Show has double reason to celebrate countryside way of life (From Stroud News and Journal)

Show has double reason to celebrate countryside way of life

CROWDS basked in the sunshine and enjoyed the sights and sounds of rural life at this year's Stroud Country Show.

Hundreds flocked to Stratford Park for an event that has gone from strength to strength since it was cancelled during the dark days of the foot-and-mouth crisis in 2001.

The event also celebrated the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, and began in style with the original winner of Miss Wings for Victory 1945, Margaret Brinkworth, riding to the show in an open carriage.

The theme was continued with special prizes for flower arrangements and children's posters marking the anniversary. Meanwhile, families browsed the stalls and enthusiastically licked their ice-creams while children wondered at the rare sheep, cows and poultry on display.

Daniel Stone, 20, watched his dad Robin give a display of sheep-shearing.

"People love this countryside stuff," he said. "A lot of the country trades are dying out so it is nice to see everyone enjoying them.

"It is a good day out for all the family - I think the weather helps too." Sandra Hardy, 60, from Derbyshire, came to the show with Stroud pals Stuart Gregory, 70 and his wife Elizabeth, 69.

"It is a traditional country show and I love traditional things," she said. "It epitomises English country life and this is such a lovely setting."

Organised by a dedicated committee of volunteers, Saturday's show also provided local groups and charities with a chance to drum up much-needed support, including the Stroud Sea Cadets and Teckels animal shelter.

Staff from Stratford Park Leisure Centre joined in the fundraising with a five-hour charity aerobathon, which raised over £200.

Centre manager Andrew Bunn said: "It is important to the people of Stroud that we have days like this - there should be more of them.

"It brings everybody together." Other attractions included classic farm tractors, dog agility, a Stroud fire engine and the SNJ bouncy castle.