A fitting farewell to the 20th century

President Jim Caygill, of Manor Farm, Rylstone, was delighted with the day, describing the occasion as unique.

"Everything has gone smoothly and the good weather and choice of attractions has brought in many more visitors than last year," he said.

Mr Caygill was particularly pleased by the crowd's response to an appearance by famous steeplechaser Desert Orchid, as he paraded the main ring.

He was also delighted that the equally famous Rylstone WI calendar girls had chosen Kilnsey Show as the venue to hand over a cheque to the Leukaemia Research charity for £180,000 - the sum raised through sales of their alternative WI calendar and Christmas cards.

Attending the presentation was BBC TV's Look North presenter, Harry Gration.

This year's show was very much one for the locals, with familiar faces taking home much of the silverware.

However, but for a woman's prerogative of changing her mind, the Upper Wharfedale NFU cup for Supreme Sheep could quite easily have ended up on a different sideboard.

Winner Sandra Ireton, of Ingleton, who won with her shearling Suffolk ram Cairness Lochnagold, very nearly bought a three-piece-suite last year instead of "Beast" - her affectionate term for the multi prizewinner.

The ram has recently won inter-breed champion at Cartmell, and reserve at Kirkby Lonsdale and Burton shows.

The newly introduced Three Show Dairy Cattle Championship, sponsored by MD Foods plc, was a close fought battle, with Robert Butterfield, of Linghaw Farm, Bentham, narrowly taking the honours from Jimmy Fitton, of Newton Grange, Gargrave. A creditable third place went to Newton Hall Farms, also of Gargrave.

Mr Butterfield described his win as "grand" and said he would be back next year to defend his title.

The championship succeeded in encouraging dairy entrants to take part in qualifying classes at Gargrave, Malham and Kilnsey shows.

It had been 25 years since Jimmy Fitton had shown his prizewinning Ayrshires at Kilnsey and he was rewarded when Newton Farm Royal Chubby 2nd was crowned Champion Ayrshire.

Champion Holstein and Supreme Dairy Champion went to Robert Butterfield's Ingleview Buttergirl 160th.

John Bradley, of Pen-y-Ghent, maintained his winning formula among a high entry of sheep by picking up the Holdsworth Trophy for the most points overall in the sheep and cattle sections. He also won best single Swaledale.

Fierce competitoin in the heavy horses categories saw Steeton's George Emmott galloping away with the Peter Clarke Autos Trophy for best animal, with his yearling filly, Currerwood Emerald.

As ever the show jumping, attracted a high number of entries and an equally high number of onlookers.

The sports events were also eagerly awaited, the going under foot being easier than last year's quagmire conditions. The events were made all the more entertaining when accompanied by the inimitable commentary of Roger Ingham.

The one mile handicap race saw a thrilling finish after last year's third placed international athlete, Mick Hawkins, pipped another international runner, Hellifield's Sarah Dugdale, at the post.

Mick also came second in the 440 yards flat race handicap.

Ian Holmes, fresh from the world's toughest mountain race in Borneo, took the open crag title. Hard on his heels was first local Stephen Hawkins, of Grassington, followed by Leeds' Robert Hope.

Entries were thought to be down slightly in the horticultural section, and once again the blame was laid on the temperamental weather during the summer. However, standards were are high as ever and made for difficult judging.

Not surprisingly, one of the busiest marquees was the produce tent, displaying the skills of the area's best bakers and preserve makers. Complementing the entries was a large section of children's exhibits of equally high standard.

Stick dreser G Flintoft was once again praised for his skill in crafting walking sticks. He walked away with no less than five first prizes as well as getting the Erley Products and Acorn Wireworks Cup for the best exhibit overall. He was also honoured with reserve in the same class.

Musical accompaniment was provided by the musicians of the Lofthouse Middlesmoor Brass Band who played a variety of family favourites.

Food and ice cream stalls reported a roaring trade and there were plenty of youngsters around to take advantage of the many side shows.

Many agricultural stands supported the show once again, though some reported that interest was slower than in previous years

One stand which has noticed an increase in inquiries lately is the Samritans. Amy, a volunteer with the service, said the problems farmers were currently facing made it particularly important that there was somewhere they could go to talk. She said many were picking up leaflets from the stand and receiving a sympathetic ear from the helpers.

But those who were feeling the effects of the current crisis were certainly not showing it and were determined to put their troubles behind them, at least for one day.

Summing up, Mr Caygill said the organisers could be proud of the day and congratulated them on all their hard work.

"The atmosphere at Kilnsey has been wonderful and I'm sure everyone has throughly enjoyed themselves.

"The hard work done by the organisers and helpers has helped to make the day a successful one and the unique attractions has offered a fitting farewell to the 20th Century."

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