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Blackwater Country Show 2013
News report
What a busy weekend! A
group of members met on site on Saturday afternoon to set up the stand,
and the wind was blowing a gale - 'no real change there' I thought to
myself!! We battled on, unloading the trailers, setting up the field
kitchen and putting up bunting and a wind break, thanks to Maurice and
his 'Demolition Netting' which worked amazingly well (and didn’t look
too bad either!)
Soon the scene was set and the EESG was ready for the Blackwater Country Show 2013.
Sunday was an early start with all helpers at the stand for 7am. I was ready as I had been up since 4.30am due to excitement.
Livestock
started to arrive, and was seen over the bio security mat by head of
Bio Security, Wayne, who was heard saying 'All 4 feet on the mat please'
as the sheep came off the trailer. Soon all were settled into their
prepared pens and were looking happy and relaxed.
Once set up and ready we feasted on Nick’s wonderful sausages and bacon prepared to perfection by Marytn and Nikki.
At 10.00 am the gates opened and we were off!!
Soon the EESG Marquee was heaving with visitors and there was so much to see. How we have come on in 3 years.
In
the Field Kitchen Phil, Warren, Gareth and Vince were making sausages
with half a pig kindly donated by Fowler Brothers, while Madeline and
her daughter, Hannah, were making chutney and jam, Darren was making
bread and crumpets and finally Helen, Belinda and their helpers were
providing cream teas. Oh and nearly forgot, the apple pressing with
Maurice and Colin.
Just
outside and a little on his own was 'Puffing Billy' busy smoking a
gammon ham, ribs and sausages with oak. There was a lot of interest in
Billy but sadly nobody free to talk of his good work (note for next
year).
The
livestock area was filled to the brim with wonderful things to see and
do. Sally and Raj had brought their Goats, I brought my Oxford Down
Sheep and Diana the bottle fed lamb and Nigel had his Jacob and Boar
Goats. All behaved very well.
Jean
Cairn and Jenny Phillips set up a wonderful wool area with different
fleeces and knitted items and sat spinning for much of the day.
Next
was Chris with his bees and the observation hive which caused much
interest. It was amazing to watch those busy bees at work.
Then
came the EESG Merchandise corner which looked very professional and was
run by Agnes and Lewis. A super display of printed mugs and cards for
any occasion.
Toni
was having fun on her Tombola stall which proved to be a real hit and
her daughter Georgina was extremely busy being in charge of the poultry
area and a very good job she made of too.
Terry
and Jan had a huge array of plants to sell which they had been growing
for months. I did hear Terry say to one lady who was buying Borage that
he had an offer on “Buy One Get 3 Free”. What a deal you wouldn’t get
that at a garden centre.
We
also had seed planting for the children. Seeds donated by Kings Seeds
and compost from Upson Farm Sales was coordinated by the Coyne Family
who did a great job inspiring those little children. I was told of a
little lad, Rhys, who left his planted tomato seed at his Grandma’s on
Sunday afternoon and called her in the evening to check she had put it
on the windowsill in the sun and was looking after it! Lovely tale,
let’s hope he grows up to be a keen gardener.
Lastly,
in the marquee, we had Nick's prize winning British Lop pigs who, after
tipping their water over a few times and digging around, snoozed for
the afternoon.
It
was a super day and I know our group impressed and inspired many. It
has to be said we couldn’t do it without all your help and hard work and
we are very grateful to everyone who helped.
Well done to everyone and get those thinking caps on for next year’s show; we want your ideas!
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