To mark its tenth anniversary, Rural Past Times was at a new venue this year, Monkings Farm at Horns Cross, a beautiful spot with stunning views over rolling countryside, an ideal location for such a popular show. The whole aim of Rural Past Times is to provide an insight into the history of farming through the ages and featuring country crafts and pursuits, handicraft and cottage industries.
I have been to many of these shows before and they just keep getting better and better, which is all down to the months of planning, the generosity of supporters, helpers and volunteers and a dedicated committee lead by chairman Jonathan Playfoot, who make it all happen.
It was a scorching Sunday morning but this didn’t deter the visitors from arriving in their droves, parking was free and well organised with plenty of volunteer marshals making sure everyone knew what to do and where to go. Once inside, the free comprehensive programme made easy reading and there was something for everyone to either try or look at. It was a little (and big) boys’ paradise, tractors of all sizes and description lined up in all their glory and the chance to ride around the arena in an open trailer.
If that wasn’t enough, which child wouldn’t like to see real life military tanks and military vehicles driving around in front of their eyes? Traction engines chugged along, belching smoke but providing a magnificent spectacle, hot work at the best of times but we really felt for the drivers and stokers who must have been dripping!
There were commercial vehicles, working and vintage tractors, stationary smaller engines, steam engines and a timber and horticultural section. Vintage cars and motorbikes, pedal cycles and heavy horses, craft stalls and private collections on display. Plus, live music the whole weekend.
For the intrepid tree climbers there was the chance to climb a 40’ tree and to prove you had reached the top, the chance to ring a bell. Down on terra firma, a seven ton tree was dragged into the arena by a massive John Deer tractor supported by another John Deer with a forwarder and then a JCB and Manitou who showed us all how ‘easy’ it was to move and lift a seven ton tree with ease – well that’s how it looked. Later in the proceedings a Unimog entered the arena and calmly drove onto this massive tree then did the same in reverse, amazing spectacle to witness.
Elsewhere, the beer tent offered plenty of welcome shade; a calf being led towards the German Sausage Hut looked understandably nervous; and there was a choice of burgers, gourmet griddle, pizza, hot dogs, cocktails, ice creams and milk shakes. In the craft marquee were wooden gifts, chutneys, jams and marmalade, textiles cards and handicrafts, handcrafted jewellery and a pencil artist specialising in equestrian drawings.
I’m positive there was a lot more going on than I have managed to mention here and sorry if I’ve missed anybody out – there was just so much to see and do it wasn’t easy to take it all in. If you didn’t get the chance to go this year try and make it next year. It’s always on the second weekend of August and it really is a very good value and superbly organised event for the whole family.
Congratulations to the organisers and all concerned for making a huge effort under challenging circumstances. Your efforts paid off and it was a fantastic show, thank you. See you next year.
Image Credits: Nick Forman .
Yes parking was free, but it was £8 each entry fee!