The Norfolk County Show
There are few things more endearingly, quintessentially British than a County Show. There are possibly even fewer things absolutely typically English than the Norfolk County Show, a county steeped in agricultural history and even on occasion the butt of affectionate humour through its connections to farming.
With a slice of serendipitous timing, Michaela was last week able to join her Mum at what is one of Norma’s favourite events on the calendar, a chance to wander among prize animals, music, food, and that essential part of an English day out – eccentric characters who in their own esoteric way define Englishness.
Joined by Norma’s lovely friends Daphne and Val, the four ladies soaked up their special day while absorbing the atmosphere of the perfect setting.
It’s hard not to be just a little bit amused by the steadfastness of some of the traditions, as serious looking judges inspect every of inch of this woolly sheep, that snorting pig, that …. errrr….well endowed bull. It’s with typically understated Britishness that the prizes are handed out: no great ceremony, no lengthy speeches, just a rosette handed almost surreptitiously to the proud owner, who next runs off to celebrate privately with family rather than take the plaudits of the public.
In amongst all of this there is an egg judging ceremony. Is it possible to get more esoterically indulgent than lining up to judge the relative merits of a selection of hen’s eggs…some still in the shell, some cracked open? Surely it isn’t. Here’s a photo of the egg judging section …oh, and I assume that the “large contents“ sign is referring to the eggs rather than the ladies behind…..
Country shows are the very essence of that British character which has sadly been diluted over the last few generations. They are an essential part of our heritage, a joyous throwback to different times, and are still immensely popular, avidly supported and hugely appreciated.
Long live County Shows and long live the Norfolk Show!
21 Comments
Helen Devries
Good grief, you took me back years! I used to be a member for some years in the seventies. There’s nothong like a county show……
Phil & Michaela
A member of Norfolk in particular, or another county?
Helen Devries
Norfolk.
Phil & Michaela
Wow no wonder it brought the memories flooding back then 😊
Helen Devries
As did the photograph of a Lincoln Longwool sheep. Mark you, after a day in the various feed merchants’ tents a taxi home was advisable.
Phil & Michaela
I bet
Toonsarah
Gosh it’s years since I’ve been at any county show but judging by this they haven’t changed much – nor should they!
Phil & Michaela
I’ve never actually been to one, would you believe…but Michaela’s Mum loves it and so wanted a chance to take Michaela along
Lookoom
You’re right, it’s a great asset for a nation to retain a link with its roots, it helps its citizens to appreciate the diversity of the world rather than getting lost in it. But I’m wondering about this egg competition 🙂
Jeanette
I always loved going to a show like that. Takes me back to my youth……..Yes, I know what you’re thinking – Can you remember that long ago? Well yes I can 😂 Lovely of you to take me back so eloquently xx
Phil & Michaela
Hi Jen…I bet you’d love to go again. It’s one of the few things which feels like nothing much has changed down the years, which is lovely.
WanderingCanadians
Attending the County Show seems like a splendid way to spend the day and have a bit of laughter and amusement. I’ve never heard of an egg judging contest before. What is there to judge? The size? The shape? The colour of egg (inside and outside)? Why are some of them cracked open? I have so many questions.
Phil & Michaela
And I can’t really answer any of them! 😂😂
Gilda Baxter
Looks like it was a fun day for the girls.
I used to go every year to the Dorset County Show, I even volunteered working at the NHS stall a few times. It was great fun.
Mike and Kellye Hefner
Bravo, guys! I loved this post. I would love to attend a County Show to see all of the animals, but I would especially love seeing the beautiful heavy horses. We have fairs, but they’re not as sophisticated as your shows.
Jason Lawrence
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grandmisadventures
I always love county fairs with lots of furry noses around and this one looks like a great one all around 🙂
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wetanddustyroads
Not only does it sound (and look) typically English, but these type of shows are also regularly held in South Africa … and they are very popular. We actually attended such a show recently (but I have to confess, it was more for the good food and beer garden). The one thing they didn’t have though was an egg judging contest … and I don’t think I’ve ever seen that at any of the other shows. Eggs must be important in Norfolk 😉.
Alison
Love a country show, where all good British dramas are filmed
Kucia Kodes
hey
lovely blog hope all is well
happy blogging.