Great Eccleston Show 2010

Notes on a Wild Weekend

2010-07-23T13:49:00.003+01:00

After the monsoons of July, the Great Eccleston show field is no place for a fat man to walk and write at the same time so my grandson has been helping me take some notes before heading for his beloved big wheel. Now in the comfort of the Members Beer Tent they read like the surreal lyrics of a Beatles song from the Sergeant Pepper era...

vintage vans and wooden flowers
the drive-past shooting ends in showers
the child who leads a two-ton shire
the ten-ton tractor breathing fire
pig keeping courses made for all
the drinkers heading for a fall...

Get the picture? If you want to run an agricultural show, run it the great Eccleston way. It's a blast, a sensory overload, two days of farming business mixed with eccentric English fun. Wales sent us a new TV star in the form of Kate Beavan, and Scotland sent us the weather. I look at Tommy's notes again and realise they are all true. The motor cycle display did have a a drive-by when the crowd was soaked with a water gun. A boy did run a huge shire round the ring. (What a good job those horses don't realize how big they are!) But how about, "the drinkersheading for a fall"? Well in the corner if the beer tent stood one of those tables integrared with its own benches where the venerable Jack Benson was holding court. An extra guest was invited to sit down at the drink-laden board, but alas the ground gave way and the guests headed south while their drinks went west. Spring-heeled Jack bounded free rescueing his pint in the same manoeuvre. The men were impressed the ladies were not!...read more Copyright: Tom Reddy & Tommy Higginson - In-Focus (August Issue)

Trophy Winners

2010-07-19T15:06:00.001+01:00

The main winners were:

Supreme Champion Dairy Cattle was won by
D J & S Tomlinson from Bilsborrow with a Holstein Bilsrow BJ Snowboots

Supreme Champion Beef Cattle was won by
J H Hollingsworth from Mold with Anarita

Supreme Champion Shire Horse was won by
F Pickles from Keighley with Providence Lady Jasmine

Champion Show Pony was won by
A Kent with Sunberry Golden Tribute

Champion Ridden Hunter was won by
R Harthen

Supreme Champion Pig was won by
S J Richardson & J A Wood

In Horticulture the Banksian Medal which is awarded by
the Royal Horticultural Society was won by David Makinson from Stalmine

Domestic Science Supreme Exhibit was won by
G Towers

Handicrafts Supreme Exhibit was won by
J Wadsworth from Thornton Cleveleys

Art Best Painting was won by
C Marsh from Preston

Photography Best Photograph was won by
O Doree from Blackburn

Childrens winning Junior School Entry went to
St Marys R C Primary School

Best Exhibit in the Poultry section was won by
R & B Ainsworth from Lostock Hall

Pulling in the rain...

2010-07-19T15:02:00.000+01:00

In spite of the weather, a good show, some great runs and fortunately no breakages given the slick in places on the track. Would have been good to see a better tussle between Black Gold and Never Satisfied.

A very good big pro-stock class, still more new tractors to come this is really turning into a great class with some close competition cracking run from Ted Nicholson to take the win, and nice to see JBJ back out and going very well also.

In the Superstocks the good old cast iron back ends showed the components how to get into the track, great runs from Red Alert and The Terminator.

Thanks from North West Tractor Puller's Club...

Just like to say a big thanks to all involved in this weekends event. The North West Club members pulled it off again even though the weather was against us.

It just goes to show what we can achieve when everybody pulls together, because that's what makes a good day's pulling for the tractors, and a good show for the paying spectators.

Thanks again for your support and backing!

John Eccles
Chairman of the North West Tractor Pullers Club

After the Show was over...

2010-07-19T14:36:00.002+01:00

Despite the inclement weather over the weekend the organisers of Great Eccleston Show certainly gave the visiting public an excellent demonstration of all that is good in the heartland of the Fylde coast in Lancashire.

The rain may have fallen for most of the second day but the spirits were certainly high and once again justified it’s reputation as the best two-day show in the North-West and the ground held up well to the estimated 30,000 people who visited the show over the two days.

There was a great show of dairy cattle on the first day, all of a very high standard. Although
Holsteins are the dominant breed in the Fylde, there was an excellent showing of Jersey’s and the addition this year of Ayrshire cattle was a welcome sight.

The beef show that followed on Sunday was an excellent display of these large, sturdy animals and was well represented with British Blues, Simmentals and Limousins.

On Saturday the main ring was full of over seventy entries in the Shire Horse section and Great Eccleston can probably boast to have had more of these great horses on display than any other show so far this year.

A win at Great Eccleston means that the horse qualifies to
enter the Shire Horse of the Year Competition and so the Grand Parade on Saturday featured some of the finest horses in the country. The Supreme Champion went to F. Pickles from
Keighley, West Yorshire with his horse Providence Lady Jasmine and the horse that won the qualifier was owned by J Wilkinson from Clitheroe with Hainton Charlie Girl.

There was a strong line-up of various breeds of sheep on the Saturday with Suffolks, Texels,Charollais, Swaledale and Zwartbles sheep making up the numbers as well as various primitive, non-primitive and Shetland sheep on display on Sunday.

The rest of the animals on show included a great selection of pigs, goats and rabbits. Our feathered friends were also well represented with over 250 Budgerigars on show and over a 180 hens. The cockerel that won Supreme Champion was a Long Island Red with some of the
finest markings on a bird the judge had ever seen. The bird’s careful owner, Mr Ainsworth
from Lostock Hall has been rearing this breed for over 60 years.

Tractors always feature very heavily at Great Eccleston and this year was no exception with a wonderful display of vintage tractors and steam driven machinery. The modern machinery
took pride of place by the main ring but the more powerful machines were to be found in the
lower field during the Tractor Pulling Competition. Although the weather took it’s toll on
these noisy monsters reaching there full potential, there was still a fantastic display watched
by a good crowd of old and new fans alike.

The marquee’s around the showground always have some of the finest pieces of work. The
support that this show gets from local people is manifest in the quality and number of exhibits on display. Ranging from flowers, vegetables, art, photography, handicrafts and baking the vast array of entries was a feast for the eyes and young and old had got involved. The Children’s Section alone attracted over 700 entries which is wonderfully encouraging for the success of the show for years to come.

The large food hall attracted some great local produce and the array of cheeses, chocolate and meats would certainly encourage anyone to buy locally. Phillipa James, who runs a cookery school in Mawdesley, gave demonstrations of quick and easy recipes using the finest local ingredients. The finest of Lancashire was also represented in the “Made in Lancashire”marquee with various producers of jewellery, wooden toys and other handicrafts showing the talent and variety of work being produced around Lancashire.

Great Eccleston certainly put on a show that was a credit to it’s organisers and all that is great in Lancashire. The show had something for everyone and those that attended were not disappointed and went away with a smile on their faces and a wish to return again next year.

Great Eccleston & District Agricultural Society

2010-06-03T16:45:00.001+01:00

The Society was founded in 1853 and the two-day event it hosts in July is a showcase for every aspect of rural endeavour and a big attraction to townspeople and country folk alike. Saturday features dairy cattle, Shire horses, sheep, pigs and poultry. On Sunday beef cattle, light horses, goats and primitive sheep take centre stage, while the dragster tractors roar into life in the tractor-pulling arena. There are marquees displaying everything from fruit and flowers to cakes, cheese and chutneys, a big food hall featuring local produce, traditional rural craftsmen at work, demonstrations of sheep herding, sheep shearing, bee keeping - truly there will be something for everyone.

PRESS RELEASE

2010-06-03T16:29:00.001+01:00

GREAT ECCLESTON AGRICULTURAL SHOW
Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th July 2010

The Great Eccleston Agricultural Show, set in the heartland of the Fylde is gearing up to be even bigger and better than last year.

The show already attracts over 5000 exhibits in over 500 classes and plays host to up to 40,000 visitors a year. There is something for everyone, for kids of all ages to enjoy! The show attracts townsfolk and country dwellers alike and is now the biggest 2 day show in the North-West.

On Saturday the main ring will be full of some of the finest livestock in the country, with dairy cattle, shire horses, sheep and pigs. There are also our feathered friends on show with some fine exhibits of pigeons, poultry and budgerigars.

On Sunday a stunning display of beef cattle will be on show as well as light horses, goats and rare breeds. The light horse section this year will also incorporate Show Jumping as part of The Riding Club Competition with horses and riders of all ages on Saturday and Sunday.

Food producers from the local area are not left out, with their wares on show in the Food Hall. Your taste buds really will tingle when you sample produce from the surrounding area, as well as a feast for the eyes, with a cookery demonstration using locally sourced ingredients.

The Ladies NFU marquee is always buzzing with talks and demonstrations, including Radio Lancashire’s Bill Blackledge on gardening and Honeywell Meats showing their produce. We are delighted that Kate Beavan from BBC’s “Lambing Live” programme will be talking about her experiences being part of the show.

All over the show field there will be demonstrations and points of interest for all the family with The National Hawking School, The Sheep Show, Working Craftsmen and the Made in Lancashire Marquee.

On Saturday the Vale of Lune Hunt will appear in all their finery and on Sunday the Imps Motorcycle Display Team will provide plenty of thrills in the main ring.

If all of this hasn’t wetted your appetite for a day of fun for all the family, nothing will! So we’ll be waiting for you with a warm welcome on the 17th and 18th July 2010 at the Showground, Great Eccleston.

For further information please contact:

SHOW SECRETARY:

Mrs Sheila Robinson
Unsworth House
St Michael’s on Wyre
Preston, PR3 0TD

Tel.: 01995 679204
e-mail: mail [AT] sheilarobinson.wanadoo.co.uk

PRESS OFFICER

Mrs Fiona Drummond 22 Elizabeth Close, Staining, Blackpool, FY3 0EFTel: 01253 885394 E-mail: fdrummond [AT] gapcd.co.uk

If you would like a selection of photographs from last year’s Show (for publication free of charge) please e-mail the Press Officer.

National Hawking School

2010-06-03T09:00:00.000+01:00

The National Hawking School will be at the show ground again this year. The National Hawking School is an organisation which exists to promote the conservation, through education, of raptors (i.e. birds of prey and owls). They have an enviable reputation among those in the know, and have supplied owls for the Harry Potter films, having been recommended to Warner Brothers...read more

Celebration of Country Life

2010-05-22T00:18:00.000+01:00

Great Eccleston Show is a celebration of country life in all its aspects. As well as featuring the very best in agriculture this event provides a showcase for the whole range of rural activities. With many different classes covering a wide range of interests, agricultural and otherwise, there is plenty of scope for everyone to enter something in the 2010 Great Eccleston Agricultural Show to be held at on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th July.

Entry fees are set low to encourage as many people as possible to take part, whatever their walk of life, so that everyone can join in and help to fill the marquees brimful with wonderful exhibits. Schedules listing the many and varied classes, together with entry forms, will be available, next month, in many of the local shops and post offices, as well as the Village Centre, and also the Health Centre in Great Eccleston.

Alternatively you can write to the Society's Secretary enclosing a ready stamped (A5 sized) SAE (Self Addressed Envelope).
Please address your request for a schedule to:

Mrs Sheila Robinson
Unsworth House
St Michael's-on-Wyre
Preston
PR3 OTD
Tel. 01995 679204

Although the main schedule includes nearly everything from livestock, horticulture, and handicraft to pictures, pies and pickles, there are also separate schedules for goats, poultry, pigeons and budgerigars.

All entries, together with the appropriate fees, have to be in the Secretary's hands by the closing date, Saturday 3rd July, 2010.

Tractor Pulling @ Great Eccleston Show 2010

2010-03-06T23:35:00.000Z

Great Eccleston Show - 2010

2010-02-28T10:07:00.004Z

It's the end of February, the days are lengthening, spring is in the air, or is it snow! Time to start to think about this years Agricultural Show here in Great Eccleston. Most of what you can read here, in this blog, will give those who have never been to Gt. Eccleston, let alone the Great Eccleston Agricultural Show, a taste of what the 'SHOW' is all about...

Country Crafts, Sheep, Horses

2009-07-20T22:09:00.009+01:00

After a very wet week in the Fylde the rain stopped on Saturday morning, just in time for the opening of Great Eccleston Agricultural Show. All the drainage and road building that has been done on the show field over the past few years certainly proved its worth. The ground coped well with the estimated 35,000 people who visited the show over the weekend and by Sunday afternoon, whatever was happening elsewhere in Lancashire, the sun was shining brightly on Great Eccleston.
This show in the heartland of the Fylde in Lancashire once more justified its reputation as the premium two-day agricultural event in the North West. The judges in all sections commented favourably on the number and quality of entries.

Following a tradition that started away back in the 19th century, the Shire horse once again took pride of place at Great Eccleston. This year, with some sixty high-class entries, the line up of these gentle giants was second to none. Judging between them proved particularly difficult but the championship was eventually awarded to a barren mare ‘Styal Devine Gift’ belonging to O.C. Whittaker and Sons, while W. Bedford’s stallion ‘Brown Royd Dark Shadow’ was selected as the one to qualify for the national ‘Shire Horse of the Year’.
There was a big turn out of quality cattle on both days - black and white Holsteins and doe-eyed Jerseys in the dairy section on Saturday, and sturdy beef animals on Sunday. Sheep were well represented with Suffolk, Texel, Charrollais, Swaledale and Zwartbles breeds on show the first day, followed by the rare and primitive sheep breeds and a goat show on Sunday. The pig section again proved a great attraction with some forty entries this year, and the poultry marquee was full with more than two hundred birds and a hundred eggs entered.

There was a particularly strong entry in the cheese section, with fifty cheeses entered by cheese makers from all over the North West. Dewlay of Garstang took both the supreme award with their ‘Tasty Lancashire’ cheese, together with the reserve place won with a blue veined cheese.

Tractors have a high profile at Great Eccleston. This year there was a great display of the latest technology in the trade stands. In another area eighty-five vintage tractors, lovingly restored by local enthusiasts, mustered for their grand parade. The Tractor Pulling competition is a unique feature of Great Eccleston Show and draws enthusiastic supporters in their thousands. This year the slopes above the tractor-pulling track were packed for the dragster contests held both afternoons. The crowds enjoyed an exciting weekend. There were competitions for everything from mini-tractors and lorries, up to 4½ ton custom-built dragsters packing nine thousand horsepower. The final heavyweight bout finished with a win for the popular local champion, Brian Armistead, driving ‘Desperate Dan’.

The light horse section was particularly strong. Moving the junior show jumping to the main ring on Saturday afternoon proved popular with riders and visitors alike, and the senior jump-off that concluded the show on Sunday held a huge crowd round the main ring to the very end.
In the marquees there were and some 4,000 entries in handicraft, horticulture, domestic science, art and photography, as well as a very well-supported children’s section. The quality of the handicrafts, like the fine woollens produced by the Fydle Heddle and Treadle group, would stand comparison anywhere.
Woodcraft, in all is aspects, has a special place in this year’s show, with everything from advice in tree planting and willow weaving to demonstrations of wood turning and logging power tools.

Altogether there was an astonishing amount to take in – even over two days.

Beef Champion

2009-07-20T21:58:00.003+01:00

This 10 month old Cross Bred Limosin x British Blue
is the Beef Champion
belonging to Ian Townson

Goats

2009-07-20T21:53:00.002+01:00

Supreme Champion, a British Saanan
Michsics Capricole
belonging to J.M. Hagan

Interbreed Supreme Beef Champion

2009-07-20T21:46:00.006+01:00

This Simmental heifer is the
Interbreed Supreme Beef Champion
Popes Princess Victoria
owned by J.H. & V.G. Wood

The Supreme Champion Shire Horse

2009-07-20T21:31:00.004+01:00

The Supreme Champion Shire Horse:
Barren mare STYNAL DEVINE GIFT
belonging to O.C. Whittaker & Sons

Sun is shining on Great Eccleston Showfield

2009-07-18T07:00:00.002+01:00

And the great news is that the sun is shining on Great Eccleston Showfield and everything is set for the start of another great Agricultural Show in one hour's time (8:00 am). A gallant band of volunteers worked well into the night to ensure that everything was up and ready.

The Show is on a well-drained site with metalled roads and tracks and, in addition, several tons of woodchips have been laid to ensure easy access to every part of the show.
Fortunately the drizzle ceased yesterday evening and after a dry night the sun has actually broken through here, so the ground is in good shape to cope with the expected crowds.

Gt. Eccleston Show All Set to Go

2009-07-17T16:51:00.003+01:00

The show field at Great Eccleston is all set for the two-day Agricultural Show on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th July 2009.

Staged in the heartland of the Fylde in Lancashire, with some four thousand exhibits in more than 500 classes, this show attracts 30,000 - 40,000 visitors over the two days. This year’s show promises to have ‘something for everyone’- townsfolk and country dwellers alike.

On Saturday the focus is on dairy cattle, heavy horses, sheep and poultry. The Fylde area is home to some of the top breeders of dairy cattle and Shire horses, so the animals on display will be some of England’s finest. Alongside hens in the poultry section, pigeons and budgies will be preening their feathers too.

On Sunday the focus shifts to beef cattle, light horses, goats and the rare sheep breeds.
The beefy bulls provide a particularly impressive spectacle.

Light horses will be showing their paces both days, finishing with an appearance by the Vale of Lune Hunt and a Show Jumping competition in the main ring on Sunday. The pig section always attracts a crowd for the ‘One Man and his Pig’ competition.

Tractors feature prominently at Great Eccleston Show and this year there will be tractors galore. Modern tractors, great and small, are displayed on the seriously agricultural trade stands. In the lower field customised, dragster type, modified tractors will roar into life as they compete in the Tractor Pull, staged on the purpose-built track. This year there are so many of these monster type tractors entered, along with mini-modified power-pullers, and supercharged trucks, that the competition will span both days. And the parade of restored vintage tractors, including classic steam tractors, will be bigger than ever.

Great Eccleston is a showcase for the whole range of crafts and skills associated with the country … cooking, handicraft, horticulture and local arts. In the large Food Hall the emphasis is on local produce, with cooking demonstrations featuring dishes prepared from locally sourced ingredients by Margaret Anderson and Honeywell Meats. In the Ladies NFU marquee there will be a range of talks and demonstrations, including Radio Lancashire’s Bill Blackledge on gardening, Angela Whittle on Alpacas. All over the field will be demonstrations and displays, featuring the work of farmers, shepherds, horticulturilists and rural craftsmen.

This year the Lancashire Woodland Project is also featured, with foresters, tree surgeons, charcoal burners, wattle weavers, basket makers and woodworkers demonstrating their skills.

On Sunday there is championship Cumberland and Westmoreland Wrestling, and pets will be welcome to compete in the friendly ‘exemption’ dog show.

On Sunday afternoon the Xtreme Motorcycle Trial Team will provide thrills aplenty in the main ring.

Elsewhere on the field there’s a Victorian Funfair, complete with an authentic fairground organ, and stalls with everything from crafts and country clothing to walking sticks and wellies.

And if you need to relax in the midst of all the excitement, Pilling Silver Jubilee Band will be there on Sunday afternoon to provide the music.

With so much going on Great Eccleston Agricultural Show is indeed a show with ‘something for everyone’ - townsfolk and country dwellers alike.

Timetable for Saturday 18th July 2009

2009-07-17T16:00:00.008+01:00

8:00am Ridden Hunters
8:00am British Skewbald & Piebald
10:00am Shires
10:00am Holsteins
10:00am Jerseys
10:00am Sheep
10:00am Poultry & Pigeons
10:30am Pigs
1:00pm Pure Bred Arabs
2:30pm Tractor Pulling
2:30pm Turnouts & Decorated Horses
3:00pm Grand Parade
3:30pm Vale of Lune Hunt
4:00pm Display by National Hawking School
4:30pm BSJA Junior Jumping

Food Hall

Chef, Philippa James, will give demonstrations

Ladies NFU Marquee

12.45pm - Bill Blackledge - Gardening
2.00pm - Margaret Anderson - Cookery
3.00pm - Mr Alan Coventry - Children’s Entertainer

Lower Field

10.30am Sheep Show with demonstrations
1.00pm Sheep Show with demonstrations
2.30pm Sheep Show with demonstrations
4.00pm Sheep Show with demonstrations

Timetable for Sunday 19th July 2009

2009-07-17T15:55:00.000+01:00

8:00am Mountain & Moorland
8:00am Working Hunter Ponies
8:00am In Hand Sports Horse
8:30am Children’s Ridden Show Ponies
10:00am Goats
10:00am Beef Judging
10:30am Rare Sheep Breeds
10:30am Pigs
11:30am Tractor Pulling
12:00 noonShetlands
1:00pm Xtreme Trials Display Team
1:30pm Parade of Vintage Tractors
2:30pm Grand Parade of Beef Cattle
3:00pm Display by National Hawking School
3:30pm Xtreme Trials Display Team
4:00pm Display by National Hawking School
4:30pm BSJA Senior Jumping

Food Hall

Chef, Phillipa James, will give demonstrations in the

Ladies NFU Marquee

12.45pm - Bill Blackledge – Gardening
2.00pm - Presentation of Trophies
2.30pm - Honeywell Meats
3.30pm - Mr Alan Coventry - Children’s Entertainer

Lower Field

10.30am Sheep Show with demonstrations
1.00pm Sheep Show with demonstrations
1.00pm Companion Dog Show – Kindly sponsored by J.C.Country
2.15pm Cumberland & Westmorland Wrestling
2.30pm Sheep Show with demonstrations
4.00pm Sheep Show with demonstrations

On Track for Another Great Show

2009-07-14T17:00:00.002+01:00

With entries for this year’s show closing on 4th July the secretary, Sheila Robinson, has had the task of cataloguing some 4,000 entries in more than 500 different classes.

On Saturday the spotlight is on dairy cattle, sheep, pigs and Shire horses. On Sunday beef cattle, rare sheep breeds, goats and light horses take centre stage. Great Eccleston hosts qualifying rounds for national events like the Shire Horse of the Year, so horses, both great and small, will be well represented.

A full programme of demonstrations and displays all over the field, will feature the work of farmers, shepherds, beekeepers and rural craftsmen. A special section this year, promoting the Lancashire Woodland Project, will have demonstrations of woodcraft, woodland management, and tree surgery. In the food hall there are cookery demonstrations, featuring local produce, by Margaret Anderson and Honeywell Meats.

Bill Blackledge, from Radio Lancashire, will be talking gardening in the Ladies NFU marquee. For retail therapy there will be plenty of stalls selling all sorts of everything. This year the Victorian Funfair also includes a vintage showman’s steam engine and showground organ.

There will be tractors galore – ancient and modern, great and small - and fine old farm machinery, including thresher, bailer and a steam tractor, busy in the lower field. On both days roaring dragsters compete in the Tractor Pulling competition.

On Sunday the Xtreme Trials motorcyclists promise thrills in the main ring. Show Jumping and Championship Cumberland and Westmoreland wrestling are also staged on Sunday, together with a friendly ‘exemption’ dog show. If you need to relax in the midst of all the activity you can enjoy the sound of Pilling Silver Jubilee Band.

Great Eccleston Agricultural Show provides two unique exciting days. Don’t miss it.

ADMISSION:
Adults £8
Children £2
Concessionary £6 (with FREE Parking)

Tractor Pulling @ Gt. Eccleston

2009-07-11T00:01:00.007+01:00

START LIST

Saturday 18th July 2009 - 3pm

PPA Garden Pullers
PPA B-Class Minis
Super Farm
Trucks

Sunday 19th July 2009 - 11am

PPA A-Class Minis
Under 401 Prostock
Prostock
Superstock
Modifieds

Invited Foreign Modified Tractors

L'Aspirateur - No Limit Team - France

Redoutable - No Limit Team - France

I have heard that the Belgian Sled (De Stille Genieter) has been booked again this year, so that in itself is something to look forward to also!

Cumberland & Westmorland Wrestling

2009-06-03T09:15:00.003+01:00

Something to look forward to again thing year is the Cumberland & Westmoreland Wrestling which to take place on Sunday 18th July, at this year's show.

The photograph of Hexham Clarke (left), a well known Cumberland and Westmorland style Heavyweight wrestler, was taken in the late 1890's. He wears a championship belt which was generally rated more highly than the financial rewards.

The wrestling costume (no boots, belts or braces) was 'de rigeur' from 1852 until recent years, and even today, the traditional costume is compulsory for World Championship contests in Cumbria. At Grasmere, competitions are held to select the best dressed wrestlers in different groups. Highly decorative designs result, but they must always have the initials of the wrestler built into the design somewhere...read more

X-Treme Motorcycle Stunt Trials Display Team

2009-06-03T09:10:00.000+01:00

The X-Treme Motorcycle Stunt Trials Display Team have been booked for Sunday 18th July, at this year's show. The X-Treme Motorcycle Stunt Trials Display Team consists of two of the world’s best stunt riders, a professional compère and a mobile stunt unit which is the focal point of the show...read more

Call for Entries 2009

2009-05-31T22:28:00.009+01:00

The ground is well prepared for this year's Show. As well as roadway and drainage improvements, a new system of underground electric cables has been installed. The main ring attractions and the main demonstrations are booked. Pilling Band is polishing its instruments, and the 2009 schedules out out!

With some 500 different classes covering a wide range of interests, agricultural and otherwise, there is plenty of scope for everyone to enter something. Entry fees are set low to encourage as many as possible to take part. Everyone can join in and ensure that the marquees are once more with a wonderful range of exhibits.

New Website for Gt. Eccleston Show

2009-04-15T20:50:00.011+01:00

The Gt. Eccleston & District Agricultural Society have recently purchased a domain name so that they can have a 'web presence'. The web address will be...

www.gtecclestonagriculturalsociety.org.uk

The name will link to this blog for the time being to enable continuity for those who are frequent visitors to this blog. Because this is all new to the show organisers, the need to progress slowly is a wise decision. Hosting and maintaining a web site can be costly and time consuming, and with little reward in some cases. But the need to make information available to a wider audience was one of the main reasons for taking the decision to purchase a domain name, so as to make this site unique and a dedicated information service for and on behalf of the society.

Soon we hope to publish some photographs, articles and press releases...so watch this space!

Smiles all round at Great Eccleston Show

2008-07-16T12:40:00.001+01:00

There were smiles all round at Great Eccleston Agricultural Show this weekend, particularly on Sunday when the fields were bathed in glorious sunshine. Given the strength of the entries in all sections, and an attendance that topped 40,000, there was plenty for the organisers to smile about. There was a big turn out of cattle on both days - black and white Holsteins and doeeyed Jerseys in the dairy section on Saturday, followed by sturdy beef animals on Sunday. Sheep were well represented with modem breeds on show the first day, followed by the rare and primitive sheep breeds on Sunday. The pigs proved a great attraction, particularly when the young handlers were showing their skills in the 'One Man and his Pig' competition. The poultry section on Saturday attracted a record entry of over 215 birds and more than 100 eggs. Even the informal 'Companion Dog Show', which is held in the Poultry marquee on the Sunday after the hens have left, attracted a record 138 entries. In every section judges and exhibitors alike commented on the exceptional quality of the animals presented, and the friendly atmosphere that pervaded the show.

The Shire horse traditionally takes pride of place at Great Eccleston and this year, with fifty Shires on parade, and up to twelve entries in some classes, it was probably the finest display of these gentle giants to be seen anywhere in the country.

There were some 4,000 entries in handicraft, horticulture, domestic science, art and photography, and the children's section was particularly well supported. The colourful and artistic entries in a new class for the 'Best Decorated Wellie' provoked some comments. With so many demonstrations and displays there was interest and entertainment all over the field. There was an impressive line-up of vintage tractors, and Pilling Jubilee Silver Band was in fine form to enhance the festive atmosphere.

The Tractor Pulling competition has been a unique feature of Great Eccleston Show for thirty years. This year the competition was run over two days to accommodate the large number of entries. The crowds that gathered on the banks round the arena had an exciting weekend with everything from mini dragsters, not much bigger than ride-on garden mowers, to monsters packing nine thousand horsepower.

Tractor pulling is an international sport and the contestants this year included Johnnie van Alphen from the Netherlands and Martin Larsen from Denmark. Johnnie's father, Jan van Alphen, pioneered the sport in Holland and was a regular competitor at Great Eccleston in his methanol-fuelled tractor 'Popeye'. After his father's tragic death in an accident last year, Johnnie bravely resolved to carry on with the sport and rebuilt Popeye. The Show concluded with a contest between the spirited Dutchman in Popeye, Dane Martin Larsen, in his tractor, 'Fox' (powered by a battery of V8 engines), and Brian Armistead in Desperate Dan. In a roaring finale Popeye was runner-up to the winning Danish Fox.

by JM

Original Article Published in the August Issue of InFocus

Tractor Pulling - RESULTS

2008-07-15T14:13:00.011+01:00

Invited European Modified Tractors

Popeye - Netherlands (NL)

Fox - Denmark (DK)

North West Tractor Pullers Club Says Thank You!

2008-07-15T05:29:00.009+01:00

Just like to say a big thank you to everybody who made the event run so well. A lot of effort put in by a lot of people, too many to mention. Thanks to all the pullers for putting on a great show for the public, we have received numerous phone calls today from competitors and the public saying how much they had enjoyed it. A big thank you to Great Eccleston Show for their continued support.

Hope to see you all again in August.

John Eccles
Chairman
NWTPC

And Yet More Thanks...

I'd like to thank everyone that came - the pullers and their families/crews, spectators, trackstaff, all those who worked so hard before and after the event and everyone else, without one of you it wouldn't have been the same.

I would also like to thank and praise the Belgian sled team. I'm sure I speak for everyone, but I cannot speak highly enough of them. They are the most polite, courteous and truly professional group of people I have ever had the pleasure of working with, and their passion for the sport inspires us all. Truly a credit to their country and team.

Hope to see everyone back in for more Tractor Pulling August...

Happy Pulling and thanks again.

Tom Lomax
Simply Red Pulling Team
NWTPC

Record Numbers of Entries!

2008-06-19T09:04:00.001+01:00

Record numbers of entries are expected for this year's Great Eccleston Agricultural Show. Organisers are confident the show, on July 12 and 13, will see more than 4,000 exhibits take part in the 500 classes of competition.

On the Saturday, the focus is on dairy cattle, heavy horses, sheep and poultry. The following day beef cattle, goats and the rare sheep breeds take centre stage. Pigs, which made a successful comeback at Great Eccleston just three years ago, will be prominent on both days.

Great Eccleston is also a showcase for the whole range of crafts and skills associated with the country, including handicrafts, horticulture and local arts. Locally produced foods will also feature at cookery demonstrations. There will also be a Victorian funfair, Welsh themed goods and stalls to keep families entertained.

The showground is open from 8am to 5pm. Admission is £8 for adults, £6 for senior citizens and £2 for children and includes free parking.

Google Map

2008-06-19T09:02:00.000+01:00

View Larger Map

Schedule of Classes - 2008

2008-05-23T12:41:00.006+01:00

The 2008 Great Eccleston Show Schedules are now available. Copies of the schedule are in the local shops in and around the Great Eccleston area namely:
Great Eccleston Post Office(High Street)
Great Eccleston Village Centre (The Square)
Great Eccleston Health Centre (Raikes Road)

If you would like to have a copy mailed to you please send an A5 sized SAE (Stamped Addressed Envelope) to:
Mrs Shiela Robinson
Unsworth House
St Michaels on Wyre
Preston
PR3 0TD

Light Horse Section

2008-05-23T11:42:00.007+01:00

NO LATE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED

Chief Steward: Ms M Thornley
ONLY VEHICLES TRANSPORTING ANIMALS

WILL BE ALLOWED ROUND THE SHOW RING

To be held: Saturday 12th July 2008

Ridden Hunters (Entry Fee: £18.00 for classes 121-123 & 125 and £8.00 for class 124)
British Skewbald and Piebald(Entry Fee: £18.00 (includes £7 RIHS Levy) for classes 126 & 127 and £8.00 for class 128 & 129)
Pure Bread Arabs (Entry Fee: £8.00)
Anglo or Part Breed Arabs (Entry Fee: £8.00)

To be held: Sunday 13th July 2008

Mountain and Mooreland (Entry Fee: £8.00)
Working Hunter Ponies (Entry Fee: £8.00)
Show Hunter Ponies (Entry Fee: £8.00)
Children Ridden Ponies (Entry Fee: £8.00)
In Hand Sports Horses (Entry Fee: £8.00)
Shetlands (Entry Fee: £8.00)
Equitation (Entry Fee: £8.00)
Ridden Hacks, Cobs and Riding Horses (Entry Fee: £8.00)

Download 2008 Schedule - Light Horse Section HERE

Download Entry Form HERE

Tractor Pulling News!

2008-05-03T11:38:00.014+01:00

The North-West Tractor Pullers Club (NWTPC) have been busy making improvements to the track and spectator areas at the Great Eccleston showground in an effort to bring them up to the latest European Tractor Pullers Committee (ETPC) Euro-Cup standards. These include:

increase the track and run out area to 150m long
added extra crash barriers round the end of the track
improved the lower banking spectator viewing area
provided a banking for competitors to view the action
increased the hard standing area in the pits
improvements to the VIP area

The NWTPC would like to thank those companies who provided plant and equipment to make this work possible.
Special thanks to Kiernan Construction, EXC@V8, and M. J. Wilkinson.

Many thanks to all the club members who turned up to help for their hard work too. Last but not the least, thanks also to members of the Great Eccleston & District Agricultural Society.

Dingle Fingle Clowntime

2008-03-21T10:55:00.004Z

One of the attractions this year will be Dingle Fingle. A highly multi skilled clown with over 23 years professional experience in his field he has the ability to work in almost any environment providing shows and or mix mingle. With acts full of slapstick fun and stunts for all ages. Lots of audience participation. Guaranteed to delight. More laughs, more fun...once seen never forgotten!...read more

Chariots of Fire

2008-03-20T13:43:00.008Z

Ten years on the show circuit helped Amanda Saville, an accomplished horsewoman and carriage driver, to gain the knowledge of arena displays that led to the development of Chariots of Fire. This is an unmatched and exhilarating arena display featuring extraordinary stunts usually only associated with riding, but taken three steps further and carriages added! ...read more

The Show

2007-12-26T15:00:00.004Z

I WANDERED lonely as a cow
Along the Wyre's paths and rills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A Tractor Pull with all its thrills
Beside the track, beneath the trees,
Shouting and cheering in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars
that shine and twinkle on the Milky Way,
They stretched in never-ending line
along the margin of the day:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The earth beneath them danced; but they
Out-did the trembling earth in glee:
A cow could not but be gay,
in such a jocund company:
I gazed - and gazed - but little thought
what wealth The Show to me had brought:

For oft, when in my field I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with those engine trills.