A FINE day and a record crowd provided the backdrop to the Dilwyn Show on bank holiday Monday May 5. The horse show attracted 180 entries. More than 350 entries were recorded in the companion dog show, both record highs for this traditional country show, always one of the first to take place each year.

This year's show took place on Chapel Fields in the heart of Dilwyn village, the first change in location since the founding of the show in 1993. The geography of the field provided a more intimate atmosphere liked by exhibitors, competitors and spectators. In addition to the usual refreshment, craft and playground attractions, children were entertained by a puppeteer and juggler, handled exotic animals brought by Animal Mania from Worcester and were given advice from Ron Wall of Leominster Hedgehog Rescue on how to provide an appropriate habitat in our gardens. Village children provided a display of maypole and traditional dancing. The Little Rumba four-piece band played throughout the afternoon, taking a break when dancers from the Aspire Dance Studio were on stage.

Over 150 vintage and classic vehicles were on display, including five iconic Bristol cars. Leominster Vintage brought their prize-winning Hop Barn display. Positioning the static farm engines adjacent to the entrance led to a greatly increased interest in these machines which pre-dated mains electricity arriving on the farm.