To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behaviour or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Spirit in the face of adversity
Share this:
The first was played on Saturday, when the West Show was blighted by what must surely have been the wettest day of the year. The second was on Sunday, when, mercifully, the rain held off and despite soggy conditions underfoot, a good time was had by all.
To the great credit of the show’s organisers and those taking part, Saturday’s extreme weather produced not despair but determination and perseverance in the face of considerable adversity. It would be wrong to say that the incessant rain and the mud failed to mar people’s enjoyment, but those who had planned and prepared for the event for so long did a superb job in the circumstances.
The following day, therefore, was something of a reward as well as a very welcome contrast. The wind continued to blow and the sun failed to break through the clouds until after the show’s gates had closed, but otherwise everything went very much according to plan.
Thousands of Islanders turned up to see the Diggerland Dancing Diggers, the Rockin’ Horse stunt riders, donkey cart races and Cyril the Squirrel and his racing terriers, as well as the many other attractions, and were duly impressed by what was on the programme. Preparations which began many months ago ultimately paid handsome dividends.
But as West Show Association president Ken Vibert has forecast, takings for the two-day event will have been affected by Saturday’s deluge. That said, it is just as well that the organisers chose to make the most of it even in the face of such appalling bad luck. What they were able to achieve and the spectacle they were able to present, especially on the second day, will have left favourable memories which will encourage the crowds to turn up again in force when the show is next held in 2014.
Some will say that our countryside is not what it once was and that country life is a pale shadow of its former self. There is certainly some truth in such observations, but occasions such as the West Show demonstrate very clearly that all is far from lost. Rural Jersey is still of enormous importance, contributing very significantly to the character of the Island.
Related