Cultivating community at Hinderwell Horse & Agricultural Show
Wednesday 28th August
The sun was shining brightly over the picturesque village of Runswick Bay on the morning of Friday 9th August when I stepped off the bus. In need of my morning coffee fix, I was thrilled to discover a seasonal tea garden in the grounds of a beautiful house right next to the bus stop. I popped my head around the kitchen door and the owner Ann, a delightful and most engaging lady, introduced me to an amazing array of homemade cakes and scones. Decision made, I chose a table and was soon enjoying a great cup of coffee with a huge chunk of cake in the beautiful relaxing garden with its trees, flowers and calming water feature.
It was quite an effort to drag myself away from those idyllic surroundings but I did, and walked the short distance up Runswick Lane to the showfield where the 153rd Hinderwell Horse and Agricultural Show was taking place. This event draws visitors not only from the local village, but from all over, and is a celebration of the village’s rich agricultural heritage as well as providing a great day of family entertainment and fun.
The show was well under way, and the air was filled with laughter and the tantalising aroma of food – homemade pizzas, pies, and local delicacies. A huge hog roast greeted me, a whole spit roasted pig being serving in bakers rolls with apple sauce and stuffing– not for me though after that huge piece of cake earlier! Children ran about joyfully, and people were standing in groups chatting, sharing knowledge, exchanging stories, and sitting on hay bales watching and cheering on the competitors showcasing their skills and hard-earned talents in the equestrian and gymkhana events in the show rings.
In the main tent, the farm & garden produce, confectionery/preserves and photography exhibits were amazing – displays of glossy red tomatoes, long carrots, ears of wheat, huge onions and leeks and much more, all now judged and coveted prizes awarded.
After a quick break in the tea tent, where a group of hard-working ladies served pork pies, sausage rolls, homemade sandwiches, buns and cakes along with lashings of tea, it was on to view the rest of the show: the tractors and vintage machinery, the trade stands, and my favourites, the birds of prey, snakes and ferrets – yes, I am still a boy at heart!
The Hinderwell Show is more than just a celebration; it is a cherished tradition that brings a community together, honouring their shared love for each other, the land and the animals that grace it. As I said to the steward as I left, the gate fee was the best £6 I have spent all year – worth absolutely every penny!
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