With more than 1,500 people joining in on the fun on Saturday, September 8, The Chillington Show was deemed an “absolute success”.

Visitors came from as far as Birmingham especially for the show, along with people from all ages from the village and neighbouring areas.

With charity tents, the dog show, the vintage vehicle display, three raffles, homemade cakes, and of course, a hog roast and well-stocked bar, there were activities and treats to cater to everyone’s individual interests.

The Dog Show was a “big draw for the show”, with more than 80 dogs registered across all categories. Stewarded by Maria Vinson and supported by a team of dedicated helpers organised by John Stagg, the show saw dogs win ‘C’ categories, along with an overall ‘Judges’ category for the first and second place dogs in each.

The top prize for the ‘Judges’ category was a certificate to receive a drawing by Alyson Cadd, who specialises in animal portraits.

Entertainment was provided throughout the day, with Fiona’s Fancy Feet putting on a “great” show, which was “warmly received and praised” by all who attended.

The vintage vehicle display was also a “real pleasure” for people at the show with everything from tractors and motor bikes to push bikes, cars and jeeps. Some of the youngsters even had the chance to sit on some of the displays.

Always popular were the various games around the show grounds including hook-a-duck, archery by Dangerous Dads, and a coconut shy.

While face-painted youngsters were parading around the bouncy castle fuelled by cake-induced sugar rushes, others enjoyed the Chillington Community Association barbecue and stuck close to the bar ran by South Hams Brewery. The hog roast, provided by the Bear & Blacksmith was a particularly popular, as “only bones were left at the end”.

There were three main raffles throughout the day, with prizes kindly donated by local businesses and people. Although the show was free, the purchase of a brochure for £1 entered the purchaser into a fourth raffle for a bottle of Salcombe Gin.

The 2018 Chillington Show team and the CCA were happy to have their charity of the year, CLIC Sargent in attendance. Deborah Hammond ran the charity table along with her team from Morrisons, who saw many show-goers visiting the table to show their support.

The Coastal Watch was there to represent emergency services, as was the fire brigade team from Kingsbridge, however the fire engine could not get on site due to parking in Tanpits Lane. Show organiser, Neil Martin is moving to assure attendees that plans are in motion to get up to two parking locations for next year so that this doesn’t happen again.

Chillington Show organiser, Neil Martin, said: “The show has received many congratulations from the villagers. It was a great success and we look forward to a bigger and better show in 2019.

“Finally, a special thanks goes to Carol Gameson for organising the craft show, Olly Smith for organising the games, Richard Smith, who was in charge of the food, Sandra Chattaway, who organised all the helpers for the day, Gillian Martin and Maggie Stagg for the support throughout and to all of the 70 people who gave up their time to support the show over the day.”