Good old days recalled for a record crowd

RECORD numbers attended the first day of the Vintage Agricultural Show this year as committee members continue to expand and incorporate new features in the event.

The crowd cheer on the racing sheep and their teddy bear ‘jockeys’. (29822275)

There were attractions suited to all ages at the original 1948 West Show site, including vintage tractors and cars, a military display, a children’s play zone and sheep racing.

Evoking memories of days gone by, with its claim to have been established in the 1890s, was this fairground carousel. (29822290)

The show has been running for four years and took place originally in a much smaller field.

‘It’s bigger than ever this year, we’re expanding all the time,’ said committee vice-chairman Rodney Dyke.

The committee was expecting some 4,000 people to visit over the course of the weekend.

Classic vehicles showed how motoring used to be. (29822294)

The annual show aims to take people back in time to capture the nature of agriculture during the 1950s. Committee members embraced the essence of the event and could be seen threshing, the process of separating the edible part of grain from straw.

One of the main vehicle attractions was a traction engine, which Mr Dyke’s father once used.

‘It’s the feeling of nostalgia that brings people back,’ said Mr Dyke.

It was Chief Minister Deputy Peter Ferbrache’s first time attending the show.

Tractors through the ages were on display. (29822279)

‘It’s just nice to see the old Guernsey. It’s so fresh and open,’ he said.

Committee members have been organising the event for the past 12 months.

‘We keep enough money to put on a show the following year, and the rest goes to charity,’ Mr Dyke said.

The show will be supporting five local charities this year.

Sheep-racing spectator Charlotte Fawkner-Corbett said: ‘It’s so traditional and it’s not heavily influenced by big brands, which I like. It’s definitely bigger than last year.’

The sheep-racing was the big draw for Colin and Val Ferbrache, who also enjoyed a pint at the show. (29822277)

The sheep-racing brought Colin Ferbrache to the show. He bet on Dolly Baaton as his sheep to win.

‘We enjoyed the Sark sheep-racing so much we decided to come out west and watch this one. The general ambience of the event is great and seeing the steam boilers has been a high point as I used to work with them years ago,’ he said.

‘I’ve also been really impressed with the military vehicles. I’m just quite amazed at how big the show has got.’