SATURDAY is a very special day for Castlewellan Show secretary, Violet Bell, who is stepping down after 28 years at the helm of Castlewellan Agricultural Show.
Legendary in show circles for her calm and common sense approach, she has steered the show to become one of most popular on the circuit, and intends to ensure this year’s show is one to remember.
“I have never had so many trade stand enquiries and the food and craft tents are packed to the rafters, it is a positive sign in these times and offers visitors lots to see,” said Violet.
“I will probably be too busy on the day to even think about the fact that this is my last show as secretary, but I am looking forward to a break.”
Show Chairman, John McAdams, wished Violet well for her retirement.
“It is hard to imagine a committee meeting without Violet; her energy and dedication has been amazing,” he said. “She is the glue that held the whole show together”.
Almost 4,000 entries have been received across classes this year for pigs, cattle, horses, ponies, sheep, poultry, goats, home industries and dog agility, with particular excitement around the James Armstrong Auctions ‘Search for a Young Horse Championship’.
The Small Pets competition is a chance for anyone under 15 to bring along their hamster, guinea pig, rabbit, gerbil or goldfish etc., and there is also a children’s felt making workshop in the Ulster Wools tent.
Displays of threshing, spinning, hedge laying, shoeing and stickmaking will take place alongside the best scarecrow competition.
The Young Farmers also promise to keep the crowds entertained with a tug of war competition, the queen and her corgis event, tractor driving, chariot racing and welly boot throwing.
The home industries tent will be particularly busy with almost 2,000 entries of photography, artwork, tray bakes, knitted garments, patchwork, cakes, jewellery and jams, with the schools section of a particularly high standard.
Admission to the show this year is £10 for adults, with under 16s free. Young Farmers will be admitted for £5 with their card. Information is available from www.castlewellanshow.com and on facebook and twitter. Free parking is available at the site.