They came, they saw, they enthused - Monmouth's new showground on the banks of the Wye has been given an almost universal thumbs up by showgoers and exhibitors, (writes Mary Hughes) With cattle, sheep, pigs and goats unavoidably missing from this year's show, it was inevitable that numbers would be down on previous years. But the committee were more than delighted with an estimated gate of around 18,000. "We are absolutely delighted," Show Secretary Kay Spencer told the Beacon. "A lot of shows which were without livestock say their numbers were down by 25%; we certainly weren't, it was more like five or six per cent; it's difficult to say exactly how many were there but we think it was around 18,000 as opposed to our usual attendance of around 20,000. "And we've had some absolutely super comments about the new showground," Kay added. "Even people who were critical about us moving from Vauxhall have all been raving about it , and quite a few complimented us on how well we had used the contours of the land." Worries about traffic congestion also proved unfounded. "A lot of people said it was easier than Vauxhall; there were queues, but the traffic was always moving and we've had no complaints. "Obviously, there were a few little niggles and there are a couple of things we'll change for next year, such as making the horse section more separate, but basically everything worked out very very well and we're really pleased." Such a positive response from the public was especially welcome to the committee who endured weeks of uncertainly following the rigid restrictions imposed in the wake of foot and mouth. But the dark clouds rolled back quite literally last Thursday, with the sun beaming down on what must be one of the most picturesque showgrounds in the country, giving a definite feel good factor to the day. While cloven hooves were missing, there were plenty of other animals to admire, including over 800 horses and over 1,000 dogs. The supreme champion in the horse section and winner of the coveted Romeo Perpetual Challenge Cup was Bakewell, a seven year old bay lightweight hunter, owned by Jethro Bloodstock of Okehampton in Devon. There were local successes too, notably for Trellech Exmoor breeder Stephanie Poulter whose homebred nine year old stallion Flying Buttress was winning back to back first prizes in the small breeds mountain and moorland classes. Mrs Jo Williams of Catbrook took a first prize in the large breeds mountain and moorland classes with her three year old grey colt Sanway Blackthorn and Mr and Mrs A Watkins of Trellech a first in the Anglo and part bred Arab section with their bay stallion Breinton Royal Pageant. Top dog was a Lhasa Apso, Monkspath Dancing Queen, owned by Mrs S A Wilkes of Solihull; reserve went to Olpenden Malachy at Parvodene, a four year old Norwegian Buhund, owned by Mrs C Vines of Stonehouse, Gloucester. A Tibetan Spaniel, Bluesown Quincy took the best puppy award for owner Miss Bridget Croucher of Swansea, while first prize for the best veteran went to a bearded collie, Heleview Perfect Harmony, owned by Mrs Joyce Burford of Ross-on-Wye. If local winners were thin on the ground in the horse and dog classes, they dominated the horticulture and produce sections, with Trevor and Marlene Phillips of Raglan again carrying all before them in the former, and Rachel Turley of Coleford, fresh from her triumph at the Royal Welsh Show the most successful competitor in the latter. On the entertainment front, there was truly something for everyone, ranging from the colourful Professor Crump and Monmouth Town Band to parades of Monmouthhire Hounds and SWHP's rescue ponies. Bulging with goodies and gifts, the food and craft marquees proved as popular as ever. Old favourites such as Meirion Owen and his Quack Pack, the Paws for Thought Agulity Team and Ray and Wendy Aliker with their Redtail Falconry display returned to enthrall the crowds, and there were some thrilling showjumping and scurry competitions in the main ring. However, the star attraction for many was a breathtaking aerial display by a Spitfire piloted by Air Marshall Clifford Spink, with commentary by Air Commodore Andrew Neil For those old enough to remember, the distinctive drone of its Merlin engine brought back poignant memories, drawing ripples of applause as it repeatedly looped and dived before sweeping off down the valley en route to Goodwood - a fabulous celebration of a new chapter in the show's 150 year history.
