THERE was a bumper turnout for this year s county show at the weekend. With a mixture of both sunny and wet weather, the 122nd Hertfordshire County Show attracted more than 25,000 visitors at the weekend. Expanding on the show s Fun and Education in the

THERE was a bumper turnout for this year's county show at the weekend.

With a mixture of both sunny and wet weather, the 122nd Hertfordshire County Show attracted more than 25,000 visitors at the weekend.

Expanding on the show's 'Fun and Education in the Countryside' theme, visitors enjoyed the wide range of traditional events including prize-winning livestock competitions, international show jumping, heavy horse displays, together with the Hertfordshire Farmers 'Frolicking Forktrucks' formation dancing demonstration in the Grand Ring.

This year's main attractions of the Royal British Legion Band, eagle and vulture show, mediaeval jousting and the Royal Artillery Motorcycle Display Team in the Grand Ring drew very large crowds.

The undercover entertainment such as the All Human Circus and new Cookery Theatre attracted full attendances at all performances.

The food hall again proved popular, with a number of exhibitors reporting record sales and the need to call in extra supplies to meet the demand.

This year's president, Tim Hutchings, hosted a lunch for 128 invited guests on Saturday, and the main message of his speech was to encourage more support for the show's efforts to 'Promote the Best of Hertfordshire'.

Tim, chief executive of the Herts Chamber of Commerce, reminded his guests that: "The Hertfordshire County Show is one of the fastest growing shows in the country and in addition to supporting our rural economy it also provides a wonderful and relatively inexpensive day for all age groups."

The reply on behalf of the guests was given by WHT editor Terry Mitchinson.

Show secretary Mike Harman said: "What a fantastic weekend.

"With the excellent sunny weather on Saturday we enjoyed a record Saturday attendance.

"Despite the early rain on Sunday morning, the number of visitors far exceeded our expectations resulting in over 25,000 for the two day show.

"The feedback has been positive and complimentary from both visitors and trade exhibitors regarding the on-going improvements to both the show entertainment programme and the showground infrastructure.

"We are particularly delighted that yet again our family ticket sales hit a new record, a clear signal that our unique package of attractions and demonstrations combined with free children's entertainment policy, is both appreciated and valued by our visitors.

"We are extremely pleased and grateful for the Hertfordshire community's support this year and look forward to starting the planning the 2009 Show with great confidence'.

Among this year's winners were:

• Main Trade Stand Prize - The Worshipful Company of Basketmakers - (Prime Warden for 2008 is Richard Walduck of Hatfield).

• Heavy Horse - McMullens & Sons, Hertford.

• Riding Horse Championship - G Oliver, Hertford.

• Welsh Ridden Championship - Miss R Wainwright, Hertford.

• Cattle; Hague Challenge Bowl - M J Brunton Ltd, Broxbourne.

• Agricultural Trade Stand Prize - J E Buckle, Cromer, Stevenage.

• Hertfordshire Food & Farming Marquee - Gluten Free Bakery, Hatfield.

• Shopping Marquee Winner - Mrs GoGo (Home Interiors), Royston.