South Molton's fifth Christmas Fatsock Show

South Molton’s fifth Christmas Fatstock Show was held on Sunday 8 December, as part of the town’s Big Christmas Festival weekend. The Christmas Fatstock Show is firmly rooted in agriculture and any visitor to it experiences a real taste of the area’s farming tradition. This is the one day of the year that sees the Pannier Market returning to its roots, with pens of sheep (and carcasses) beingshown and subsequently auctioned on the day. Mr Ron Tapp and his son Andrew took the Championship once again, as they did in 2011. As sheep are such an important part of agriculture on Exmoor (with more head per acre in the North Molton area than anywhere else in the world), there were also demonstrations of traditional spinning and an exhibition by The Wool Board, who have a base in South Molton. Pigs, an Exmoor pony, alpacas and a variety of poultry could all be seen in the market. Devon’s most famous shepherd David Kennard was there with his celebrity sheepdogs dogs, as was South Molton’s inimitable Jonny Kingdom , while Dan The Fish Man gave a cookery demonstration, making a massive paella. Rural crafts demonstrations included blacksmithing, dry stone wallingand wood turning. There were also plenty of show classes where entrants could demonstrate their expertise in anything from producing a clamp ofsilage, a photograph or a Christmas wreath! Sarah Sanders was very proud as her 11 year old son swept the board in a number of classes. She said: “Luke took firsts for his swedes, Christmas cake, truffles, table arrangement and mince pies. We have had a great time here and it has been hectic all day!” Events ran throughout the event on the stage, including singing from the children of Brayford Primary School and South MoltonJunior schools, and the Choral Society. As you would expect, there were lashings of food and drink to be tried, tasted and bought and stalls offered everything from Christmas trees, wreaths and decorations, to traditional fare, local cider and craft-based presents. Auctioneer David Lockwood of Stags, which has supported the Fatstock Show since the beginning, said: “We have had a tremendous weekend. The weather has been exceedingly helpful and once again the number of entries has been upoverall. We have been very fortunate to be well supported by the community - both by the farmers here today and local people”. Heather Page is one of the organisers of the event. She agreed entirely, saying: “It has been amazingly successful day. The crowds have never stopped!” All proceeds from the Show will go to the Chemotherapy Appeal, North Devon District Hospital.