The more than 2,000 Islanders, mostly families, who took advantage of the free entry to the Western Parish Show enjoyed live entertainment from primary school children, took part in activities organised by youth clubs and watched ferret, sheep and goose racing.
Dairy farmer Darren Quénault, who hosted the show at Manor Farm, said everyone involved was delighted that so many young families attended and enjoyed themselves.
‘We had proper working farm animals – cows, calves, sheep, chickens, ducks, two little horses, geese and piglets – and ferrets, and the horticultural marquee which is the essence of what farming is all about. We were just trying to remind people that there’s an agricultural and horticultural community and to keep the rural activities of the Island at the forefront of people’s minds. And I think we managed to do that,’ he said.
The event was organised by the West Show Association, which involves St Peter, St Ouen, St Brelade and St Mary, and this was its second year. Inside the marquee, the WI served tea and homemade cakes and there was advice on keeping an allotment, worm farming and making compost.
However, the star attractions were the entries in the Jersey Association of the National Vegetable Society’s summer produce show with a special class for curiously shaped vegetables, dominated by some odd-looking carrots.
Outside in the arena there was a traditional fairground, with activities for children, food and drink, ice cream and candyfloss and live entertainment from local bands and musicians, a magic show and country dancing.
The JEP’s Jepson the Bear joined in the fun and Ivor Barette was offering rides around the neighbouring lanes in a classic Jersey horse-drawn van pulled by farm horses, Bill and Ben.
