Monday 22 August 2016

Rain

We have had an inch of rain over the week-end after several weeks of what they call up here 'droughty weather'.   The fact that the two fields opposite have been harvested but the straw has not been gathered does not seem to bother anyone - presumably it will be shaken up and will dry out later in the week when the forecast is for better weather again.

Next Saturday is one of the most important events in our local calendar when The Wensleydale  Agricultural Show takes place - and its location happens to be just at the top of our lane, which makes it handy just to walk.  I no longer go as I am really not mobile enough, but it is one of the highlights of the farmer's year and he is already looking forward to it.   Before he goes, however, he has to go along to West Witton, a village just a little further into the Dale, where he judges the fruit and vegetables.   He has done this for quite a few years.

We are well into the Show season up here with maybe only another half dozen or so before it is all over.   Wensleydale is one of the larger ones, with sheep and cattle classes, usually heavy horses, events in the ring, produce and handicraft tents and all the usual trade stands.

Many years ago when travel was much more difficult, when few people had cars, these shows were certainly the highlights of the year for everyone.   It would be such a shame were they to die out through lack of support.

17 comments:

Derek Faulkner said...

An inch of rain! - by all accounts we here in North Kent have had just 2mm in two months!
It's easy to spot a tractor in the fields, just look for the dust cloud following it.

Terry and Linda said...

Our fairs are shrinking rapidly here (in our county) so many have lost their job due to the 'War on Coal' and moved. Sure is sad.

Linda

angryparsnip said...

I would love to go !
I hope they do not die out.

cheers, parsnip and thehamish

Simon Douglas Thompson said...

Weather is warming up here, it's been dull and wet, but with a warm wind as I sat out at the cafe in the park. Hopefully set fair for last weeks of cricket season.

Rachel Phillips said...

Farmers don't cry over spilt milk, if they did they'd be crying the whole time.

Frances said...

Weaver, I am so glad to be showing up here in the comment box just after Rachel has left wise words. How much I do learn from you all.

Do you think you could convince the Farmer to take along your camera with him to the Wensleydale Show? I know he takes grand photographs, but really, I would treasure any pictures that he might find time and opportunity to take. Very cool that he will be one of the judges.

Today was a really beautiful late summer here in NYC. Cooler, drier air, brilliant blue sky, slight breeze. Even my hair style noticed the change in the atmosphere.

Hoping that you are feeling better and better each day. xo

donna baker said...

I remember last year. I bet it is so much fun. Seems like only yesterday, the farmer couldn't get the hay in because of all the rain. The weather just doesn't help farmer's out sometimes.

Cro Magnon said...

I'd love to see those 'heavy horses', that was always the high point of my visit to agricultural shows.

Librarian said...

Like Cro, I'd love to see the heavy horses.
On my Yorkshire Holiday this year, we came through West Witton on our trip to the Wensleydale Creamery. I remember having seen adverts for the Wensleydale Agricultural show and thought how much I'd like to go.
My sister and I talked about such shows - neither of us has ever been - and then decided that our holiday in 2017 will be planned so that we can attend the Yorkshire Show in Harrogate in July.

Dawn said...

there are lots of local shows on in this area, unfortunately we just don't have the time to go to them, and a fair few are on week days, don't understand that one.

Heather said...

Glad you have had some rain but hope it hasn't spoiled the hay still lying in the fields. I loved going to agricultural shows, but like you am not mobile enough to last the day any more, and there is no point in going if you can't have a good look at everything. We used to have quite a small one in my home town in Bucks where my school friend's father showed his beautiful heavy horses. It was well attended and a lovely day out but I think financial problems ended it. Hope the farmer enjoys his judging duties and his day at the show.

Derek Faulkner said...

Just found the "Solitary Walker" blog on your side bar, what a great blog.
Very hot here already this morning, rising to probably 30 degrees 'safternoon - the drought goes on.

jinxxxygirl said...

We had a lovely small on in Texas that i participated with my artwork every year. We loved walking around looking at all the exhibits and animals... I sure do miss it... We didn't connect with one in California while we were there nor since we've been here... I find they tend to have them in the middle of summer when i just cannot handle the heat..The one in Texas was in Februrary or March...Oh i do hope the Farmer will take some photos. And how wonderful he is one of the judges. :) Hugs! deb

Sue said...

I seem to remember the Wensleydale Show being held in Bainbridge in the early '70's but my memory may deceive me.

Minigranny said...

Love to see the Heavy horses. My father left school at 12 and became a ploughboy for some years - that would have been in the early 1920's. I often wonder how he managed such huge animals at such a young age. So glad that you are sounding to be much better and getting back to your normal routines!

thelma said...

Down South we had the Bath and West, which I never went to, find it somewhat exhausting to wander round looking at things, but I do love the heavy horses they are so handsome!
We have little village fetes as well, there is one down at Marton, the schedule looks heavy, miniature gardens, needlecrafts etc vegetables and flower arrangments.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Librarian - The Great Yorkshire Show is one of the best in the country so certainly the one to aim for.
West Witton is about three miles from our farm and we often go to The Creamery either to eat or to buy cheese


Thanks everyone - I hope Derek's area has had some rain by now - it is really getting quite serious in some areas.