Malton event is a blazing success

From the York Press, first published Monday 31st Jul 2006.

BRIGHT sunshine and the move to a weekend event helped make Malton Show a roaring success.

Thousands of visitors came to see the prize bulls, sheep, goats, ponies and small animals in the fields of Scampston Park.

The family event also included a motorbike display, shire horses, vintage tractor drive and mounted fancy dress.

Queues of people stretched for yards at the entrance and traffic built up along the A64 throughout the day.

Committee chairman Charlie Breeze said: "It's been extremely busy and we had more people through the gate by 1pm than we had for the whole show last year.

"We wanted to change to a weekend to make it a family day out and to move from June to the end of July so it would be the school holidays.

"Previously we've been well supported by the agricultural industry but we did not have as many visitors as we'd like.

"The new direction has really worked and the wonderful sunny weather has also helped tremendously."

He added: "The Imps Motorcycle Display Team provided a great show, as well as the vintage tractors, the hounds and terrier racing.

"People were queuing to come in but actually the traffic to the site has not been too bad and it has only taken people 20 minutes."

There were more cattle and sheep entries than in 2005, and a similar number of horses, but the number of trade stands was slightly down.

Among the winners was Richard Bulmer, of Great Habton, with his Suffolk Shearling ewe, which won the Best In Show.

He said: "I bred it from a tup which cost £5,000, which was definitely money well spent."

The motorcycle team, which included children as young as six, thrilled audiences by riding in pyramids and jumping off huge ramps.

Audiences could also see children racing with huntsmen and their hounds across the main arena.

The event also raised cash for Malton Fire Station Pre-school which has launched an appeal for new equipment.

Manager Joanne Ogram said: "We're thrilled with how everything is going and hope it will raise the profile of the pre-school."

Youngsters were enjoying the fur and feathers marquee where scores of rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, ducks and pigeons were on show.

Visitors could also view displays of cakes, flowers, fruit and vegetables, and various crafts.

There was also a sheepdog trials and plenty of water butts were left around the site for thirsty hounds.

Stalls were selling traditional Yorkshire produce including honey, jam and ice cream and there were plenty of food stands and a beer tent to keep visitors happy.

Breeders keep it in the family

A FAMILY of sheep breeders were celebrating winning 24 rosettes between them.

Dad James Stenton, 52, and mum Diane, 45, were joined by their children Hannah, 15, Sammy, 13, and Harry, 11, at the event.

Diane said: "It's the first time we've entered Malton Show and it's nice now the event is in the school holidays so the whole family can join in.

"Ever since the children were born we've been breeding sheep and it's something they all love doing."

Hannah, who was celebrating her Blue Faced Leicester being named Reserve Champion on Field, said: "We all have our breeds that we like but they're quite happy mixing and being together.

"We've got about 300 altogether on our farm in Thornton-le-Dale."

She added: "My sister Sammy saw her Rylands sheep at the Highland Show in Scotland two years ago and just wanted it and of course our dad let her have her way.

"Harry spotted a Kerry which was owned by another breeder and decided he really liked them and wanted to have one."

James said: "My family's been in farming for years, but we had to branch out into the self catering business because otherwise we wouldn't survive.

"But we could never give up our sheep because they are something we love."

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