Auctioneer loans hurdles to save Bury Show’s sheep section

Organisers of the Bury Show have thanked auctioneers for stepping in at the last minute to save their sheep showing from cancellation.

A fortnight before the show, members of the Bury and District Agricultural Society realised that thieves had stolen more than 100 sheep hurdles from a secure compound.

The show organisers feared they would have to turn away competitors in the sheep section – one of their fastest growing sections – due to lack of penning.

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© Bury and District Agricultural Society

But after hearing of their plight, the team at Clitheroe Auction Mart, contacted the society and offered the loan of their hurdles to allow the sheep section to run smoothly at an increased capacity.

The sheep section received more than 140 entries for the show, which was held at Burrs Country Park in Bury on Sunday (27 June).

Karen Southwell, sheep secretary from the Bury and District Agricultural Society, said: “For a number of years, the Bury Show has gained in popularity within the sheep community and our schedule has been constantly evolving to cater for this.

“So, to be in a position we could not support our long-term exhibitors was something we really did not want to have to do.

“But thanks to Clitheroe Auction Mart team, we were able to accept a bumper entry of over 140 animals on the day. They really were lifesavers and we hope that we can start to develop a strong relationship going forwards.”

Graham Smith, the society’s treasurer, said it was a great example of how the farming community pulls together and helps each other during tough times.

“It was the biggest entry we have ever had for the sheep section, and we were able to run it thanks to the generosity of the auctioneers,” he added.

“We had a number of different sheep breeds. It was the first year that we could run the Swiss Valais Blacknose section.”

Mr Smith said plans were already being made to ensure they do not face the same problem again for the 2022 show.

The Bury Show is the last remaining agricultural show in the north of Greater Manchester. Organisers say it’s a great way for people with limited access to the countryside to learn about agriculture and food production.