ANCIENT customs and community spirit were the order of the day at the sun-blessed West Show yesterday. Hundreds braved the mud underfoot to wallow in the fun-filled atmosphere of the horticultural and agricultural event at L’Eree.

Judges were impressed by the high standard of exhibits and there were countless other attractions to keep families entertained.

Show public relations officer Ali Bourgaize declared the show a success and thanked all who had attended on the first day.

‘It’s been fantastic,’ she said.

‘The show preserves a way of island life that is perhaps being lost today. A lot of visitors have said this is exactly the type of traditional event you just don’t get any more.

‘In a funny way, I think the wet weather yesterday ‘Tuesday’ made people more determined to come down and show their support. This morning was quite exciting, getting the cars in because of all the mud.

‘I want to thank everyone who came along and also encourage people to turn out in their wellies for the pageant on day two ‘today’.’

The tented exhibits included home-made delicacies such as cakes, bread, preserves and biscuits.

Imaginative flower arrangements with memorable names such as Glimmer of Paradise and The Attraction of Opposites dominated one section.

There was also an impressive selection of fresh fruit, such as plums, grapes, tomatoes and strawberries.

Junior contributions were a popular attraction, with pottery models, woodwork and painted pebbles standing out.

A live guitar, accordion and flute folk band provided a relaxed atmosphere in the main tent.

A separate fur and feather enclosure featured pigs, goats, sheep, ponies, donkeys and guinea pigs.

But there were no cattle classes this year due to confusion over foot-and-mouth restrictions resulting in farmers not having enough time to prepare their animals.

Deputy Bailiff Richard Collas was at the show and described the atmosphere as ‘wonderful’.

‘I think it’s a marvellous show and there are some fantastic entries,’ he said.

‘This really is one of Guernsey’s great, traditional events and combines many of our ancient customs.’

The Mark Stannage Escapology Show wowed the crowd and Cyril the Squirrel terrier racing brought smiles to the face of all.

Other attractions on offer included a funfair and ferret handling.

Refreshments were provided in the form of burgers, curry and traditional Guernsey bean jar. The beer tent was as busy as ever.

St Saviour’s parishioner Joan Anderson, 66, won first prize for her perennial flowers, as well as second for her geraniums and third for her onions.

She has been involved with the show since she was five.

‘It’s a real Guernsey thing – none of your financial institutions nonsense,’ she said.

‘It is so traditional. You can still hear Guernsey French being spoken, which is smashing.’

All the fun of L’Eree