The Cockermouth Show
THIS year's honorary president for Cockermouth Show, Ian Powley was so impressed when he saw a vintage tractor 'square dance' performance at Penrith that he immediately begged them to come to Cockermouth Show.
And the Eden Valley Combustionaires have agreed to be one of the attractions at this year's show to be held at the Fitz show ground on Saturday, August 1.
Ian Powley has for the past seven years been manager of the Carrs Billington depot at Cockermouth. Ian comes from a Cumbrian farming family and takes over from last year's president, Jackson Palmer from Winscales Moor. Ian proudly has the traditional honorary show walking stick in his office ready for the big show day.
Ian says being chosen as president was a great honour and he says the show "truly brings the community together." One of his tasks on the day will be judging trade stands, in the interest of fair play he adds: " Carrs can't be in the contest this year, although we did win last year!"
James Fisher senior from Eamont Bridge was the instigator of the Eden Valley Combustionaires. "We run a vintage tractor club and after seeing a video from America of tractors doing a Square Dance we decided we could have our own tractor dance! We put together four red Ferguson 35s and four blue Ford Dexters and after a lot of fun and practice we have perfected an entertaining routine. |  |
"We do it for charity and the public seem to enjoy it, when Ian saw us and asked we said yes we would come to Cockermouth and put on a show. The only drawback is that our drivers of the Fergies have to dress up as ladies for the dance! The combined age of the tractors and their owners by the way is a thousand years."
On show day, judging of animals starts at 9.30pm along with the BSJ show jumping. The Grand Parade happens about 2pm.You can view cattle, sheep, goats, horses, sheep dogs, foxhounds, terriers, poultry and even ostriches at the busy show field.
You can take a ride on the rodeo bull and see the sheep clipping demonstration and learn a new skill. There is also to be a working sheep dog demonstration and Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling if you are fit.
To find out more go to www.cockermouth.org.uk
