Family fun at country show (From Free Press Series)

Family fun at country show

THE FARMING Community of Monmouthshire enjoyed its big day out as thousands of visitors from across the country flocked to the Vauxhall Fields Monmouth for the 164th Monmouthshire Show.

Show Secretary Kay Spencer said: "We have succeeded in attracting a big crowd again this year and we're thrilled with the number of entrants into all categories of the show. The weather has held up and it's been a good day all round."

There was a feast of family entertainment as well as the serious matter of prize money competitions for the best cattle, horses, sheep and goats.

Five-year-old Harry Wren of Cwmbran was left spellbound by the high-flying performance of daredevil stuntman Matt Coulter aka the Kangaroo Kid. As the Kid cleared a line of removal vans on his quad bike, Harry said: "You'd have to be crazy to try a stunt like that. I'm surprised his wheels stayed on."

In the late afternoon Bridges Community Centre launched its balloon race and the lucky winner will set off on a trip in a hot-air balloon.

Circus training was a big hit with the youngsters. Would-be performers had the chance to try walking on stilts, juggling and plate-spinning.

In the prize classes Monmouthshire farmers were up against stiff competition, but they faired well, producing some excellent results.

Mrs Gleed, of Wonastow Court Lodge, Monmouth, won the Red Poll Cattle Society Challenge Cup and Mrs Newman of Dingestow produced the Lincoln Longwool Breed Champion.

Mr Sevenoaks of Park Lodge Farm, Abergavenny, produced the Champion Female and the Breed Champion in the British Limousins class and also took the Christopher Marshall Cup for the Supreme Champion.

For the 20th consecutive year agricultural engineer Frank Sutton won the prize for best trade stand with a fantastic floral effort.

He said: "We always make a big effort for the Monmouthshire Show. It's great to see it going from strength to strength agai