Change of venue draws crowds (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Change of venue draws crowds

10:09am Monday 25th July 2011 in News By Graeme Hetherington

DESPITE a change of venue, this year’s Cleveland Show proved as popular as ever.

Thousands turned out at Prissick Sports Base on Saturday to enjoy a day of fun and agriculture.

The crowds were entertained by a bird of prey display and a stunt show by teenager Aaron Stannage, while his father, Mark, took the plunge jumping from a 50ft tower after setting fire to himself.

Cleveland Police Brass Band performed throughout the day, while mounted police officers and fire crews were on hand to meet the public and tell them about their work.

Event organisers were forced to find a new venue while Middlesbrough Council carries out a multi-million-pound revamp of Stewart Park, but the change of venue went without a hitch.

Show secretary Valerie Thomson said: “It was a really good day and the weather certainly helped bring the people out.

“Entry levels in all classes were good and everybody seems to have enjoyed the temporary venue.

Obviously, we had a few minor niggles, but nothing serious and the day ran smoothly.

“I would like to thank everyone who helped out, especially Middlesbrough Council for providing the venue.

Hopefully, we will be back at Stewart Park next year and the event will continue to grow.”

The sunny weather certainly helped to keep the showfield busy throughout the day with young and old enjoying the event.

Julie Taylor, who was at the show with her two children, seven-year-old Shannon and five-year-old Luci, said: “We’ve had a great day, the kids really enjoyed being able to get close to all of the birds of prey and loved seeing the birds flying about.”

Martin Surtees won the Captain J Cook Bicentennial Trophy for champion of champions in the horse section.

While the Collingwood Supreme Championship Perpetual Trophy for the best animal shown in the dairy class went to D Alderson, who also picked up the Hemble Trophy for gaining the most points in the Holstein UK section.

The inter breed championship in the sheep section went to Ian Wilson, of A&R Wilson, at Hall Farm, Nunthorpe.