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 and poultry of numerous breeds are expected to take part. Over
the last 24 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 including delightful long-haired Highland Cattle, orange-bristled
Tamworth pigs, 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 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. There will be
a range of trade stands to browse and buy, and once again there will be a
wide selection of country crafts and trades – with some exciting new faces
as well as familiar ones.
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 10.30am - 6pm. Admission charges are
adults £8.95, over 60s £7.95; children £4.70, family ticket £24.25, 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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