The weather was kind, the crowds came, and Kings Bromley had another great Show
First thing in the morning eager exhibitors arrived with their entries for the various classes.
The excitement begins to build as the competitive marquee fills with exhibits.
There are plenty of sections to choose from:
Art
Cookery
Crafts
Floral Art for the children
Horticultural classes covering Flowers, Fruit, Vegetables and Under 18 classes
Photography
Woodwork
and Young Crafts
Each entry is carefully put in place by a steward, here in the Art Section 
Other entries are checked over by exhibitors in the Photography Section, perhaps keen to see what the opposition is like.
Then the business of judging gets under way in each Section and
prize winners are decided upon
Once all the judging has finished the competitive marquee is opened to visitors, so they can appreciate the skills of the exhibitors, and to see who has won what.
By this time, the Horse Section has been running since 9.30 and all the Refreshment, Trade, Craft and Non-commercial stands had been open since 10 am.
The Thatcher was making bird houses for some very up-market birds.
The Leatherworker was making Viking-style leatherwork
And the Police were making friends
There were free outdoor games for all ages in the main ring, which was shared with the Leicester Tigers Rugby Club with their training session for youngsters.
The "Kings Bromley Open" Tug of War contest was also taking place in a separate arena, and there was a clean sweep for the TVV Versieck team from Belgium.
TVV Versieck with Shawn and JE Maxon having been presented with the Maxon Trophy. An American family who have made their home here for the past few years, the Maxons will leave a permanent reminder of their time here in Kings Bromley when they return to the USA.
TVV Versieck with Georgina Lee, having been presented with the Charlotte Lee Trophy. Both these superb silver trophies will take a short holiday in Bruges before returning in time for next year's Kings Bromley Open, courtesy of Holland Park Sports Club at Barton under Needwood.
After the main "pulls" had taken place, the children had their turn (with a lighter rope). This proved so popular that children crowded round and queued up for a chance to have a go. Several teams were made up on the spot but as far as the village children were concerned the 'main event' was the Kings Bromley Girls vs Kings Bromley Boys pull. This was won - with much very noisy excitement - by KINGS BROMLEY GIRLS!!!!
By popular demand, the Sheep Show made another appearance at Kings Bromley Show.
Their performances were just as well attended as last time they appeared here, and the Show had lost none of its charm.
The Caldon Canal Stompers provided music all afternoon
Children's entertainer Chester Mazing the Clown was mixing with the crowds around the Showground when he wasn't performing his Magic Circus Show,or leading the Children's Fancy Dress Parade.
There were lots of other things to keep young visitors happy including Dream Pony rides and travel of a different sort on Mr Bowen's Steam Traction Engine, even though it sometimes needed a bit of a tweak!
As far as animals were concerned, the Four-legged Friends Show was packed with animals including ferrets, llamas, dog display team, a dog show, alpacas, horses and ponies.
The crowds gathered for the main ring entertainments and the Cheshire Dog Display Team, the Black Rock Llama Display Team and Horses in Harmony did not disappoint. Each performed twice and drew large crowds on both occasions. 
The Cheshire Dog Display Team provided a great deal of interest by having the ring so full of dogs and their handlers that everyone could have a close-up view of some of the training.
Their commentator explained that the most important thing for training dogs for domestic or show purposes was always the same. The trainer and dogs must find the training fun, with lots of praise from the handler.
When it came to the displays, it was obvious that the dogs really enjoyed what they were doing and were keen to please their handlers. 
And that the dogs trusted their handlers completely
Then the audience prepared to help out with the llama relay races from the Black Rock Llama Display Team
The Llyn Peninsular in Wales is now a home from home for these charming animals from the mountains of South America.
These strange but gentle creatures were very amenable to being lead through an agility course, and were extremely nimble as they delicately twisted, turned and jumped.
As can be seen here, they are trained with their handlers wearing the highly coloured ponchos and sombreros donned by the new "handlers" from the audience, so although they wear a constantly startled expression, they were not at all phased by the sight - but one wonders what these rather superior-looking animals were thinking!
Horses in Harmony provided a brilliant display of dressage to music from two highy trained stallions. Unfortunately there are no photographs of the two horses and riders which performed so wonderfully at our Show but these were the horses we saw on the day - Pinetops and Truigeros.
At Kings Bromley Show, the riders wore traditional Portuguese riding habits, and the horses were tacked in the same style. Lusitano stallions were specially bred for bullfighting.
Pinetops is a 16.2 hh crossbred stallion 3/4 shire and 1/4 Arab.
Truigeros is a 9 year old 16.1 hh purebred Lusitano stallion and displayed the speed, agility and proud bearing of his breed.
Their little mascot Willoughby the Shetland pony provided the aaah factor!
The living history display from the Svartland Vikings proved popular with visitors and Vikings alike.
Svartland Vikings provided a great deal of interest with their encampment and craft workers. A leatherworker, wood carver and braider were busy all day when not talking to visitors.
Viking battle gear was in use at different times throughout the day in the combat area, demonstrating the more war-like side of Viking life.
Of course this was only a sample of all the different things to see and do at the 2011 Kings Bromley Show, so if you missed it all - better luck next year.
At the end of a long day, the crowds gradually went home tired but happy after a day full of interest, fun, and above all, great value for money.....
.....hopefully, many will return next year on Saturday 28th July
for another helping of Kings Bromley Showday. |
