Agricultural Shows

The Armstrong family from Newtown at Cockermouth show.

Holme St Cuthbert is a farming parish and, agricultural shows were and still are a very important part of life, which often involves the whole family.

A number of shows are still going but the ones held every year at Silloth and Aldoth no longer take place.

The Armstrongs at Workington show.

Joe Armstrong remembers taking part in Aldoth show which was usually held in August.  He had to get up early in the morning and walk the show animals to Aldoth a distance of 5 miles from Newhouse, Silloth. Then prepare them ready for judging at 10 o’clock.

He remembers the marquee, which housed the ‘Industrial Section’, consisting of all classes of vegetables, baking, knitting jams, chutneys and handicrafts, all to be judged and awarded prizes.

Aldoth Show Committee.

The beer tent, put up and run by the local pub, was, some would say, ‘an essential part of the proceedings’.

Important people attending the show were, the vet, local policeman, doctor or St John’s Ambulance and the ice-cream man!

Hound trail at Aldoth

In the afternoon hound trailing took place and it has been known for a few bets to take place.

There was also Harness racing and Sulky trotting racing which attracted some serious betting.

Silloth Show

The show ended late afternoon with a grand parade of the winning livestock around the show ring and then many would have a long walk home.

In the evening a dance was held in Aldoth School, with Billy Bowman playing the music. Joe always went to the dance and then walked (staggered) home again about 2am.

Prize giving at Silloth Show.

The Holme Cultram Agricultural Society originally held their annual show at Abbeytown. In the 1920s, they moved the venue to a field on Skinburness Road in Silloth. After this, it was always known at ‘Silloth Show’.

The latest technology in use

Occasionally there was a local foxhunt.  In the early 1900’s the master of fox hunting was Sir Wilfred Lawson who lived at Brayton.  There was one lady follower called Miss Parkin who always rode side-saddle.  

Cumberland Foxhounds on Silloth Green

Sometimes, the hunt started at Edderside with about half a dozen riders.

A Stirrup Cup at Edderside

Adapted from 'Plain People'
Holme St Cuthbert History Group, 2004.