Despite a yellow weather warning and heavy rain Helston Fatstock Show had plenty of support on Saturday (November 4). 

This year marks the 151st year of the agricultural event, held once again at Franchis Farm on the Wendron road, by permission of Bob Cowell, with his team working hard for weeks beforehand to get the venue ready.

It is one of the longest-running winter livestock shows in Cornwall, with exhibitors coming from all over the Duchy and even across the border in Devon.

South West Farmer: The sheep young handlers championship is a family affair, champion to Lydia Wearne and reserve to Frederick Wearne The sheep young handlers championship is a family affair, champion to Lydia Wearne and reserve to Frederick Wearne (Image: Helston Fatstock Show)

The day has seen cattle and sheep judging, as well as farm produce, plus a range of domestic classes from cookery to floral art, as well as eggs and children’s entries. There is also a wide range of craft stalls.

The sheep Supreme Championship went to Amy Payne, while the sheep young handler’s championship was a family affair, with Lydia Wearne named champion and her brother Frederick Wearne named reserve champion.

In the cattle, Supreme Champion went to AMC Eddy with Mars.

South West Farmer: Sheep Supreme Championship went to Amy PayneSheep Supreme Championship went to Amy Payne (Image: Helston Fatstock Show)

This year’s show presidents are Adam and Sarah Corbridge, who have strong ties to Helston, owning Wearne’s Jewellers and Lismore House.

Their chosen charity for this year is BF Adventure at Longdowns and money raised from a charity auctionin the afternoon was donated to them.

South West Farmer: Phillip, four, and George, three, enjoy one of the learning exhibitsPhillip, four, and George, three, enjoy one of the learning exhibits (Image: Kate Lockett)

Speaking before the show secretary Alison Grose said: “The committee works very hard every year to get the show to be one of the most popular around.

“There is something for everyone to enter, some take it seriously but mainly it is about the farming and public communities coming together for a fun-filled day.

South West Farmer: Dianne Crisp and Sarah Rayson from Shell and SparkleDianne Crisp and Sarah Rayson from Shell and Sparkle (Image: Kate Lockett)

“We had our most successful show in 2022, and hope that this year’s will be bigger again, with record entries in all sections except the cattle, as sadly a few of our regular exhibitors are unable to come, but still have good entries.

“We are very grateful to Mr Bob Cowell who generously lets us have the use of Franchis Farm for the show, also our sponsors old and new, as without their support it would be very difficult to hold the show as it is.”

South West Farmer: Lilian, 12, and Rose, nine, get up close to some sheepLilian, 12, and Rose, nine, get up close to some sheep (Image: Kate Lockett)

South West Farmer: Some of the Wendron School Association with their fundraising stallSome of the Wendron School Association with their fundraising stall (Image: Kate Lockett)