20 Aug 11The 58th Brompton Regis Show and Gymkhana will be held on Saturday 20th August First held on August 14th 1954 and still going strong, the Brompton Regis Show continues to attract local families and people from far and wide to take part in the many events and have some good wholesome family fun!
Back in 1954, carthorses were still one of the mainstays of farming and at the early shows carthorse races were a big attraction. We can’t promise those any longer but this traditional country show has lost none of its atmosphere and welcoming charm. It continues to be run entirely by the community in order to raise funds for local charities and good causes ….. and, just as importantly, to provide a good day out for all the family. We like to think of it as a very family-friendly show.
The horse show and gymkhana are major attractions with riders and horses from a wide area competing in 35 different classes in showing, show jumping, fancy dress and the gymkhana, including special classes for Exmoor ponies. All classes have an attractive perpetual trophy and colourful rosettes to be won and competition is friendly but tough.
The dog show is one for family pets that anyone can enter on the day and, if the number of waggy tails is anything to go by, everyone enjoys it. There are several Pedigree Classes including ‘Best in Show’ and some popular Family Classes where owners can show off their dogs or the dogs can show up their owners! There will also be a dog obedience demonstration by the Minehead and District Demonstration Team to show you how it can be done - once again something that is very popular with all the family.
You can tell it’s a traditional village show from the many exhibits in the vegetable, handicraft, flower, cookery and egg shows, not to mention the home-made cakes and refreshments that are always on offer; a testimony to the commitment that the ‘locals’ feel towards their show. Some of the exhibits are truly amazing!
There is something for everyone and lots of attractions to enjoy. There are always bargains galore at the stalls selling clothes, plants, country produce, books and new/nearly new items and plenty of fun for everyone at the bottle stall, coconut shy, football challenge, display of WW2 vehicles, guess the weight of the cake, tombola, auction of pledges, show raffle and some other significant attractions that have yet to be finalised.
Children always enjoy themselves at the Show and this year will be no exception. Pupils at All Saints School in Dulverton will be painting posters to be displayed all around the local area advertising the Show and they will be entering their work in the handicraft show. Their entries are really first class! At the Show, we will have a bouncy castle, children’s foot races, face painting, guessing games, a children’s games area where they can let off steam, the Dulverton Fire tender, a parade of the West Somerset Foxhounds and we are looking to provide much more.
We are always seeking to improve the Show and to make it a positive experience for everyone, young and old, so come along and see for yourselves … you will be made to feel very welcome.
Make a note in you diary for the Brompton Regis Show and Gymkhana on Saturday 20th August starting at 10.00am at the Cricket Field, Brompton Regis (follow the signs). Entry for adults is only £1.50 and children can enter free……and it’s free parking