The event is held on the Museum’s beautiful site in the
South Downs, and celebrates the qualities and diversity of the rarest of
farm animals across the region. Smallholders throughout the south play a
vital role in nurturing rare and traditional breeds of livestock, and
several hundred cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, rabbits and poultry of numerous
breeds are expected to take part. Over the last 23 years, the event has
generated a great following, both from exhibitors and visitors, who value
its relaxed and friendly atmosphere – a reminder of traditional agricultural
shows.
Features of the Rare and Traditional Breeds Show include
magnificent rare breed cattle, orange-bristled Tamworth pigs,
Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs with their dramatic black blotches, Southdown
Sheep with their teddy bear faces and dumpling shape, and the ever-popular
Pygmy goats which stand not much more than one foot high. The show also
attracts more unusual creatures such as alpacas!
The next generation’s exhibitors and stockmen are nurtured
at the show with classes for young handlers, with assorted sheep and goats
in tow. Older children are judged for their skills by experienced livestock
judges.
Spinners, weavers and dyers show their mettle in the marquee, which also
features knitted, woven and crochet items. Practical demonstrations are in
the trade stands area, where once again there will be a wide selection of
country crafts and trades – with some exciting new faces as well as familiar
ones. This year there will also be food and produce, featuring tasty fare
from quality producers.
Visitors can also take the opportunity to look round the 45 historic
buildings on the Museum’s 50-acre site, including the recreated medieval
farmstead and authentic Tudor kitchen, and visit the Museum’s own team of
working Shire horses, working cattle and other farm livestock.
The Museum is open for the Rare and Traditional Breeds Show and every day
this summer from 10.30 am - 6.00 pm. Admission charges are: adults £8.50,
over 60s £7.50; children £4.50, family ticket £23.30, and include a full
day’s entry to all the Museum buildings and outdoor exhibits. Group rates
are also available.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The
award-winning Weald & Downland Open Air Museum has over 45 historic building
exhibits and is designated by the Government for the outstanding importance
of its collections. Exhibits include a medieval farmstead; a working
watermill producing wholemeal stoneground flour; exhibitions focusing on
traditional building techniques and agriculture; historic gardens, farm
livestock and a working Tudor kitchen. The Museum runs a well-established
programme of courses in building conservation and rural crafts. There is a
café which uses the Museum’s own flour and a shop with gifts and books on
countryside and buildings themes. The modern Downland Gridshell houses the
Museum’s building conservation centre and artefact collection. There is a
daily tour at 1.30pm when the Museum is open, and an appointments system for
visits to the collections for research purposes.
NOTE TO EDITORS
Reporters and photographers are welcome at the Museum.
For
further information call the Museum information line on 01243 811348 or
contact Cathy Clark, Marketing Officer
Tel:
01243
811014.
Fax:
01243 811475
Email:
marketing@wealddown.co.uk.
Full
details about the Museum and its activities can be found at
www.wealddown.co.uk
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