Tendring Hundred Show set to be bigger and better than ever (From Gazette)

Tendring Hundred Show set to be bigger and better than ever

10:50am Friday 10th July 2009 in

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THE biggest event in the Essex agricultural community’s calendar opens tomorrow at Lawford House Park, near Manningtree.

The Tendring Hundred Show, bills itself as “Essex County’s Premier Agricultural Event” and is a traditional rural show for all the family, Thousands of animals, from rats and rabbits to goats and cows, will be exhibited in its stock rings.

There will also be three rings for horses and donkeys, plus showjumping, heavy horses, foxhounds, vintage cars and championship winning livestock, all in the main arena.

New for this year is a straw bale maze, and a spectacular “Straw-henge”.

The Tendring Show dates back to 1899, when the Tendring Hundred Farmers’ Club organised the first one.

Nowadays, more than 20,000 visit every year for a real summery country-themed day out.

Livestock still play a major part of the family show, with scores of horse, pony, donkey and heavy horse classes, but there are also numerous displays, shows and trade stands, too.

The countryside and conservation area gets bigger every time and this year will offer plenty of rural pursuits, plus displays and information on countryside and wildlife management.

More than 40 local schools will be taking part in the education tent, showing off their scholastic achievements over the past year, while a community marquee will focus on community groups.

A fast-moving, action-packed equestrian display in the main arena by the Mounted Games Association of Britain will see teams of young riders on fast ponies showing off their riding and athletic skills in a series of obstacle and relay races.

There will also be a dog arena, a dedicated area for country pursuits including falconry, fly fishing and game shooting, and an art exhibition and a shoppers’ market.

Chefs will busy themselves in the food hall to provide tasty treats, while in the flower tent, exhibits and displays will have a Darwinian theme, to mark the pioneering botanist’s 200th anniversary.