Despite a very gloomy weather forecast for the Saturday, the really Great Aycliffe Show lived up to its name once again this year, with breath-taking shows of freestyle motocross featuring Bold Dog Lings, lots of duck antics with Drakes of Hazard, fast action packed lurcher racing and speedy, graceful flying displays by Ridgeside birds of prey.
The sun shone brightly on Sunday and visitors from Aycliffe and beyond enjoyed a great day of mostly free entertainment.
The community really came together this year with over 800 entries into the handcraft and horticulture exhibition of intricate crochet and embroidery, painting and photography, mouth-watering home produce and astonishingly long leeks, carrots and, of course, beautiful flowers that were a credit to the gardeners. The knitting judge told us that she really had to search for any minor faults, so that she could find the winners. Deco Trophies and Engraving and Gregg Little Testing Centre continued their sponsorship of the Handcraft and Horticulture Exhibition. There were increased entries in the Pigeon Show with 150 entries, and the new Poultry Show attracted almost 500 entries, and much interest from visitors to the Show.
The Environment marquee was a huge success with all ages; amongst all things environmental was Krafty Kritters who had brought a range of creatures for display including a boa snake, tortoises and hamsters.
Aycliffe Dance Academy and KDANZ were two of the dance troupes who performed in the playhouse marquee along with professional artistes 4th Dimension and Martyn James, with enthusiastic support from the audience. Other local acts performing were Ruby Arnold, Lost in the Crowd, Rebecca Harcus and Professor Nincompoop.
The football tournament, sponsored by Cooperative Funeralcare, was fully supported agin this year with the under 9’s being an ‘all Bishop Auckland’ Final with Kings beating Aces on Penalties. In the under 10 Final Redby CA from Sunderland beat Newcastle City Juniors 3-0.
The Golf Tournament was sponsored by Bewick and Neville Pharmacies. Bryan Bovil thanked the Council for staging the Tournament and Bewick and Neville Pharmacies for their sponsorship when he was presented with his trophy for golf.
There was a touch of nostalgia in the air, with Vintage Vehicles proving to be a big attraction – a state trooper vehicle and a vintage caravan were great photograph opportunities, along with a variety of beautiful old saloons.
Local organisations including Greenfield Arts, One Point and Newton Aycliffe Youth Centre all had interactive stands that were very popular with the crowds eager to ‘have a go’.
The Town Council would like to thank all those who took part in the Show, whether it was to staff a stand or enter one of the many competitions, and particularly the sponsors, Aycliffe Caravans, Cooperative Funeralcare, Deco Trophies and Engraving, Newton Press, Gregg Little Testing Centre, Neville and Bewick Pharmacies and SS Seeds, the Show would not be possible if it was not for your support.
