About 40,000 people streamed into Stoke Park, Guildford on Bank Holiday Monday May 31st to enjoy a family day out packed with fantastic entertainment and close encounters with the stars of the farmyard.

The highest number of livestock entries for 10 years meant classes were full and the majestic cattle parade in the main arena was a magnificent roll call of our native and European breeds ranging from tiny Dexters to dainty Jerseys and huge Charolais beef bulls.

The weather conditions were perfect for the animals and the crowds thronged to the ringsides to see them compete for their championships. The show put particular emphasis on its agricultural roots this year and there was lots to see and do, from beeswax sculpting to watching cows being milked.

A record number of poultry entries exhibited the growing popularity of poultry keeping.

The Beef Championship went to Mortimers Farms Ltd¡¦s Charolais cow Mortimer Aphrodite. The reserve was awarded to Harry Horrell¡¦s beef Shorthorn Pode Hole Irene Bloom. The Dairy Champion was CJ and SE Elmes¡¦s Holstein cow in milk with reserve going to CRT Pierrepont Farms¡¦ Jersey heifer in milk. Messrs P C Stovold & Son won the Interbreed Cattle Presentation Trophy. Champion junior handler was 10-year-old Zoe Clear with a Pierrepont Farms Jersey calf.

The Farm Service Award went to Steve Hewlett in recognition of his 45 years farming service in the county. He was nominated by Tony Isaac of Hammond Farm, West Horsley.

The Smallholder Pig Show also drew in the crowds. Grumpiest pig was D Overton and A Nicholls¡¦ Gloucester Old Spot Exfold Princess 203 and the Curliest Tail belonged to Mr and Mrs S Westron¡¦s Berkshire Choller Louise! Joseph¡¦s Amazing Racing Pigs amused the crowds with their jumping ability ¡V clearing six inch fences.

First in the Surrey Stakes Show jumping class was Louise Pavitt on Unbelievable Darco, followed by Tracy Priest on Calle. The Black Star Grand Prix  was won by Phillip Miller on Very Versace.

The Donkey Championship was won by Wendy Andrews¡¦ Crampmoor Waggle-Dance with M Lavender¡¦s Downland Democrat in reserve. Champion ridden donkey was Irish Coffee ridden by 11-year-old Opal Weaver.

The Bolddog Lings freestyle stunt motocross riders provided the arena entertainment with aerial bike stunts high above the ring. The Pony Club Games and Osborne Refrigerators Double Harness Scurry Races also provided arena entertainment with the under 122cm class won by Drayton Branston and Pickle driven by Alison Millman and the under 148cm class winner was Charlotte Adams-Lane with Balanced Rip and Balanced Tear. The Championship was won by Chris Orchard with Carriagehouse Insurance Rough and Tumble.

The Pony Club Games were won by the Petersfield team with Crawley and Horsham in second place followed by Staff College and Bisley.

The day ended with a perfect ascent of three hot air balloons from the main arena.     ƒ¶

Champion Beef Charolais: Mortimer Aphrodite.

 
Best Young Handler: 10 year old Zoe  Clear with Pierreport Farm¡¦s Jersey calf.