Usk Show 2008   SATURDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER 2008 USK SHOWGROUND, USK, MONMOUTHSHIRE. ADULTS £8  OAP  £5   CHILDREN £2 9 am – 6 pm Free Carparking Free buses from Usk Square- from 9 am Dogs admitted on leads only Please click on the following dates for press releases : 2006, 2007

Show Report

Usk Show Saturday September 8th 2007

The amazing success of last Saturday's Usk Show far exceeded the Committees expectations. 'We were very aware that the absence of livestock might have reduced the numbers attending - but in fact the attendance was one of the highest ever.' The show had so much going on with such variety that there was something for everyone. The crowds came from early morning - no doubt the fantastic weather encouraged families and the ground was still full by late afternoon. As always the Show had its friendly character and atmosphere which only enhances its success.

Usually the Show closes around 6 pm, however many visitors enjoyed the evening sunshine and sensibly waited until the traffic had eased.

Entries in all the sections were also well up and the public were treated to the delights of rabbits, caged birds, poultry and dogs. The horse classes were as popular as ever drawing competitors from all parts of the country. The Homecraft tent was bulging with tasty morsels and the flowers were outstanding. Shopping addicts were well served with Crafts, Food and an eclectic range of Trade Stands. The Steam Engine display was fascinating and it was wonderful to see so many youngsters mesmerised by the different exhibits. The Countryside area with its Falcons, Gun Dogs, Rural Craft's to name but a few was packed all day.

Volunteers work throughout the year to ensure value and enjoyment while in the last ten days before the event there is a concerted effort by all to get the show ready. This year all the toil and sweat certainly paid off and we are already looking forward to 2008 when, barring any further government 'leaks', there will be a full display of livestock to once again complement the already outstanding displays. Although there was no Cattle, Sheep or Goats, it seems that visitors are still keen to support us, and this must be because Usk Show is such a friendly event.

Mrs Caroline Turner, the current Chairman organised a wonderful educational exhibit, aptly named “Field to Plate”, which showed children exactly where Milk, Meat and Cereals come from. It is unfortunate that many children still think Milk comes from the Supermarket rather than from the cow, but having given out over 800 cartons of milk, we are sure that the message will have got through. The Marquee was a very busy place all day, with lots of free information packs as well as the opportunity to Milk the Cow, and feel wheat and barley, straight from the Combine.

Fiona Jenkins, General Secretary, said she was very pleased with the standard of Traders this year, and there were more Agricultural suppliers than ever. More and more traders want to come to Usk Show, and we do our best to provide a wide variety, that appeals to all ages. There were also more local traders in the Food, Craft and Shopping Marquees than in previous years. The Usk Country Markets, the Farmers’ Markets in Wales and Made in Monmouthshire had their own Marquee this year, with all local producers and demonstrations.

There is so much to see at the Show and everyone always remarks at how friendly it is. We have tremendous support locally, and our last minute local advertising campaign is undoubtedly beneficial.

The Horse and Showjumping Classes were bigger than ever this year, and it was noticeable that so many people flocked to watch the judging around the 9 Horse Section Rings. While the championship was being judged in the Main Ring, local children had a chance to chat to the commentator and talk of their achievements. As there was no Parade of livestock, the popular Welsh Section D Horses, did a fine display in the Main Ring. In the Horse Section, the winner of the Best in Show award was won by a Lead Rein Pony, and the reserve was an exhibitor from Bedfordshire.

A presentation was made in the Main Ring to a 44 year old rescued Pony called Polo. He is now going into retirement, after competing as a Veteran at Wembley, and competing at Usk Show for over 10 years.

Then followed a fine display of Vintage Machinery, along with small steam engines, Pony Club Games and finally the Hot Air Balloon.

All sections of the Show were very well supported, with Horticulture and Homecrafts no exception.

Lord Raglan, Patron of Usk Farmers’ Club, who enters something every year, was delighted this year to win the best jar of Marmalade in the Homecrat Section, and Rachel Turley, from Coleford, entered over 60 items and won the overall championship. The Schools Trophy was won by Raglan Primary school.

In the Horticulture Marquee there were exceptional entries, with the Championship going to local exhibitor David Lewis, followed by Noah Dickinson. Unfortunately due to the weather this summer, Marrow Classes were disappointing, and there were no pumpkins at all.

Mr Mike Foster, recently retired Horticultural Section Chairman, and President Peter Rennie, judged the Trade Stands, with the standard extremely high this year. The winners in the Agricultural Section, were, 1st Frank Sutton, 2nd Harold R. Johns and 3rd Hay and Brecon Farmers. In the non Agricultural Section, winners were Raglan Garden Centre, with the Hardy Plant Society and Weathervanes, 2nd and 3rd.

Families enjoyed the small animals, with Poultry, Cage Birds, Rabbits and Dogs, all adding to their enjoyment. There were over 300 Poultry Exhibits and a similar number of Rabbits. The Dog Show goes from strength to strength, and has pedigree and fun classes.

The Countryside Area, was hugely popular this year, with displays in the Rural Crafts Marquee, as well as Falcons, Working Gundogs, Shire Horses, Beagles and Working Farm Machinery. It was a noticeably busy area, and spectators around the Countryside Ring were 3 deep at times. The organisers had altered the layout somewhat, in the absence of livestock.

The Steam and Vintage Sections are always popular amongst enthusiast, with excellent entries this year. The Steam Section ran their model railway for young children to have a ride and also brought along their boating lake with radio controlled boats.

The Chairman this year is Mrs Caroline Turner, who farms with her husband Nick, at Raglan. The Patron, Lord Raglan , President Peter Rennie and Mrs Turner, welcomed the Mayor of Usk Councillor Jill Jeremiah and her husband Haydn, The Chairman of Monmouth District Council, Councillor Chris Woodhouse and Mrs Sheila Woodhouse, and local Conservative MP David Davies to the Show, as special guests.

Everyone who visited the Show, will no doubt have enjoyed their day, and the Management Committee thank all the Section Secretaries for their hard work, and also the general public who all make Usk Show such a friendly and important day in Septembers’ Calendar.

Contact: General Secretary Mrs Fiona Jenkins Llanerthil Mill Llandenny Usk, Monmouthshire NP15 1DJ Tel: 01291 690889 Email: usk.show@virgin.net