The West Show finale shines

THE SUN shone benignly on the second and final day of the West Show yesterday as visitors flocked to L’Eree aerodrome to take in the sights and sounds at this year’s event.

Checking out some old English iron at the West Show are vintage tractor fans Vic Le Riche, left, and Kev Romeril from Jersey. (Picture by Sophie Rabey, 25519981)

The West Show Committee had brought attractions from as far afield as the north-east of England, some from Jersey, and combined with the sunny weather it was a recipe for success.

A relaxed committee president, Richard Ashplant, had swapped his raincoat for shorts and T-shirt, a sign of the change in weather.

Phil Gibbons and Cameron Hall from Little Nippers falconry, terrier and lurcher racing had just come from a show in the Isle of Man and are off to another in southern England on Saturday.

‘It is a busy schedule,’ said Mr Gibbons.

‘We come from the north of England but travel all over.

‘We’ve just done a show and we are doing another this weekend, this [falconry] it is a way of life. I’ve been doing this for 30 years plus.

‘I better not say I have any favourites though because they will hear me. But it is lovely, the sun’s out and we can enjoy ourselves.’

Meeting the birds were Kate and Josephine Holroyd, seven and four, and Holly and Alexandra Jones, seven and three. The girls were very thankful they got the opportunity to get up close with one of Mr Gibbons’ owls.

Over from Jersey with their vintage tractors and enjoying the second day’s sun were Vic Le Riche and Kev Romeril.

‘Obviously Wednesday was a bit of a washout but today is lovely. We are staying just over at the L’Eree Hotel and everything has been spot on.’