AGRICULTURE has always been at the heart of the Tyne Valley’s rural economy.

Farming is more than a job, it’s a way of life, and therefore has always maintained a strong social element.

For well over a century, the district’s summer calendar has been filled with agricultural shows, offering a memorable day out for farmers and their families, as well as some friendly competition for much-sought after prizes.

One show which has been a staple of the movement is the Gilsland Show, organised with distinction by dedicated local people for 106 years.

The Gilsland Gala and Foal Show Society was formed in 1914 following the demise of the Nether Denton Foal Show.

However, due to the onset of the First World War, the inaugural event did not take place until 1915, with classes for horses, ponies, dogs and sheep.

There were also competitions for butter, eggs and bread - as well as running, long jump, wrestling, cup smashing, old penny pitching, and even a Pillow Fight.

Now run by the Gisland Agricultural Society, the event has evolved, but the ethos has remained the same, and the show is still about farming, baking, and country sports and activities.

The popularity of the horse and pony showing classes led to the need for a separate equestrian show, which was added to the schedule in 1999.

Galloway and Belted Cattle are among the many attractions at the modern day show, while age-old favourites such as walking sticks run alongside digital photography using hi-tech equipment.

In 2014, the centenary celebrations saw a book about the show‘s past launched by Keith Blood, as well as a DVD, and an exhibition of memorabilia.

Following the landmark, Rachel Marston stepped down as secretary, after five years in the post.

Vicky Baty, a former member of Kirklinton Young Farmers’ Club in Cumbria, stepped forward to fill the vacancy.

The 2019 show was hailed another success, but like many similar events across the district and beyond, it was curtailed by Covid-19 in 2020.