THE TEMPESTUOUS winds that whisked across the showfield were not enough to extinguish the community spirit surrounding Gilsland Show last weekend.

Tents may have blown away and woolly hats donned, but nearly 700 people turned out in force to support the 102nd Gilsland Agricultural Show on Sunday.

Show secretary Vicky Batey said that despite a small drop in numbers, support was strong.

She said: “The wind did snooker us a bit, there were a few tents blown away.

“But with the weather the way it was we were quite chuffed with how many people were there.”

The cattle and sheep classes proved popular, which was no surprise, as Gilsland Show is a key event in the agricultural calendar in both Northumberland and Cumbria.

Charlie Halbert, from Haltwhistle, enjoyed a successful day, walking away with the Howe Cup for the best Blackface open champion ewe lamb.

He said: “I’ve showed at Gilsland for a few years now and this has been a good year. You never expect it, but it is a great feeling to win.”

The sheep show was also a success for Martyn Archer, who won a clutch of awards for his Bluefaced Leicesters and Mule sheep.

Mr Archer, of Carry House, Wark, walked away with the award for overall champion sheep and the challenge cup for exhibitor with the most accumulated points in the sheep show.

He said: “We’ve have a good year in the shows up to now and today has been a good day for us.

“There’s a bit of work that goes into it, so it’s nice to go away with a good result.”

This year, pedigree and commercial cattle made their show debut alongside the traditional Galloway and Belted Galloway classes.

And Ross Pattinson made history to win pedigree champion for the first time with 20-month-old British Blue bull, Topside Joey. Mr Pattinson, from Low Row Farm, said: “We’ve had a good year; he was champion male at the Yorkshire Show as well.

“Our daughter led for the first time this year as well. She’s only four years old and that’s what it’s all about really.”

Stephen Wilson, from Wigton, took home the coveted champion of champions title with his pure Limousin heifer, Romford Jessica.

He said: “This has come as a great surprise. She’s picked up a rosette before but never a first and never a champion of champions. We’re overjoyed by the result.”

Away from the livestock pens, the mellow tones of Carlisle Silver Band filled the industrial tent.

The tent was filled to the gunnels with award-winning cakes, colourful crafts and blossoming blooms.

Lees Hill Women’s Institute’s regal display on a tray to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday took the top spot in the group section.

W.I. member, Rose Riches said: “We’re so happy to have won. This is a cracking little show with the best of local produce and it’s lovely to see people’s efforts in making things.”

Tracey Mitchinson’s efforts in the kitchen also went down a storm, earning her first place prizes for her chocolate pudding, gingerbread and raspberry jam.

She said: “I’m thrilled with the result, especially the jam – it’s the first time I’ve ever made jam, so I’m really pleased with that.

“It’s a great little country show, it’s part of country life and it’s important to support it.”

Outside, at the dog show, the mischievous mistral that whipped across the showfield at Triermain Farm could not persuade border collie Gail to disobey her owner.

Alexandra Bouch (12) from Scaleby walked home with the young handler’s award after impressing in the show ring with her five-year-old pet.

She said: “I’ve trained Gail from a puppy. She’s got lots of energy, but she’s really well behaved. We practise a lot, but it paid off; it was so exciting to win and I’m so proud of Gail.”

Bouts of Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling drew the crowds throughout the afternoon.

And the wind could not hold back the raw enthusiasm of the youngsters lined up at the start for the children’s games.

Secretary Vicky Batey said: “There’s a big team behind the show and everyone worked hard to get the show set up.

“Everyone really seemed to enjoy themselves.”