GOATS are returning to an historic dale agricultural show after an absence of 16 years.
Eggleston Show committee announced this month there will be at three new classes for bovidae, possibly more, included in this year’s schedule.
Show secretary Alan Gent said: “We used to have goats years ago. The last time was in 2004.
“There seems to be more of a demand and there are other shows such as Wolsingham, which are doing really well with goat classes.
“It’s like a lot of things, they go in cycles. You only have to look at the craft classes.
“Five years ago there were hardly any entries in the weaving, but now we are stowed out with them, which is great.”
He added although the committee was stretched, feedback from last year’s show, which saw bumper entries and a greater number of visitors at their new location at Hayberries Farm, near Mickleton, has revived interest in the show.
He said: “Last year we had a phenomenal year and the number of people attending was fantastic.
“We had lots of positive feedback about how great moving everything in to the one field has been great and the weather was a real bonus.”
He added: “Angela Shut has joined the committee now and she said she would like to run classes for the goats.
“She has really got going with it and has already got a judge lined up.”
The new goats section will feature classes for white, coloured and pygmy goats though these may be split up further, depending on demand.
Mr Gent added: “For the goats we already have the pens for them from before and we will extend the cattle tent and put them inside with them so we have everything that is required. Now it’s just down to the competitors to enter.”
Goats are not the only new classes to be added to this year’s schedule.
In the equine section, veteran horses are to be given their own category with a class, open to any breed aged over 15 years.
Mr Gent added: “We’re still working on that and we hope to have everything done by the time we get the schedule ready to go out in April.”
Another new addition is a tradesmen driving class.
Mr Gent added: “This will be for commercial style traps or carriages like they used to have years ago – butcher’s carts and the like.”
He added the new class reminded him of his uncle, Roy Walton, from Romaldkirk, who was a butcher.
He said: “He was well known in the area and did all of his deliveries with his horse and cart.
“He was one of the reasons I involved with the show committee in the first place. So it’s going to be nice to see the commercial traps.”
Mr Gent added planning for this year’s show, which will be held on Saturday, September 19, started in November and there is still lots to get done, but if interest remains as high it should be a bumper show.
