Muker Show

Muker Show is one of the hightlights of the year in Upper Swaledale.  

The show is steeped in history and tradition.  People come from far and wide to soak up the  atmosphere and experience the community values that sets our dales show apart from many others.

  This year Chris was asked to be President of the show, a post he will hold for two years.

Chris' first duty as President was to lead the procession of judges, stewards and officials onto the show field.  As the band struck up behind us I was proud to walk by his side. 

 

The produce and handicraft tents are bursting with entries.  There are classes of every description; baking, photography, art, handwriting, flowers, fruit and vegetables.  Children only, men only, ladies only, open classes and local classes. Hay, walking sticks, butter and cheese.  

All areas are fiercely fought over and everyone hopes their entry is the judges favourite.

 Muker is in Upper Swaledale, it is hill farming country and the home of the Swaledale.   

With the autumn sheep sales almost upon us Muker Show is a major shop window for the breed.  A rosette in the sheep ring at Muker is highly prized.

  

This year has been a special year for our chairman,  Ernest Whitehead.  The 2019 Muker Show is  Ernest's 40th year as chairman.  What an achievement.  At the official luncheon Earl Peel, Patron of the Muker Show, presented Ernest with a painting, cake and well deserved special rosette.  

   

 Here are some of the activities and exhibits we enjoyed.

 

 The show site is in the heart of Muker village; sheltered and picturesque with  Kisdon Hill as its backdrop.

Towards the end of the afternoon the fell racers tackle the punishing, almost vertical, incline to the summit of Kisdon Hill (1.4 miles with an ascent of 550ft).

It is a great spectator sport and participants are 

guaranteed encouragement and applause from start to finish.

 Before the show opens Muker Silver Band plays outside the Farmer Arms and its is here, as the show draws to a close, that the band plays once again.  Drinks are purchased, song sheets distributed, friends gather and the community sings.

Photo 1: Guy Carpenter  http://www.gullwingphotography.co.uk/

Photo 8: Ian Short https://www.ianshortphotography.co.uk/