Blaston show day

This time last week I was at the Blaston Show.....held between the Leicestershire villages of Blaston and Slawston. 

The show celebrates traditional country life - it's the fifty fifth time the event has been held and there was lots to see and do. Early morning rain made everyone cautious....but we needn't have worried.

There was a full range of cattle showing classes.....

Sheep were shown and shorn ....

Goats were on display plus lots of horses - both in the showjumping ring and with hounds...here's the local Fernie Hunt in action parading around the ring....

The Fernie Hunt dates back to 1853 and is the only one of five Leicestershire Hunts to be contained entirely in the county.

The Westerby Bassetts also performed in the main ring ...they used to hunt for hares pre 2004....now the bassett hounds follow a trail.

But the show wasn't just about animals...there was a vintage car rally too. A succession of classic cars with character swept into the showground - I fell in love with this one.The owner had a lucky escape, I felt like diving into the car , demanding he take me for a drive....

  And here's Brett (in the bowler) Marshall, who made sure everything happened  how it should and when it should in the Main Ring....

But there were even bigger toys for the boys on display too....

Yes there were trade stands, terrier racing and rural crafts too....

All in all, a lovely interesting day out with lots to do and see.... to catch up with lots of old friends who I didn't expect to see there. It really is the friendliest, and laid back of shows. Here's to next year's....

Today's track is from the wonderful Fairport Convention with Sandy Denny singing "Come all ye". An uplifting song, to match a lovely day out.