For the first time in two months, it actually rained today. The parched ground sighed with relief, and it did little to dampen enthusiasm at the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show – we simply remembered how umbrellas worked and revelled in the unexpected coolness.
We have a traditional route through the Show, always beginning in the livestock lines. We’re not farmers, don’t raise livestock and have not much clue about the judging. And yet, you cannot but be fascinated watching the classes – we arrived just in time to marvel at the size of the Limousin bulls and enjoy the Longhorn judging (the cattle lines have gained a new tented roof this year, which appeared to be much appreciated by owners and animals alike).
From there, our usual route took us past what seemed to be more agricultural machinery than we’ve seen for a long time. Giant tractors and formidable farm machines surrounded the Main Ring on every side – making some of the more familiar tractors look unexpectedly modest.
Thanks to that rain, the steam engines were able to fire up and parade in the Dorset Life Main Ring, followed later by the heavy horses. There’s something deep within the British psyche that makes all of us stop and smile as a Shire or Percheron muscles elegantly past. They know they look magnificent. We know they look magnificent. Everyone is happy.
The Main Ring entertainment was less dignified elsewhere. Horseboarding was fast and furious, complete with the odd mountainboarder spill and one or two horses expressing firm opinions about the starting procedure. The polo demonstrations brought their own excitement, including a couple of wayward shots that landed on the roof of the Members’ Marquee.
But the surprise hit came right at the end. With the showjumping cancelled because of the hard ground, the Show swiftly devised a tractor triathlon. Local farmers climbed into two unfamiliar tractors and raced to complete a series of tasks against the clock. It was chaotic, bonkers, seriously impressive – and revealed some exceptional reversing skills.
For a change of pace in the heat of the day, we headed into Homecraft, Handicraft and Horticulture. Browsing the entries is interesting, but we all know reading the judges’ comments is half the fun. There is invariably something to learn from the floral judges, but today’s favourite was the crisp comment for the ‘astonishing talent and skills of a 4-year-old’ responsible for a decorated wellington boot. To be fair, it was magnificent. But if a four-year-old created it unaided, I’ll eat the other boot.
Despite the rain, it remained surprisingly hot, so add suncream to tomorrow’s bag – we came home slightly crispy. Taking our time meant we inevitably failed to cover the whole Show. The Dog & Duck Show was all we managed to catch in the Turnpike Ring, we’ll be back for more livestock judging and several other corners of the showground are still waiting, so Thursday’s route is already taking shape.
If you don’t reach the livestock lines, make sure you’re beside the Main Ring for the Grand Parade at 3.15pm. Allow plenty of time, take water and wear suncream!
📍 Turnpike Showground, Motcombe
⏰ Thursday 20th August, 8.30am–6pm
🎟️ Tickets: https://gillinghamandshaftesburyshow.co.uk/
