THE hardy folk of Upper Wharfedale enjoyed another successful Buckden Gala despite continuous heavy rain which started as the gala opened and lasted all afternoon.

Considering the conditions, there was a good crowd, who enjoyed the traditional mix of craft stalls, tearoom, hot dogs, beer tent, tombola, raffle and fun activities, while Cadence Folk from Brighouse again provided the musical entertainment.

The Buckden Pike Fell Race, organised by Barlick Fell Runners, was won by Jack Cummings of Ilkley Harriers in a time of 37:36. Annie Hassell of Wharfedale Harriers won the Ladies Race and came fifth overall with a time of 49:12.

The Buckden Sheep Show, organised by Janet Mudd and Ellen Hird, is an important feature of Gala Day. Male Champion went to P Bowdin, while Female Champion and Dalesbred Rosette went to S&E Hird, who also took overall winner. In the Young Handlers section, Freya took first place in the 0 - 9 class, while Thomas took first place in the 10 – 16s. The organisers expressed their thanks to all the farmers and sponsors who supported this year’s show.

The dog show was again judged by Pamela and Tony Serjeant: Class winners were: Best Puppy: Carmen owned by Nicky Wolstenholme; Best Veteran: Jack, owned by Amanda Chambers; Most Handsome: Tweed, owned by Lucy Newson; Prettiest: Rosa, owned by Ava Moorhouse; Waggiest Tail: Poppy, owned by Laura Wardle; Most Like my Owner: Kit Kat, owned by Ava Chapman. Best in Show was Kit Kat, while Jack was Reserve Best in Show.

Torrential rain did not deter a surprising number of up-dale children from taking part in the children’s races which included forwards, backwards, sideways and sack races. Winners were Abby, Otis, Eilien, Tommy, Ross, Freya-Rose, and Nola.

The tearoom had a busy afternoon, the famous Buckden hot dogs went down as well as ever, and the George at Hubberholme provided the very popular beer tent. It was good to see Roger Ingham making a guest appearance. The afternoon finished with the usual prize draw and the egg-catching competition, followed by a fun new activity – pushing cars out of the mud.

Peter Vetch, chair of Buckden Village Institute which organises the Gala, thanked all those from Buckden Parish and beyond who worked so hard to make the afternoon a success, as well as those who braved the elements to make it all worthwhile.

Next year’s Buckden Gala will be held as usual on the third Saturday in June – June 21 – a must for the diary.

Sheep Show results. 
Dalesbred Gimmer Hogg 1- S & E Hird; 2 - S & E Hird; 3    P Bowdin. Swaledale Gimmer Hogg - 1    S & E Hird 2 S & E Hird; 3 P Mudd. Dalesbred Ewe and Horned Lamb - 1 S & E Hird; 2    P Mudd; 3 P Bowdin. Swaledale Ewe and Horned Lamb    -1 S&E Hird; 2nd    P Mudd; 3 P Mudd. Horned Ewe and Crossed Lamb    1st P Mudd; 2nd P Mudd; 3rd R Appleton. Dalesbred Tup Hogg    1st P Bowdin
2nd S & E Hird; 3rd P Bowdin. Swaledale Tup Hogg 1st    R Appleton. Dalesbred Aged Ram 1st    P Bowdin; 2nd    S & E Hird; 3rd P Bowdin. Swaledale Aged Ram 1st R Appleton. Best Fat Lamb 1st    R Appleton; 2nd S & E Hird; 3rd    S & E Hird. Pair of Dalesbred Gimmer Lambs 1st P Mudd;  2nd    S & E Hird. Pair of Swaledale Gimmer Lambs 1st    S & E Hird; 2nd P Mudd. Pair of Crossbred Gimmer Lambs 1st R Appleton; 2nd P Mudd. Best Woolled Hill Sheep1st    P Bowdin; 2nd P Mudd;  3rd R Appleton. Best Ram – Any other breed    1st S & E Hird; 2nd R Appleton; 3rd R Appleton. 
Best Female – Any other pure breed 1st J Mudd; 2nd J Mudd; 3rd R Appleton. DB/SW Tup & Gimmer Hogg Pair    1st S & E Hird; 2nd P Bowdin;  3rd R Appleton. DB/SW Tup, Ewe & Gimmer Hogg Group    1st S & E Hird; 2nd P Bowdin; 3rd R Appleton. Male Champion     1st P Bowdin; Female Champion     1st S & E Hird; Dalesbred Rosette 1st    S & E Hird. Overall Winner 1st    S & E Hird. Young Handlers Class (0 - 9) 1st    Freya Appleton; 2nd Ben  Huck; 3rd Isiah Appleton. Young Handlers Class (10 - 16) 1st    Thomas Bowdin; 2nd Lydia Chute; 3rd    Lillie-Mae Appleton.     
The organisers would like to thank the farmers and sponsors for making it possible to run the  Sheep Show again this year.