Thousands of people passed through the gates of this year’s Machen Agricultural Show to enjoy the great weather.
Visitors flocked to the show, now in its 76th year, which was held at Mill Farm on Saturday, July 1.
There was a wide array of animals, crafts and foods on display as well as a host of exhibitions from local organisations and charities.
This year included the Talygarn Vaulting Display, a falconry display and of course the traditional vintage machinery display.
There were fears how visitor numbers would be affected by a clash with the Monmouthshire Show, which had moved its show to be on the same day as Machen’s.
But those fears did not come to pass as visitor numbers doubled from last year and show entrants across all categories were up.
Kevin Stanworth, chairman of the Machen Agricultural Show, said: “The Monmouthshire Show had no effect on us at all – our numbers were up. This was down to the loyalty of our local members and the community.
“Overall the show went extremely well and the reaction we have had has been very positive.
“We changed the show around this year with a few more trade stands, especially with the catering, and that worked. The weather was great for us as well.”
Jan Walsh, General Secretary of the Machen Show, added: “We moved the space around a little to provide more seating and browsing area for visitors as well as to highlight the lovely vintage machinery and vehicles.
“This has been a hidden gem most years in the orchard which, in peoples’ opinions, actually works very well as a food court. The horse rings were beautifully laid out and organised to ensure something for horse enthusiasts to see all day. The feedback has been tremendous.”
This year’s event was dedicated to two show members who sadly passed away recently.
Roland John attended the show every year from its inauguration and worked tirelessly on the committee. He became president of the society in 1984 and was always at the forefront of show-day preparations and society fundraising.
He was extremely proud to have presided over the show’s 75th anniversary last year and received a standing ovation for his emotional address at the show’s anniversary dinner, despite his failing health.
Howard Jones, passed away just a few weeks after his lifelong friend Mr John. They started infants school together in Machen on the same day and the friendship continued through Bassaleg and Henllys YFC and the Machen Show Society. Mr Jones served the society as both a member and its chairman and was made a life member for his service to the show.
His father, Bailey Jones, was one of the founder members of the show when it was formed in 1941.
He will always be remembered for his tireless efforts in helping to set up the showfield, working well into the evening before many a show. Mr Jones regularly paraded hounds at the show and together with his late wife June they instigated the Foxhound section of the Show in 1967.
Good to see so many local Welsh artisan traders at this years show, the variety of real food on offer was fantastic, the hand made Welsh steak burgers from Bwydiful were superb.