THE weather tried to spoil the 130th Nottinghamshire County Show– and failed.
Gloomy forecasts and a cup final may have kept some Saturday visitors away, but only one shower hit the showground.
And while a brisk south-westerly drove in the rain yesterday afternoon after a dry morning, all outdoor competitions went ahead and there were enough covered attractions for those without brollies in a crowd that is expected to be down on last year's 56,000.
There was no stopping the star turn. Thousands looked upwards on hearing the roar of a Second World War Lancaster bomber. The aircraft from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight made three passes over the showground – a fitting tribute to Lancaster crews from nearby RAF stations who took part in the Dambusters' Raid 70 years ago this month.
On the ground, almost as much noise was generated by the Triumphs and quad-bikes of the White Helmets, the Royal Signals motorcycle display team.
The importance of the event was stressed by the president of Newark and Notts Agricultural Society, Hodsock farmer Sir Andrew Buchanan, at a lunch he hosted on the first day. "The show is worth £3 million to the local economy," he told guests.
"It is a beacon of excellence that I hope will carry on promoting agriculture, showcasing British and especially local food, promoting tourism and encouraging everyone going into the farming industry."
The President's Award for outstanding service to Nottinghamshire was presented to Jenny Farr, leading local fundraiser for the NSPCC, of which she is a national vice-president.
The President's Challenge to school pupils, to produce something to help people less fortunate than themselves, saw the £1,000 prize go Newark's Magnus School, thanks to pupil Matthew Parkinson, 13, who designed a device that helps shoppers with limited use of their hands to carry several bags.
Nottinghamshire horsemen, farmers and breeders scooped several important prizes at their local show.
They included Charles Le Moignan, of Misterton, and Redbridge Tiny Tim, who won the Ridden Hunter and Riding Horse championships, and Jack Cochrane and Avanti, who secured the Working Hunter championship.
In the Nottinghamshire Council of Retail Meat Traders' annual Robin Hood Sausage and Pie Evaluation, Mansfield Woodhouse butcher Robert Bowring won the trophies for speciality pie and savoury pasty or pastry slice.
Results for all classes are expected to be posted by Tuesday on the county show website: www.nottinghamshirecountyshow.com
