GET a dog for a healthy lifestyle. That was the message from Ryedale Canine Society which organised the popular dog section at the show.

Secretary Carol Welch, said: "We believe it's a great way to stay fit and healthy because a dog encourages you to walk even if you don't want to.We educate people how to breed good dogs. Most of the people exhibiting at Ryedale do it for a hobby."

The society stages shows in April and November each year, as well as running the Ryedale show's dog section.

"'Keeping a dig is therapeutic both mentally and physically," said Carol.

"They give unconditional love, we find that more and more people are keeping dogs in Ryedale. there are great waking areas in the district and it's a good way of making friends when you're out walking."

Competition was keen in all classes. With the gun dog section being especially popular when some of the finest dogs in Yorkshire and beyond competed for the array of silverware.

 

Tasty treats for all

MANY turned out this year to show off their Yorkshire produce.

From sausages to preserves, many were making their debut at the show and were thrilled with the welcoming reception from visitors.

Mark Pennington, who has been keeping bees for 14 years, was among those making their debut with his Yorkshire Wolds Honey.

He has had an extremely successful year, winning World Marmalade of the Year with his Lemon and Honey Marmalade and now supplies for Fortnum & Mason.

Mark said: “It’s a lovely show and the reception has been fantastic. Yorkshire is a very foody place, and that’s the way it should be.”

Yorkshire Rapeseed Oil, from Malton, farmed by Adam Palmer, also attended the show with their variety of oils, mayonnaise and dressings. The company is in talks about expanding their 18-strong range of products with dipping oils which are currently in the early stages of development.

Matthew Dixon, production manager of the company, said: “It’s nice that people are able to taste the product and see what’s on offer. People need to know that it’s all locally produced. We’ve been coming here for a few years now and it’s always got a great atmosphere, a great show all round.”

Meanwhile, more people are opting for the good life, by growing their own vegetables said horticultural judge, Bill Barker, after awarding hundreds of awards.

“The standards in some of the classes was really excellent,” he said.

“The brilliant summer weather had resulted in the fine exhibits.”

A leading member of the National Vegetable Society, Bill, is a regular judge at the Great Yorkshire and Harrogate spring and autumn shows.

“There is a great deal of satisfaction to be gained from gardening and it’s marvellous to see so many schools encouraging pupils to take it up,” said Bill.

“It’s a healthy hobby and we are seeing much better quality seed known as F1 . Ryedale has certainly proved it has some first rate gardeners today,”

 

Chance to show Ryedale’s beauty

THE beauty of Ryedale and all it has to offer was well represented at the show this year.

Various stands showcasing what the area can offer in terms of events and scenery were generating lots of interest from visitors.

Howsham Mill, near Malton, had a stand inside the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty tent, which was creating interest.

Jen Wakefield, events and education officer at the mill, said: “This is the first time we have been to the show and, being relatively new, it is good for us to get out there and tell people about what we do.”

The North York Moors National Park tent was offering plenty for visitors, including a geography game.

Julian Brown, interpretation officer at the park, said visitors appreciated the free events guide on offer and that the park was pleased to be able to come back to Ryedale show year-on-year.

He said: “Ryedale show is a good way for us to interact with people.”