LISKEARD will be proud to host its Prime Stock Show at a brand new location close to the town and a different day of the week.

This year’s show will be on Saturday, November 3, and while the domestic classes will be held, as ever, at the Eliot House Hotel, all the livestock and crop classes will now take place at Bolitho Farm, located at Island Shop, just off the A38.

Both will be open to the public and organisers hope that by moving the event to a Saturday it will enable more people to attend this interesting and traditional event.

The Prime Stock Show has been part of local rural life for very nearly a century, and Liskeard’s is traditionally the first of a series of winter shows across the county.

When Kivells auctioneers announced that livestock markets would cease in Liskeard town centre, the Prime Stock Show committee were determined that the event would continue, said secretary James Moon.

‘We’re replicating what we always did at the Cattle Market at Bolitho Farm,’ said Mr Moon.

‘We’ll have a marquee up for cattle, sheep, silage, hay and roots. There will be a cost involved, but we are all set to have our usual show and we are pleased to have it at Bolitho Farm – we must carry on the tradition.’

Also keen on nurturing traditions are Jackie Martin, who is secretary of the domestic side of the show, and committee member Annie Purdon.

‘There’s still time for people to get involved and enter one of the classes,’ said Annie.

‘We’d encourage people to get baking, get knitting, or get crafting and sticking, but most of all to come along and have a look.’

The Prime Stock Show represents the meeting of town and country and the pride in quality local produce, she added.

‘Although I’m a "townie", I grew up on a farm. I joined the committee years ago to help keep the show on the road,’ she said.

‘This is our 99th year and we want to make it to our 100th. We’re a happy crew and we are proud of our heritage.

‘The domestic entries are keeping skills alive. It’s also about children making things, rather than playing on electronic toys.’

The domestic entries will be judged at the Eliot House Hotel next Friday (November 2) and on display for all to come and view on Saturday (November 3) from 10.30am, with the presentation of cups to take place at 3.30pm.

Meanwhile, the livestock judging will take place at Bolitho Farm from 10.30am on Saturday November 3.

Show president Geoffrey Harris said he hopes to see a lot of people from the Liskeard area support the show and their local farmers.

‘We’re quite excited about having the show at the new location. It’s something we need to keep going,’ he said.

‘The Liskeard Prime Stock Show, like many of the other shows, is now being held on a Saturday to try and involve the general public. It’s something interesting for people to go to.’

Show chairman Melvyn Rowe said that entries were looking promising, and classes were still open until tomorrow (Monday, October 29).

’We have a very secure site at Bolitho Farm and we are looking forward to exhibiting our produce from South East Cornwall,’ he added.