THE ever popular Diptford and District Show brought crowds of people to the village to enter their produce and enjoy the fun activities and competitions on offer.

The show was opened by the Revd David Sayle with an amusing welcome speech, before the crowds made their way to the parish hall and its many exhibits. 

Despite a tricky summer for growers so far the vegetable section had lots of entries, with John Steer taking the majority of the prizes, although Peter Hayford won once again with his amazing artichokes. The cake section was also very popular, with more entries than ever in the men’s cake class, and some excellent creations on show.

Children from Diptford School had worked hard on their handwriting, and the various children’s classes were well filled. Ammie Foale won the trophy for submitting the most entries in the children’s section, and was runner up with Oliver Lucas. Winners were Eloise Lunt and Jack Moore.

The art and craft sections were full of entries showcasing local talent, from painting to metalwork. Mary Priddey again won the best exhibit by a local WI member, proving once more that she can put her hand to anything.

The floral classes had some great arrangements, with Jo Moore taking the best prize in this section. Disappointingly there were no entries in the novice flower arranging class, an opportunity for anyone who has not exhibited before to have a go.

For those in search of even more thrills and spills, a slot car racing track had been set up in the basement. Fastest was Sam Cox, beating his father Mike this time. Steve Hopper of South Hams Hawks & Owls brought along some of his birds, to the delight of children who were able to hold them.

On the school field were many stalls, a barbecue, cakes, a bouncy castle, skittles and a ’human fruit machine’ run by the Friends of Diptford School. The dog show had a few less entries than usual due to the intense heat, but was won by Joshua Adams with Sasha. 

Children’s races were enjoyed by all under the watchful eyes of Mike Cox and Paul Lunt, while William Palmer won the skittles.

The Devon Freewheelers were in attendance to publicise their amazing work transporting urgently needed blood, drugs, and tissue between hospitals and blood transfusion banks. Delicious teas were as usual provided by Diptford WI.

The show has been running for many years under the guidance of a small committee, which works incredibly hard to put on the event. Particular thanks go to the Haddy family, Val as chairman and her daughter Mary Foale as treasurer, as well as to Mary Sams, who each year manages to produce the most amazing raffle prizes.