FIRST NATIONAL SHOW OF SOUTH DEVONS

ROYAL CORNWALL SHOW 2010

The South Devon Herd Book Society’s decision to stage their first National Show at the Royal Cornwall Show was thoroughly rewarded by a big turnout of quality cattle from 28 exhibiting herds from as far away as Scotland, Yorkshire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. In one class alone, there were 22 stylish 2 year old heifers which made a stunning picture for the big crowd of spectators around the ring.

Judge John Irish, breeder of the South Hams Edmeston herd, was faced with some very tough decisions, but his 5 ½ hours in the ring was much appreciated by exhibitors and spectators.

Overall and Male Champion was R R B & S J Harvey’s Goffe Cave Marius, (above) bred by Leicestershire exhibitor, Mr R A Ford. Female Champion was Mr R K Rundle’s AI Kestle Tulip 79, (below). Reserve female champion also went to the Kestle herd, with Kestle Dahlia 46, and Mr Rundle was the overall winner of the Track Marshall Trophy for the exhibitor gaining most points at the show. Mr Douglas Scott from Gloucestershire took the prize for best yearling heifer with Grove Willowherb 57; and M R & R J Rowe’s Tregondale Balti 7 won the intermediate bull class and took Reserve male champion. Best young bull was Mr P S Rowe’s Trewint Magnetto 3; and the best group of three animals was from M E & T E Broome’s Welland Valley herd from Leicestershire.

The Society’s Young Handler Competition, sponsored by Towergate Lloyd & Whyte, and now linked to the National Show, provided a highly professional display of cattle handling for spectators on Friday afternoon. Judge Mark Thomas from Treguddick, Launceston, chose Miss Katie Rowe from Looe, as the overall winner.

The visit by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales to the Show made a Cream Tea Reception hosted by the Society an even more special occasion. HRH Prince Charles was very generous with his time, meeting many breeders and guests, both at the Tea and in the cattle lines.

Herd Book Secretary Mrs Caroline Poultney said, “The Herd Book Society is most grateful to its sponsors for their help in enabling us to hold the first National Show of South Devons, and to the Royal Cornwall Show for playing host and for facilitating a most splendid event. The visit by our Patron, HRH The Prince of Wales, was a delightful opportunity for breeders to meet one of agriculture’s firmest supporters.” The National Show will now tour other parts of the country, beginning with the Royal Norfolk Show in 2011.