A Brief History of Yealmpton Show

By

W.R. German

YEALMPTON SHOW 130 YEARS

The Beginnings

In 1874 a group of farmers from Yealmpton and surrounding districts got together to promote the first Show of agricultural livestock. There was one class for South Devon Cattle, two classes for sheep and the Show attracted 28 entries. In addition there were three sheep shearing classes with 13 entries and a sweepstake. Prize money of 7s.6d. for the first prize, 5s.Od. for second prize and 2s.6d. for third prize were awarded.

Encouraged by the success of the first Show, a second was held in 1875 with four classes for cattle, six for sheep and two for pigs. These attracted a total of 81 entries.

By then the Show had already become sufficiently sophisticated to have a printed catalogue of entries, the cost of which was subsidised by advertisements for local hostelries and farm implement suppliers. A copy of this catalogue and others up to 1886 have been retained by the Show Association and are an accurate record of the history and progress in the early days.

Horses were introduced to the Show in 1877 with classes for hacks, hunters and carthorses and by 1880 there were in all 18 classes. 1886 saw the inclusion of dairy produce when cream and butter were exhibited.

With no radio, television or cinema in those early years, it is understandable that the agricultural community would seek some form of relaxation and reason to meet together bearing in mind the Spartan conditions and facilities available to them.

The Middle Years

Unfortunately, records have not been found for the early part of the 20th century but by 1935 Yealmpton Show was still essentially an agricultural event with 44 livestock classes and 11 produce classes for which 282 entries were made. There is a record of five committee members in 1877 and by 1935 this had grown to sixty, practically all of which were farmers with some agricultural businessmen and Yealmpton village artisans.

On the outbreak of World War Two no Show was held but in spite of the austerity of those times abridged versions were held in 1943, 1944 and 1945 as charitable events in aid of the British Red Cross.

The 21stSCentury

In 1988 Yealmpton Show moved from its traditional site east of the village to its present location on the beautiful parklands of Kitley where it is hosted by the Show President, Mrs. Jose Bastard. ‘This picturesque site seems purpose made with a natural amphitheatre for the four main show rings. The committee has grown to 110 with approximately 50 additional helpers and popularity of the Show draws crowds of up to 10,000 people from the surrounding area, Plymouth, the South Hams and holidaymakers, many of which return year after year to enjoy Yealmpton’s unique atmosphere and meet old friends.

As well as 50 classes for horses including the attractive driving classes, there are 124 classes for cattle, sheep and goats of numerous breeds and donkeys. There is a large section for home craft, floral art and horticulture and a feature of the Show is its trades section, which attracts over 100 entries and creates enormous interest in the avenues and marquees.

There are numerous points of interest all over the Showground which include a dog show, a pets section, a countryside exhibit and vintage machinery. Each year the organisers arrange for special attractions, for example a spectacular air display in 2003. The feature of the 2004 Show is The Mega Mini Stunt Show, the largest touring group in the UK and TV commentator for “One Man and His Dog”, Gus Dermody with his sheep dogs, Herdwick sheep, ducks or geese as well as other regular main ring events. Throughout the day the public are assured of plenty to interest them.

Come along on the last Wednesday in July. You will not be disappointed. A comment made to traffic stewards through the car windows of those leaving for home is “thank you for a lovely day”.