries in many sections, special events and an increased number of trade stalls. In the afternoon visitors were also treated to a performance by Todmorden Community Band on the bandstand.
From late morning special displays in the events ring included the popular duck herding, a dog display team and a lunchtime appearance by the Holcombe Hunt and hounds – the drag hunt is one of the oldest in the country.
The Malhamdale Falconry team returned and called for some audience participation, producing gasps of amazement at the birds' remarkable flying skills.
At the president's lunch, president Mr Peter Cryer gave way to chairman Mr Ben Bracewell to summarise the event as both were celebrating a landmark – 2009 was the 80th show and Ben has been coming along for around 50 years.
Welcoming civic guests, who included the Mayor of Calderdale, Coun Arshad Mahmood and the Mayor and Mayoress of Todmorden, Coun Cheryl Stovin and Jo Turton, he outlined how the show had changed, growing over the years to become one of the most celebrated one-day events in the north of England.
Working together was the key and he illustrated his point by making reference to show stalwarts and life members Henry and Sheila Rothwell and Norman and Brenda Horsfall, and also the 170 businesses, many of them from the town, who had sponsored the society.
"We are grateful for their assistance because it helps us a lot," he said.
Outlining how the event had grown over the years he recalled the days when Tom Trafford was secretary of every section but the dogs, as well as overseeing the event and how, firstly under his stewardship, management teams had developed.
One of the secrets of the show's success had been moving with the times and under Mr Cryer and his team this was reflected in the success of the 2009 show which saw entries in the traditional cattle and sheep sections well up and more than 1,000 entries in the handicrafts sections.
"We hope you will keep supporting us and the tradition of the show will keep on for many years to come," he said.
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Weather for Halifax
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: -2 C to 1 C
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