Roberton Show attracts huge crowd and bumper entries

A surge in first-time showers and dry weather helped ensure this year's Roberton Show was another roaring success.
Champion sheep of the show went to Glen Wilson from Hawthornside Farm, Bonchester Bridge, with his Texel one crop ewe, pictured with show chairman David Anderson.Champion sheep of the show went to Glen Wilson from Hawthornside Farm, Bonchester Bridge, with his Texel one crop ewe, pictured with show chairman David Anderson.
Champion sheep of the show went to Glen Wilson from Hawthornside Farm, Bonchester Bridge, with his Texel one crop ewe, pictured with show chairman David Anderson.

Hundreds of visitors and exhibitors enjoyed an afternoon of competition and entertainment at the annual event, held in the Snoot Field on Saturday.

Show secretary Alan Bone said: “The Hawick Scout Pipe band were in attendance and provided two heart thumping sessions for the crowd. A display and parade of vintage tractors was highlight following completion of the sheep judging, bringing nostalgic memories for many.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“As ever the children’s games section was very popular, a balloon-twister was on hand to fashion fantasy creations on demand and it wasn’t too long before all the under twelves were well equipped with inflated amusements.

Scott Anderson with his champion black face ewe.Scott Anderson with his champion black face ewe.
Scott Anderson with his champion black face ewe.

“The tea tent with it’s traditional homemade cakes, shortbread, scones and bacon sandwiches had a most exceptional day, testament to the expertise and dedication of our volunteers. Lunches for the judges and attending members were kindly sponsored and provided by Mr and Mrs D Knox.”

Glen Wilson from Hawthornside Farm, Bonchester Bridge, picked up the top title of best breeding sheep in show with his supreme champion Texel ewe, ahead of a Blackfaced ewe from John Anderson of Penchrise.

His Texel fought off competition from Cheviot section winners shown by Ogg Jackson of Cossarshill and Ross Anderson from Easter Alemoor and a Cheviot Mule from Scott Anderson, Parkhill.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Anderson brothers had a very successful day with Ross also collecting the cup for Cheviot female group and the trophy for most points in the sheep section, while Scott won the trophy for prime lambs.

Other trophy winners included Stuart and Katherine McIntosh in the Blackfaced section, Kevin Duncan in the untouched Cheviot class, William Fleming for best wooled sheep and Eileen Randall from Drychleuchlea in the Cheviot section.

Robbie Oliver from Highchesters won the young handler competition and the trophy for most points in the junior section.

Away from the show ring, the weather impacted on entries in the vegetable classes but cut flower entries were up by 20%. Hand-crafted textile entries were up almost 25%, baking classes held their own against last year, the preserves section was up and the stick classes saw the largest entries in six years.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The children’s section was down on last year’s record turnout, but still very well supported, although organisers were disappointed by the number of SWI exhibits.

Wilton Dean SWI came top from the SWI entries, and the Drumlanrig Primary School’s show poster competition was won by eight-year-old Antonia Astelian.

Alan added: “With some very positive feedback and a great number of entries we will be continuing to take this family friendly Show forward with confidence. Of course it wouldn’t be taking place without the support of exhibitors, visitors, attending members and volunteers whose contributions make this such a wonderful day out in the country.

“During the course of the last few months we sadly lost two great local supporters of the show. Needless to say Ian Dodds and Dave Sharkey’s personalities and contribution to show day are greatly missed.”

Leftover flowers were donated, once again, to Deanfield Care Home after the show.

Related topics: