Last updated at 23:19, Thursday, 28 July 2011

The passion of long-standing committee members will ensure another successful Cockermouth Show on Saturday.

Members of the Cockermouth Show committee.

The driving forces behind the show include secretary Norma Boyes and chief cattle steward Will Lawson, who have both been involved with the event for 50 years.

Show chairman Joe Marrs has been involved for 33 years, industrial section secretary Ruth Lawson for more than 20 years, vice-chairman Mark Nixon for 15 years, and horse secretary Leah Stanger for seven years.

The show, which started in 1849, was moved from Greenlands Farm to The Fitz, on Low Road, in 2002 after the foot and mouth outbreak, and has gone from strength to strength.

Mrs Boyes said: “It has become a big part of all of our lives and we start work on the next show as soon as one is finished.

“The committee is made up of friends and family who have all been friends for a long time, which is why we work so well together.

“Will and I used to live next door to each other when we were kids, Joe and I went to school together and Ruth and I have been friends for more than 40 years.”

Mr Marrs said: “The show has traditionally been about agriculture and that is our focus, whereas a lot of other shows have adopted different features such as motorbike competitions.”

Mrs Boyes added: “The show has provided a great platform for the agricultural community and has helped farmers and trades people to survive the tough economic climate.”

This year’s show is expected to attract thousands of visitors, has more than 100 entries in its vintage vehicle section and has high entries in its poultry tent classes.

It will boast an industrial tent full of home-made produce, which opens at 1.30pm, along with a craft tent and fun fair.

Judging of cattle classes will start in the main ring at 10am, followed by the judging of fox hounds and terriers at 12.30pm, a display from the Cheshire Dog Display Team at 12.45pm and 3.15pm, Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling at 1pm, finishing with the grand parade and presentation of prizes at 2.30pm.

Judging of sheep and goats will take place at 10am, followed by sheep dog judging at 12.30pm and a sheep clipping demonstration at 1pm.

First published at 19:21, Thursday, 28 July 2011
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk