Rydal Hound Show
Excitement is building for the 106th Vale of Rydal Hound Show
Claire Logan-Stephens
Preparations are well under way for the 106Vale of Rydal Hound Show which will be held on Thursday 13th August 2009 in the breathtaking Lakeland setting of Rydal Park. With the cancellation of the 2008 Show due to the field being waterlogged and the cancellation of the 2009 Lowther Country Fair, the Committee and Supporters of the Show are looking forward to Rydal even more than ever and have all their fingers and toes crossed for a bright sunny day. We are looking forward to keeping up the traditions of Rydal once again with a friendly welcome and relaxed atmosphere.
The first Vale of Rydal Sheepdog Trials and Hound Show were held in the spectacular Rydal Park on 13th June 1901. It was started by a committee of 15 local residents and farmers under the patronage of Stanley le Fleming, the then owner of Rydal Estates. Today the Committee still consists of farmers and hunting enthusiasts, who commit hours of support on a voluntary basis. One Committee member, Harry Allen, who is retiring this year, has given 46 years to the Show. The Committee are very grateful to Harry for all his hard work and wish him and his wife a happy and healthy retirement. The Show to this day, retains its authentic ‘country ‘ traditions and attracts visitors from all over the Country who enjoy a full day of events. Old friendships are rekindled and the experts really appreciate the fact that the Show continues to attract the highest standard of entries.
We have recently launched our own website www.rydalshow.co.uk, which features further information on all the foxhound, harrier and beagle classes as well as details of the Sheepdog Trials. There is also information on the Show judges, historical facts and some amusing black and white photos. There are links to hotel, Guest House and B&B if you are looking for somewhere to stay and lots of other useful information to help make your Rydal Visit a most enjoyable occasion. Please sign up to our enewsletter which will be sent out twice a year so that we can keep you up to date with our news.
Rydal Park is approximately a mile north of Ambleside in Cumbria – The Lake District. The programme of events are:
- From 9am throughout the day: The Rydal Class Novice Sheepdog Trials and The Le Fleming Stakes Advanced Sheepdog Trials
- 10.45am: Show of Coniston Foxhounds
- 11.00am: Beagle Show
- 11.00am: Harrier Show
- 12.00pm: Fell Foxhound Show
- 12.30pm: Shepherds Crooks and Sticks Competition *
- 2.00pm: Working Terrier Show
- 2.45pm: Open Hound Trail *
- 3.30pm: Gun Dog Demonstration
- 4.00pm: Puppy Hound Trail *
- 4.00pm: Dog Dash *
- 4.30pm: Open restricted Hound Trail *
* denotes entries on the day.
Spectators are welcome at all events. Admission to the Show are Adults £5.00 and Children £1.50 and car parking is free or there is a bus stop at the entrance to the Show on the 555 bus route. Rydal Show has over 20 Trade stands for some country life shopping from clothing and accessories to art and displays. There is full catering using local produce from a seated catering tent to sandwiches, cakes, Cumberland sausage and burgers to go. There is also a licensed bar open from 11.00am-7.00pm.
Next year's Show will be held on Thursday 12th August 2010
Claire Logan-Stephens