The second weekend in August is an easy date to remember so why not block it out on your 2025 calendar now and then you won’t miss the next Rural Past Times event. This year it took place last Saturday and Sunday and was the 12th time the show has been held. The aim of the show is to provide an insight into the history of farming and other aspects of country pursuits, crafts and handicrafts and cottage industries; a family friendly event which has grown each year.
The monies raised over the weekend will be shared amongst a selection of chosen charities and last year a total of £8,000 was distributed to mainly local charities.
Putting a show like this together takes months of planning and preparation where thankfully, a large team of volunteer committee members, chaired by Jonathan Playfoot, give freely of their time throughout the year to make sure everyone enjoys a weekend to remember and repeat.
There was a fantastic selection of all things agricultural with something for everyone including tractors, steam engines, heavy horses, traction engines, live demonstrations from a threshing machine, milling machinery and a purpose built hop garden. There were commercial vehicles including lorries, living vans, showman’s vehicles, tanks and military vehicles, heavy horticultural vehicles, as well as vintage and classic cars and caravans. There were also craft tents, horticultural exhibits and tree surgery demonstrations.
Pole climbing featured once again with two Douglas Fir poles, sourced locally, standing 45ft above the ground. This was an old-fashioned method of climbing trees with ropes and brute strength used by tree surgeons all over the world, and ringing the bell indicates you have reached the top! Not for the faint-hearted or for those with vertigo but worth the climb as the view from the top is spectacular (so I’m told).
Also at the show ground there was live music throughout the weekend, a huge selection of food outlets catering for every individual choice and the beer tent was a firm favourite all round. There was auto jumble, tractor rides all day, craft tent and displays, motorcycles and pedal cars and so so much more.
Having been to many of these superb shows over the years, this year’s show was probably the biggest and best yet and once again, the weather was as good as it gets with sunshine, blue cloudless sky and a cooling breeze. Thousands of visitors of all ages came along to enjoy such a well-organised and spectacular event, which also included an unannounced appearance by Mr Doodle aka Sam Cox (see Rye News article The Doodles drop by).
I will leave you to browse through the selection of photos below which speak much louder than words and if you want to get a flavour of what’s in store at next years event keep Saturday 29 September 29 free as there will be a road run for tractors, cars, lorries and motorbikes for you to enjoy with all proceeds once again going to local charities.
For more information just go to www.ruralpasttimes.co.uk or email on info@ruralpasttimes.co.uk.
Image Credits: Nick Forman .