Leading Ladies Run the Show

Leading Ladies Run the Show

Glendale Agricultural Society invites a string of lady judges for all livestock, equine, donkey, goat, dog and industrial classes at annual agricultural show.

Celebrating the role of women in agriculture, the Glendale Agricultural Society (GAS) will welcome an entirely female judging panel to their annual show, held on Monday 29th August, which links with their 2016 theme, ‘The Year of the Lady’.

The Glendale Show is the largest annual event in North Northumberland and in this, their 124th year, the show will welcome hundreds of exhibits across their sheep, cattle, goat, donkey horse and pony classes.  Overall, 30 ladies will, between them, judge just under 100 classes on the day.

Across the show field, lady judges from Cheshire to Aberdeen will be carefully assessing entries to all classes.  All judges are noted in their respective fields, and these include; Christina Wood from Cheshire who is judging the Donkey classes; Helen Watson from East Lothian and Lorraine Wilson from Berwickshire who are judging the Dog Breed and Novelty classes respectively; and Helen Renton from Morpeth, Northumberland, who will be judging the trade stands. 

Head Livestock Steward, Andrew Walton, speaking earlier, said:  “First of all I’d like to thank in advance, all of the judges for agreeing to give up their time to judge the livestock classes.  All of the judges are of the highest calibre and we hope that they will be supported in terms of the number of people entering their livestock.  Ladies in Farming have often led the way and are so integral to the livestock and showing industry.” 

Fiona Sloan from Strathearn in Dumfries, who works for a number of Sheep Societies, including the Welsh Mountain Sheep Breeders and the Texel Sheep Society, is judging the Young Handler classes and the Interbreed Championship. She commented:  “I am thrilled to have been invited to judge at the Glendale Show.  I regularly judge both Young Handlers and Interbreed classes, and to have been invited to be part of the all lady ensemble of judges is a real honour. 

“I love judging Young Handlers and it is important for the judge to give back feedback, wherever they stand in the line.  These youngsters themselves are our future exhibitors and future judges, and it is key for us to ensure they get the etiquette right and that we as judges transfer our enthusiasm and knowledge.”

Also amongst the female livestock judges are three key British livestock breeders.  Fiona Wight, a pedigree Suffolk sheep and Charolais cattle breeder, of Carwood Farm, Lanarkshire is judging both the MV and Non MV Suffolk sheep, as well as any other native breeds.  Kay Adam, is a renowned Charolais and Red and Black Limousin breeder of Newhouse of Glamis, Angus, and is judging the cattle classes.  Marion Tilson, of Wedderlie Farm, Berwickshire, the notable breeder of Aberdeen Angus cattle as well as Welsh Ponies, will judge the Champion of Champions. 

In the equine section, taking the reins in the showjumping classes are local ladies, Hannah Coxon and Roberta Riddell.  A keen equestrian in a variety of disciplines, Roberta said:  “It is a privilege to have been invited to be part of such a wonderful local event and it’s great to see so many iconic rural ladies involved with the show.  It’s fantastic to have been asked to be part of it.

“I look forward to judging the showjumping classes, alongside Hannah, as I know that they will be very popular and, as always, very highly competitive!”

The Glendale Agricultural Society’s (GAS) red letter day is one for all the family, where the main ring is packed with entertainment.  In addition, there are marquees crammed with art, crafts, displays, floral arrangements, baking, and over 200 trade stands to peruse.

Heading the female team that organises the Glendale Show is Rachael Tait who said:  “We have a fantastic line up of attractions for this year’s show however, without a doubt the line up of lady judges is going to be a huge attraction. 

“Women have always played a crucial role in rural communities, and I’m delighted that we have the chance to celebrate some of our remarkable women.” 

Following the flagship show at the end of August, the crucial contribution of women will continue to be spotlighted at the GAS Autumn Ladies Lunch, and by the Ladies Choir, singing at the harvest thanksgiving service. 

Wooler-based Glendale PR and Marketing is sponsoring the first Rural Heroine of Glendale competition, with the winner to be announced at the show.  The contest is open to women of all ages living in the Glendale area who have made their mark on the rural community. 

For further details about the Glendale Show or how to join as a member please contact the Glendale Agricultural Society on 01668 283 868 or email info@glendaleshow.com.  Further information can be found on – www.glendaleshow.com. 

-ENDS –

Media Contact: Glendale PR & Marketing, T: 01668 283 044 E: info@glendalpr.co.uk