Report of the 2005 show

9,000 people came through the gates over this weekend to enjoy the 12th annual show held on the Great Sanders Estate by kind permission of the Lister family.  The weather was dry and sunny, not too hot, and the public were treated to demonstrations from a small band of working heavy horses, including a horse hay-lift.  Three steam engines, two traction and one road roller visited the show and delighted the crowds with their gleaming paintwork and pipes.  Sections were also devoted to Stationary engines and bygone horticultural machinery, working on and lifting potatoes, which the public were then invited to 'pick'.

The handicraft demonstrations included Corn Dollies, Lace Making, Rag Rugs, Cane restoration and water colour painting - in fact, one could have lessons!  Not forgetting wood carving.  Some of the rural crafts on display were an Apple Press - producing a very pleasant apple juice, a Rack Saw bench, Log rolling demonstration, handmade walking sticks, hedge laying, pole-lathe turners, trug making and many more.  In addition, the usual array of fun - stalls and exhibits of bygone items.  The ferrets came, as did a Pets Corner of donkeys, alpaca's, ponies, sheep and a Fun Dog Show.  The Tractor and Trailer rides were very popular and well supported, as was the balloon race.

Haymaking and harvesting were in full swing, and if an exhibitor had brought the right piece of machinery he/she was encouraged to use it in either section.  the excellent entry of tractors and accompanying equipment were kept busy ploughing and cultivating a large expanse of the land kept especially for the 'working' enthusiasts.

THe bar and food outlets were kept busy to the accompaniment of live music.

Awards and Trophy Winners 2005

Tractor and Machinery

Bob Selmes Trophy: The West Brothers

Den Smith Plaque:  The West Brothers

Culverwell Cup:  Rod Collins

Handicrafts

The Nesfield Shield:  Alison Purdy

Joe Harper Memorial Trophy (Best Rural Craft):  Mike Gordon

Engines and Other Machinery

George Dann Shield (Best Stationary Engine):  Gordon Fisher

Chris & Faith Smith Shield (Best Horticultural Machine):  Steve Myers

Heavy Horse Trophies

Richard Leeves Shield (Best Working Single Horse):  'Tasha' owned by Laura Mepham

Burgess Family Trophy (Best Turned Out): 'Tommy & Bertie' owned by W & S Jarret

Puxted Transport Trophy (Best Working Pair):  'Tommy & Bertie' owned by W & S Jarret

The organisers are forecasting another bumper show next year - the beneficiary again will be St Michael's Hospice, Hastings.  In the meantime, the organisers would like to thank all those who participated, public and exhibitors alike for their time and most importantly their generosity.