9:10pm Sunday 5th July 2009
By James Connell
THE iconic Hereford bull made its first ever appearance at one of the most sunny and successful Bromyard Galas in recent memory this weekend.
About 5,000 people attended the gala at the Birchyfields which had something for everyone, from vintage steam engines to birds of prey displays, food, handicrafts, dog displays and gravity-defying motorbike stunts.
But what drew the most attention at the 42nd gala, opened by local MP Bill Wiggin, was the Hereford cattle that have come to symbolise the county and the fortunes of Hereford Football Club.
Maureen Tinton, secretary of the Bromyard Gala Society, said: “It is the first time we have had Hereford cattle and we’re the only show in Herefordshire showing them.
“They have been getting a big reaction. Children just love to look at them all day long. When they led them around the ring, you could see people’s amazement. They are a rare breed and there’s not so many about.
“The gates were up on last year. This is certainly the best and biggest gala for a long time. There is a real buzz on the field this year.
“The weather has been good. It hasn’t been too hot and we haven’t had anyone collapse with sunstroke and the ground is hard so vehicles haven’t been getting stuck. It’s ideal weather and everybody has had a lovely time.”
Highlights included the great Herefordshire Country Show and Steam Rally, vintage vehicles, arena events, country crafts, children's entertainments, Punch and Judy, a competitive handicrafts show, rabbit show, rare breeds, heavy horses, bands, market stalls, a local trade marquee, the Border Countries Food Fair, remote control car racing, a gardening section and archery.
The grand finale on Sunday involved a hot air balloon ride with spectacular views of the gala.
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