WITH a wet start to the show season, showgoers and farming enthusiasts are hoping the sun will put its hat on in time for the final event of the year; Holsworthy & Stratton Agricultural Show.

The 127th is set to be held at Killatree Cross, Pyworthy, on Thursday, August 22.

The Holsworthy and Stratton Agricultural Exhibition was first held at Bude in 1883 in a field lent by Mr George Brendon. A name well known in the town today ie; The Brendon Arms. The sum of 350 pounds was raised by subscriptions in order to stage this first venture which proved to be a great success, when it was estimated that between 7000 and 8000 people passed through the turnstiles. A newspaper report of the time stated “The success of the undertaking was great beyond the most sanguine anticipations of the promoters”. “The members of the Royal Marine Band from Plymouth were engaged to perform music in the show yard, and a capital grandstand was erected to enable visitors the more conveniently to witness the trials of the horses and the jumping.”

There have been many changes over the past 125 years since the first venture, the only interruptions being two world wars plus an outbreak of foot and mouth.

Until a permanent ground was purchased following World War II, venues alternated between the unions of Holsworthy and Stratton. The latest move to a much larger site at Killatree has proved to be a great success, as has the change of date from May to August.

Over the years, classes have changed with the times. Before the advent of farm machinery in 1885 it was reported that horses were the strong feature of the show, the total entries being 165. Holsworthy it stated & "is a noted horse breeding district"..the judges declared the horse entries to be the best seen outside a county show”. In 1886 65 Devon Ruby Cattle were entered, also of note there were 70 exhibits in the butter and cream classes. In those far off days, indeed until the revival of the show after the Second World War, the handful of trade stands were a very local affair. These days one can expect to have the opportunity of visiting up to 250 trade stands from all over the country.

The show now hosts a great variety of attractions. To name but a few the Large Livestock section, Horses, Showjumping, Flower and Craft tents, Food and Drink Marquee, WI and vintage displays, sheep shearing, refreshments galore, attractions for the children and a Bar tent for the thirsty.

Entertainment is provided throughout the day in the main ring and the entertainment ring as well as many other activities going on throughout the site.

All in all a great day out for all the family.

We hear from members of the show committee:

Let me start by expressing what an enormous honour it is to be made president of the Holsworthy & Stratton Agricultural Show 2025. My wife, Gill, and I are lucky enough to have four children and six grandchildren, all of whom will be supporting me at the show.

My family have a long history with the show, going back to the 1930’s when my father, Mart Mill, showed horses.

Over 40 years ago I was invited to join the committee by the late Tom Dart. My first year stewarding the beef cattle didn’t exactly go to plan, as a Devon heifer escaped from the showfield and ran through the park before finally being captured in a garden in town. I was chairman for the 2008/2009 shows and was elected to showground director, together with Mr John Medland, in 2011.

Over the years I have watched as the show has evolved, moving to Killatree Cross in 2004. The committee purchased this site prior to the 2007 show.

Finally, I would like to welcome you to the 127th show, knowing you will have a great day.

Martyn Mill, president

I have the honour to welcome you to our 127th Holsworthy & Stratton Agricultural Show.

It is a pleasure to introduce Mr Martyn Mill as our president, and I thank him for years of dedicated service to the show. I am sure, together with his wife Gill, he has a wonderful day.

For just over 40 years I have attended the show, firstly representing Thomas Oke & Son Ltd at the old show ground in the 80’s and 90’s and more recently for the last 20-plus years for Mole Valley Farmers. The show is an integral part of the farming calendar and well supported by our excellent Westcountry farmers and all our exhibitors.

Thank you also to our judges, stewards and the livestock entries, without you all there would be no grand parade, a highlight of the day.

I look forward this year to watching the YFC members Soap Box Challenge, the Puissance jumping event, North Devon Gymnastics Display Team, Cornish Wrestling and a visit to the Hidden Talents Marquee is sure to make you smile.

I am very grateful for the support and generosity local Businesses have again shown us through sponsorship of attractions, rings, marquees and prizes. Others who are attending with exhibits, trade stands, entertainment and catering outlets, thank you all – I hope you have a successful day and show.

I am really very well supported by a committee, who I sincerely thank and appreciate their focus and hard work throughout the year. A special mention to Mrs Fiona Cleave our secretary, who it has been a pleasure working with to plan the show with her full commitment. Our showground directors, John Medland, Martyn Mill and Nigel Cleave are always there for a word and have a wealth of knowledge and guidance. I also want to acknowledge my vice chair, Mark Northcott, for his thoughts and practical help, ideas and support.

Whatever the weather, rain or shine, I assure you of a fabulous family day of entertainment.

Ian Rolinson, chairman

Showtime is here again and it is an honour and my pleasure to invite you to join us at our Show. We try to provide a variety of entertainment for everyone to enjoy.

This year come and watch our Puissance jumping event in the main ring. Our entertainment ring is full of activity – don’t miss the North Devon Gymnastics Display team, we are pleased they are able to join us. Also look out for our Cornish Wrestlers – professional wrestling at it’s best, as well as falconry, ferrets and natural horsemanship.

Around the showground you will find Scotty’s Circus Skills workshop – join in and have a go, and also enjoy our Punch & Judy Show, always good fun.

We have a wide variety of trade stands with something for everyone, new this year is our Hidden Talents marquee, hopefully full of cookery, arts and craft entries – why not take a look at the schedule and see if you can enter!

Of course, it would not be a show without our animals – we are very grateful to our exhibitors for coming along, we know the hard work it takes to prepare for a show and are very grateful. I must finish by thanking our president, Mr Martyn Mill, chairperson Ian Rolinson and vice chair Mark Northcott along with the whole committee and stewards – without their help there would not be a show, so thank you all!

So, come along, parking is free or catch a shuttle bus from Bude or Holsworthy – free all day!

I hope you enjoy the show.

Fiona Cleave, secretary

Prices on the gate for the 2025 show are as follows: Adult £16.50; Children £5 (under the age of 16); Family £42 (two adults and three children);Children under the age of 5 years are free.

In advance: Adult £15; Children £5 (under the age of 16); Family £40 (two adults and three children).

Membership: Become a member of the show and enjoy the benefits! The Membership package is available for £40 - it includes: two adult tickets giving entry to the show, members parking area, unlimited access to the members marquee for the duration of the show, two tea/coffee vouchers and a catalogue voucher.

For further details contact Fiona, show secretary at [email protected]