Livestock returns to show

From the Evening Press, first published Thursday 26th Jun 2003.

VISITORS to Malton Show today were celebrating the return of the livestock classes after a three-year gap.

Show chairman Ian Hamilton declared the cloudy, cooler day to be perfect for the 117th show.

Organisers were hoping for a roaring success after the 2001 foot and mouth epidemic tore through the countryside.

"So far it's ideal because it's not too hot, which means it's a lot more pleasant for the stock," said Mr Hamilton.

"The main thing for everyone I think is that the cattle are back.

"We've not got as many back as we've had previously, but we are pleased with what we have."

Trade stands and stalls offering everything from Mediterranean olives to tractors were set up on the site, at Scampston Park, Rillington.

Competitors were up at the crack of dawn, and horse classes were already well under way before many visitors headed to the show on one of the free bus shuttles ferrying people from Malton and Norton.

Chief sheep steward David Boak looked swamped under a mass of Government forms and animal movement licences, but he wasn't complaining.

"We do whatever we need to do to make the show work," he said.

Updated: 10:52 Thursday, June 26, 2003

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