2024 COUNTY SHOW HAD SOMETHING FOR ALL TASTES AND INTERESTS

With some of the best weather of the Summer so far, crowds flocked to this year’s Isle of Wight County Show at Northwood. There really was something for all tastes and interests. Animals played a big part in the various competitive classes, the dog show or show jumping. With the theme of ‘Farming Through the Ages’, the story was told of how from the start of Agriculture in this country things have evolved to the modern day with very large machines and crops being produced on a large scale. There were parades of tractors illustrating how things have changed over the years and the wooded area with arts and crafts of the woodland was popular. Food and drink produced on the Island was highlighted with many Island producers having stands. The ever-popular Mermaid brands and Caffe Isola were among those showcasing their wares. Island-produced fruit came in the form of cherries from Godshill Orchards, whose punnets were sold out by the end of the show. Trade stands and food/drink and ice cream outlets had long queues for most of the 2 days and the funfair and games were kept busy. There was music, art and even a beach encouraging people to visit and support the Appley Tower scheme. At the closing ceremony, Lord-Lieutenant Susie Sheldon said that she wanted to congratulate the volunteers, led by Graham Biss, for putting on an excellent show. Every year there is a competition for the section of the show which has made the most improvement. The 2024 winner was the Village Green section which was presented with the President’s Cup.