Rosedale Show has the reputation of being the envy of scores of other agricultural and horticultural shows in North Yorkshire for defying the weather.

And Saturday’s, which is expected to prove to have broken last year’s records, was no exception.

For despite heavy rain and winds on Friday night, and rain in the early hours of Saturday morning, the skies cleared and the show enjoyed glorious sunshine until it ended.

Secretary Malcolm Leckenby said: “We were very lucky. But that’s often been in the case at Rosedale – rain on the night before the show, and even in the morning of the big day, but when the crowds arrive, the sun comes with them.”

Traffic ground to a halt on the lanes leading to Rosedale, with long queues heading for the car parks set up in fields in the dale.

While ground conditions were tricky in certain parts of the showfield, and a tractor had to be brought in to haul out a couple of trucks, the rain failed to dampen the traditional moorland show.

However, there were almost two tragedies with pet dogs after they had been left by their owners in cars in the hot conditions. At one point an RSPCA inspector and a veterinary surgeon were standing by to break into a car to rescue a distressed dog.

Show president William Frank said: “It was a marvellous show. It couldn’t have gone better especially after the rain we had only hours earlier.”

During her visit to Rosedale Show, Anne McIntosh , MP for Thirsk and Malton , spent several hours chatting to upland farmers and others in the moorland agriocultural world.

“It was encouraging to hear what they had to say. I am always keen to take on board their concerns and pursue them in the House of Commons,” she said.

She praised the organisation of the show, adding: “It’s a wonderful testimony to the hard work of people and farmers in the Rosedale area – a show which attracts many thousands of tourists from all parts of the country as well as residents.”

Madge steals the show

MADGE Hill became a surprise star of Rosedale Show after commentator Adam Collier discovered the 88-year-old had been attending the show since she was one.

Madge told Thirsk and Malton MP Anne McIntosh: “I’ve only missed one show when the foot and mouth disease outbreak happened a few years ago.”

Madge lived with her late husband, Frank, for many years near Cropton when he worked for the Forestry Commission, beforing moving to Pickering . On his death, Madge moved to be nearer her family in Kirkbymoorside .

She was a regular exhibitor and winner in the baking section of the show until a few years ago. Now the show stalwart has been recognised for her support by being made a patron.

Another long-serving supporter at the show was Margaret Leckenby who has been exhibiting for 30 years.

Ms McIntosh said: “It is people like these two ladies who have been the backbone of our traditional agricultural shows for generations.”

Pat Harrison, whose involvement with Ryedale and Malton shows is legendary, took on a new role as judge for the horse and pony sections at Rosedale.

She said: “The standards and quality of entries was very high. Rosedale is a marvellous show in a wonderful scenic setting, and so well-run.”

One of the most unusual sections of the show was to turn back the clock 50 years and run four classes taken from the catalogue of 1952, said secretary Malcolm Leckenby.

The archive classes, sponsored by Rosedale Caravan Park, included awards for home-made sweets, a picnic, a bottle of elderflower wine and an article reflecting 1952.

“They attracted a lot of keen interest,” said Mr Leckenby.

Among the attractions at the show was the Malton White Star Band, a large craft marquee, trade stands and a gymkhana.