Thousands of people are expected to visit Glendale Show once again this summer. Iain Laing takes a look at the preparations for what has become the biggest event in north Northumberland’s rural calendar for more than a century
THE Glendale Agricultural Society is one of the smallest agricultural societies in the UK and unlike most agricultural societies it does not own its own showground.
But with a strong voluntary management team, two secretaries and an enthusiastic and dynamic committee, it is certainly one of the most progressive.
Most people will recognise the main work of this 119-year-old society as organiser of the annual Glendale Show, held just outside Wooler every Bank Holiday Monday in August.
However, its work is very much more than this. Its ethos is very firmly dedicated to maintaining the profile and presence of farming and country life in rural north Northumberland.
The endeavours of the society are evolving and in addition to ensuring that the Glendale Show happens each year, it also ensures that it educates people about farming, traditional skills and rural life and that it offers its members and the people of Glendale opportunities to meet and socialise.
This it achieves through organising events such as its hugely successful children’s countryside day, its annual stock-judging competition, sheepdog trial, quiz night and social evenings.
The Glendale Show is north Northumberland’s largest rural event. It may have taken place for more than 100 years but it is very much of the 21st Century. It attracts 15,000 visitors and more than 200 stands – it’s a true rural showcase.
Today the traditional breeds of sheep such as a Blackface and Cheviots are presented alongside popular European breeds such as Zwartbles.
The horticultural and industrial section is always one of the highlights of the show and in recent years the society is delighted it is seeing more and more new competitors showing their produce, baking and handicrafts.
Traditional methods are judged alongside more modern methods. For example, there are homemade bread loaf classes and machine-made bread loaf classes, and this year the speciality baking class is truly cosmopolitan, with a beetroot and chocolate cake class.
