The team from Homeleigh Garden Centre created a “lovely jubbly” display for this year’s Launceston Show which had people asking “why do only Fools and Horses work?” Pictured doing his best Del Boy impression (centre) is owner Derek Broad.
When people think of farming, they often picture fields of cattle or sheep – not alpacas! However, these gentle, if not mischievous, creatures were the stars of the show. General manager of Alpaca Trekking Cornwall, based on Bodmin Moor, Bex Jarvis had a wealth of knowledge to share with passersby, intrigued to know more about these interesting animals. She said: “They all have very big personalities, Bilbo and Reg (who is a bit of a poser) especially. We have grown over the years, with farm experiences, our famous Valais Black Nose Sheep, a Cat Café and even meerkats - but it is the alpaca trekking that we are most well known for. We all love being able to work with these cheeky animals and this is a great opportunity to teach people more about them.”
Tori Bearham of Lewdown and her daughter Molly Bearham, seven, who had just claimed a first in the ring with pony Uphill Desert Fox
It was a family affair in the horse ring for the Bearhams who were all clutching rosettes. Cathy Pearse of Lewdown with grandson Joshua William Bearham, nine, proudly showed off Uphill Lady Jane and Uphill Calamity Jane who had come away with firsts in the Welsh Mountain Pony section. They were shortly joined by Cathy’s daughter, Tori Bearham and her daughter Molly Bearham, seven, who had just claimed their own first in the ring with Uphill Desert Fox.
Residents and staff at Launceston’s Cedar Grange Residential and Nursing Home were looking forward to a well-earned coffee in the Homeleigh tent after a morning of touring the showground
Launceston Male Voice choir showed their skills, entertaining the crowds on the music stage
Amy Osborne of Jacobstow said she was pleased to be back at her local show and has “come back with a bang” having been out of the circuit for three years due to TB. Her dairy shorthorn Tobarn Blizzard Samantha came away with a champion rosette. She also collected the reserve supreme champion rosette, something she was very pleased about. Amy said: “It is going to be full steam ahead for us now, with Woolsery, Camelford, Okehampton and Holsworthy all on the calendar. It is just so good to be back.”
It was clear to see why six year old Loki, the German Shepherd, won ‘Most Handsome’ in the fun dog show. Owners James and Bryony Rae were on holiday at the time and entered on a whim – one that paid off: “We are down from Worcestershire on holiday. We were looking for things to do and spotted the Launceston Show and thought ‘why not’.”
Sophie Neale of Launceston was beaming with pride - as was her family - after she clinched the champion rosette in the Young Handlers class. Sophie, 15, pictured with her winning Dutch spotted shearling ewe 'Tamar Valley Hatic', has been showing her sheep for four years, having made the switch from cattle. A very knowledgable Sophie told us: "We normally show shorthorn cattle but moved to sheep as they are a bit easier and I enjoy it more. I used to have some Jacobs when I was younger but after we sold some of the fatstock cattle Dad said to get these." Her father, Chris jested: "She listened for once!" Supported by an experienced farming family, Sophie's grandfather Jack Neale added: "I am a very proud grandfather today. She is a workaholic with her sheep!"
President of Launceston Show Mrs Barbara Sleep was delighted to be shown around the Floral Art tent by stewards Alison Penno and Jackie Harrison. They are pictured with one of the winning entries
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