This page provides background information about shows. Click for specific details of the Liskeard Show.
Agricultural shows started off as providing an opportunity for farmers to compare livestock and produce in a genial and mildly competitive way. Then they developed, bit by bit. If father is going to be out all day winning prizes for Daisy then why not have a beer tent and pasty shop to keep him happy at lunchtime? Why not provide a cup of tea and a chance to swap cake recipes for mother? Well - the kids need something to do, so lets have a funfair. And we might be able to sell a new tractor or trailer, or dog-basket, or just hot dogs.
The original aim was to keep a check on genetic modification. Not GM by 21st century methods of laboratory manipulation of genes, but GM by the gradual improvement of the good characteristics of livestock (and fruit, flowers and vegetables) by careful breeding: sheep with longer wool; cows with creamier milk; tomatoes that ripen earlier, or taste better; roses that resist fungal attack.
A show enables quality stock to be observed by expert eyes. Not just by the scrutiny of a specialist judge, but by other entrants and those who are thinking of buying, or selling. And why not by you, and others anxious to learn a little more? A show is a great place to find out how things can be done and to exchange ideas on "best practice".
Whilst many aspects of a show are of an agricultural or rural nature you can participate even if you do not have your own farmyard. Come and see! Come and ask questions! Friendly folk are always ready to give knowledgeable answers.
Come and enter a competition! You don't have to have an Aga to bake a good cake; you don't always have to grow your own flowers to use in an arrangement; maybe you have the friendliest dog; and surely anyone can enter a photographic competition these days.
The competitions are divided into sections, these are sub divided into classes.
The full details are described in a schedule. In 2002, in the Domestic Section,
Class 59 was for a photo not exceeding 7x5 inches, mounted on card, not shown
at the Liskeard Show before, depicting "A family occasion". Class 76 was for
6-8 year olds, and for a model made from cylinders (picture, below). An annual
favourite for children is "an animal made from fruit and vegetables". Schedules
are available well beforehand, and contain instructions (and cake recipes) and
entry forms. They change a little from year-to-year, but in general everything is similar each year. Catalogues are available on show day. They list the names of all entrants.
Indoor entries (under canvas), such as the cooking and flowers, can usually be set-up (or staged, to use the showing term) on the previous evening, or until 9.30 on the day of the show (check in the schedule). After that time the judges are left alone, for a while, to make their scrutiny. By mid morning the tent flaps are opened and members of the public browse round and compare their own opinions with those of the judges. Entrants rush around looking for prize tickets, then collect their prize money, or else they seek commiserations and resolve to do better next year.
The cost of making an entry is modest, usually just 10p in the domestic sections. Competitors do not enter with intent to make a fortune. First prize for the best Bakewell Tart, last year, was £1. Entry fees are more costly, and prizes more valuable, in the classes for sheep, horses, and cattle.
Larger animals are brought early on show-day. They have a final coat-brush and hoof-polish, and are allowed to graze until their class is due in the show-ring.
So that everyone can see them, all the entries are required to be left on display until late afternoon.
The organization required to manage the entries, the prizes and cups, and stewards and judges, is tremendous. There are 95 different classes in the poultry section alone, and the descriptions of the classes for the horses cover page after page in the schedule. It all works out well on the day!
A tent full of hens (with some noisy cockerels too), or the sight of a heavy dray horse being lead around the main ring in full jingling ceremonial brasswork, are experiences to savour - at least once in a lifetime. And if interest in competition wanes there are merry-go-rounds, burger-bars, and at least one stall where a talkative fellow keeps an audience spellbound, as he demonstrates some kitchen gadget that is not available in the shops, but which does absolutely everything except the washing-up.
The Liskeard Show Committee, all volunteers, know what showing is all about, and what makes a successful show tick. And they make sure it goes like clockwork. With the help of other local voluntary organizations, and the support of stallholders and tradesmen, they will ensure that the high standards of the previous 104 shows will be maintained in 2008: the 105th Liskeard Show. Some of them have been working in the evenings and weekends for the past twelve months to provide you with an enjoyable experience! Come and savour the atmosphere! There are many shows in the South West to choose from throughout the year - but we think the Liskeard Show is the best!
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