The season of country shows is upon us again. A chance to see and experience traditional country living, rubbing shoulders with more modern pursuits. Our local show is the Bath and West.
I am a great advocate of traditional country skills. Any opportunity to see ploughing or hedge laying, and I am there. I love talking to the enthusiasts who either earn their living or spend their weekends making sure that these skills are handed on to the next generation.
Needless to say, last week we went to the Bath and West.
We always make a bee line for the livestock area, but this time, with one of the dogs in our party, we were more restricted. There is so much else to see, that it really wasn’t a problem.
The show has so many different areas. There is the food halls, horse events, village green with its blacksmithing, to name a few. Of course there is the fun fair and retail therapy stalls. Farming exhibitions to enjoy, and the very amusing sheep show was there again this year.
Lots to do and see.
The children were very impressed by their father’s axe throwing skills and have high hopes that this will prove exceptionally useful if we ever get attacked by zombies. He hit the targets each time.
On to the hedge laying. Did you know that each county or region has a distinct different way of hedge laying?
There was a brilliant hedge laying exhibit, this year. The championship is being held near us, so we will try and go along to it in October.
The bee and honey tent is always a treat. I’m still dreaming of having bees.
Eldest was dreaming of bringing home a couple of hens this year, to add to our flock. (Tick. A couple of young hens in the box)
A couple of cream legbars to add to the mix. These girls will be blue egg layers. Eventually. Still too young.
The children love the show and I know next year they will be begging to go again. Just as they have last year and the year before. I don’t blame them.
Joining in with the lovely Fiona’s #CountryKids linky. Finally met Fiona at the #BlogCampBristol event yesterday. She really is as nice in real life. Great to meet so many wonderful bloggers.
We made it to a country show for the first time in London of all places this year. I am still suspicious that it wasn’t entirely a *real* country show, and you certainly couldn’t buy chickens, but the main highlights seem the same. How reassuring! And they are good, aren’t they!
Country shows are great. I like the idea that they happen in London as well.
Oh how lucky! I so love the Bath & West and we were also planning on bringing home some chickens from there this year after coming close last year but we couldn’t get there in the end. I used to go every year as a child. Your hens look lovely. With you on the honey tent and wanting bees. I keep trying to convince my other half! #countrykids
Bees really are our next stage. The show is great. I can see this being something that my chidren will remember doing each year.
I do love the country Shows, so much fun and so many new and original things to do and buy. The Axe throwing looks so cool and how lovely to be adding to your hens and looking forward to blue eggs. My kids were at the Royal Cornwall yesterday and I went on thursday, always a fun day out. Great to finally meet the face behind the blog yesterday! I hope I get a chance to catch up again on another occasion. Thank you for joining me for Country Kids.
I love how there is something for everyone at the shows. And then its gone. Until next year. Lovely to meet you at last. I’m planning to go along to more of these events, so hopefully will catch up.
Oh what a fabulous outing… so much to see and learn about… I have to find out more about hedges now, we have nothing like that over here!!! Hope your weekend has been a fantastic one!!!
Expect a post about hedge laying around October from me. They offer courses around here to learn how to do it. It’s always fascinating to be driving around and come across someone working their way along a hedge. Usually takes days to do each stretch. Always with a dog that’s sheltering in the car when it rains.
I don’t blame them either, it looks like a fabulous place to visit.
It was a great outing.
Looks like a great day out – and love your dog (lurcher or wolfhound?). We almost always go to the Berkshire County show which I’m sure is similar but I’ve never seen any axe throwing stand!
First time we’ve seen an axe throwing stand, too. They seem to have expanded that area. The hound is a Deerhound. She slept well after her outing.
Hi there,
I was just checking some old posts on my blog to find out when I made elderflower cordial in previous years and found your comment and so came over for a look. I’m glad that I did it’s nice to find your lovely blog. This looks like fun. We’ve only got to the Spring Greens Fair so far this year but look forward to hopefully checking out lots more.
We’re planning to get chickens too and already have the hen house and run. We’re new to it so I’ll be checking here to learn more and maybe pick your brains a bit if that’s ok.
deb
Glad you dropped by, and hope you enjoy your elderflower cordial.
whoops, I forgot to leave my website link so you can see who I am…
silly me…
d
We have the same dream! I also want beehive! Its my dream since I arrive here and I… I just really want to help mother nature and I love bees and blooms!
I dream of it at night! Its so nice to meet someone with the same dream. I am not weird after all!
This is such a nice fun trip! #countrykids
There are a lot of us around. Really! I’ve been on a one day course and plan to go on a more in depth course over the winter. Sometimes think I should just go for it. We’ll see. Always nice to meet another bee enthusiast.