I’m a townie with a long standing yen for the countryside and a love of Agricultural shows and having moved to rural Derbyshire now, I do not have to travel far to see them.

I come primarily to view the animals – Cattle are a favourite part – magnificent bulls, steers, dairy cows etc and as a vegetarian I am all too well aware what these mean but today I suspend convictions and watch a different kind of judging.

Children love the sheep best and this one enjoyed being within touching distance.

Exhibitors bring their vintage steam and diesel machinery all of which fascinate me though I hardly know what they all were for. These lines of post war British made tractors are a lovely sight especially as they are still being driven to the show. They even have a running board!

And visitors come in their hundreds to enjoy what’s on show, or purchase from the trade stalls, the arts and crafts, horticulture, and farm produce. I could not resist the latter two.

Invariably its a meet-up of friends and families, with dogs a predominant feature

The Italian Spinone generally has a sweet and sociable personality with its family, though a stubborn streak also can be a component of its temperament! ~ the Spruce Pets