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Lifting of livestock restrictions is boost for Otley Show
Organisers of the 199th Otley Show are hoping visitors will turn up in their thousands to show their support after a year of adversity for the farming community.
First held in 1796, the annual agricultural event is the oldest one-day show in the country and has only rarely had to be cancelled - due to war, disease or flooding.
The ongoing threat of bluetongue looked like it might prevent sheep or cattle displays from being held at this year's show, which begins with a Hunters Under Saddle riding class at 8am on Saturday.
But, thankfully, a late-in-the-day change of livestock movement restrictions by Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) removed that threat, so those classes can proceed as normal.
As well as farm animals and poultry, other animals, including rabbits, pygmy goats and dogs (for a companion dog show), will all feature on the day.
An average of 15,000 people visit the show each year and this year, entertainment ranges from a daredevil motorbike stunt show to more traditional events like a horse shoeing competition, fly fishing and a Punch and Judy Show.
A variety of fresh produce, Fairtrade and organic food will also be available to view and buy in a marquee.
Show secretary Janet Raw said: "Last year, we were one of only a handful of agricultural shows to have cattle and sheep and also to avoid being flooded out, so we were very grateful.
"The outbreak of foot and mouth, followed by the bluetongue disease arriving in England, brought trying times to the farming community and its related industries. Many farmers were just recovering from the 2001 outbreak of foot and mouth only to be knocked back again. It is a tribute to their resilience that they are exhibiting this year.
"The effects of bluetongue, however, are noticeable in the cattle and sheep areas, but we are very grateful to all the exhibitors who have entered the show and are bringing livestock."
Mrs Raw added: "Our main attraction this year is James Dylan's Stuntworld, a motorcycle stunt show featuring fire stunts, huge jumps, wheelies and pyrotechnic explosions. Also visiting the show is BBC1's The Street Barber', from The One Show. They are looking to interview people and hopefully encourage them to have a make-over.
"We also have Ben Potter with his birds of prey display. The tug o' war competition makes a welcome return, with many Young Farmers' clubs entering. We also have the farriers with their horse shoeing competition, the dog show starting at 2pm, and the vintage tractors.
"Once again, we have the farmers' market and the organic and Fairtrade festival in a marquee, which has been kindly sponsored by Waitrose, Otley. We are pleased as well to welcome back the Otley Brass Band, who will be playing throughout the day. For children, we have the usual attractions and the return of the army assault course, and where would Otley Show be without the Eccup Donkey Sanctuary and Otley Ferret Welfare."
Ticket prices (bought beforehand) are: adult £7, senior citizen/concessions £4, child £1.50, car park £2; bought on the day - adult £8, senior citizen/concessions £5, child £2, car park £2.
Tickets can be bought from: Otley Tourist Information Centre; Wayes Travel Agents; Barbers Tobacconists; Lloyds Pharmacy; Gills News; K & P Pilkington; Ilkley Tourist Information Centre; Ilkley Gazette offices; The Blue Barn, Pool-in-Wharfedale; Dodgsons; Wicks Newsagents; Weston Lane Post Office; HSBC Bank, Otley; F M Lister & Son and Academy Florists.
Alternatively, membership of Otley Show costs £18 for a family and includes three admission tickets (one of which admits two children under 16), a car pass and badges for the members' marquee. Corporate membership costs £50, and includes ten admission tickets, badges and four car passes.
Wharfedale Agricultural Society is already well into planning some extra-special attractions to mark the event's 200th year in 2009.
Mrs Raw said: "We are hoping to have a really spectacular day, with many special events and attractions planned. Otley Show is still one of the most successful events in Otley's calendar and continues to promote farming and agriculture throughout the region, and will do so for many years."
For more details visit otleyshow.org.uk, call 01943 462541 or visit the show offices at 15 Bridge Street, Otley.
7:58pm Thursday 15th May 2008
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