My first experience of a real agricultural show was memorable. A very hot and humid August Bank Holiday Monday was my chance to see the Aylsham Agricultural Show, a proper farming event for the local community held in Blickling Park.Needless to say, the animals stole the show. Showjumping, donkey rides for children and alpacas you could take for a walk around the showground drew the crowds. But my favourites were the cattle, sheep and goats in pens waiting to be led around a ring to be judged by experts. Goats seem to think their main aim in life is to head butt any other goat that catches their eye. I've had colleagues like that. I never knew how many different breeds of sheep there are -- some have ginger wool, some have rabbit-like ears, all look pretty stupid. I'm told the disadvantage of being a sheep farmer is that sheep spend most of their lives figuring out how to die.
The cattle are huge and beautiful and clearly love having a fuss made of them. In the picture at the top of the blog, you can't quite see the lady standing at the rear of this bull, washing its bottom and brushing it with a curry comb. Not a job I'd volunteer for. The animals walk fairly placidly round the ring, being led by their handlers. But once they return to the pens, cooperation is over. I saw three large men pushing with all their might to get a cow to move a few inches. Then, with a sigh, she lifted one foot and shifted her weight to the other side, just about making room for a neighbouring cow to get in alongside.
All the usual fairground attractions were there -- daredevil motorcycle riders, dog display teams, parachutists and even a chainsaw sculptor. The local community were out in force, spending money at the trade stands and overflowing the beer tent.
It only lasts one day, and then September is here, children are back at school and coach parties reappear to enjoy the treasures of Blickling. And we start to plan for our next big event, Halloween.
