MONTGOMERY’S 2019 Show attracted crowds from the town and across the country for a friendly and welcoming day on Saturday.

After a wet week, marquees and tents, the show ring, exhibits and displays were all in place and looking their best for the official opening of the show by this year’s presidents, Ivor and Beryl Whittingham.

The show races on the previous evening had drawn record numbers. Despite the pouring rain, 27 under 15s galloped away across Lymore Park and back to well earned acclaim. Dewi Bradley won the race on a commendable 8.31, chased home by Ethan Horabin on 8.40 and in third place Mya Bradley on 9.17, the first girl to finish.

An hour later, the adult’s race organised by Maldwyn Harriers involved 91 runners sprinting away to complete a challenging multi-terrain course. Joe Murray was first home after a fine run on 27.50 minutes (men’s record 23.58) with brothers Carwyn and Deiniol Owen a brave second and forth. Maddie Griffiths won for the ladies in 33.41 minutes (record 30.17). Delicious refreshments kindly prepared by Montgomery ladies were greatly appreciated by one and all. The show weekend had begun!

Early next day tension built as exhibitors delivered their entries each hoping their’s was a winner, and for many they were. The Show opened at midday with a stirring speech from Ivor as show president. Forming up in Broad Street the Carnival progressed majestically to the show ground, the floats and fancy dress thrilling spectators.

At 1pm the marquee was officially opened and attendees were free to admire the many exhibits including expertly grown and lovingly tended vegetables, exquisite flower arrangements, gallery standard arts and crafts, calendar standard photographs and of course ‘final-round Bake-Off ‘ quality cakes and tarts. The tent looked magnificent.

Knighton Silver Band kept us musically entertained all afternoon while the main events in the ring ensured maximum audience attention as the multi talented Paws for Thought impressed and delighted in equal measures: their astonishing performances reaffirming the timeless trust existing between master and hound.

A huge collection of vintage cars added a touch of nostalgic glamour in a sudden shower of rain, while the fiercely contended Dog Show was as engaging as ever, once again with large numbers of aspiring Crufts’ entrants.

Never one to be outdone, farmer David Jones drew a boisterous crowd as he once again studiously judged the now famous ‘potato-in-a-bucket’ competition, before the full and eventful day drew to a close with the hugely popular tug-of-war to tumultuous applause.

That evening treasured exhibits were removed and prizes collected. Volunteers appeared to once again transform a seemingly post-apoplectic scene into a banqueting tent fit for a feast where 300 elegantly dressed diners were lavishly fed and watered the following day – a hugely successful ending to a truly wonderful Show Weekend.

Chairman Chris Boundy graciously thanked all who had contributed to the events over the 2019 Show Weekend before paying special tribute to Neil and Karen Orton for their laudable generosity in once again loaning their field to Montgomery Show.

A full list of category winners will appear in the next week’s County Times.