Super show is magnet for visitors
Glynis Fox discovers the charm and appeal of historic Heckington, which hosts its popular annual summer show this month.
July is probably the best month of the year to get a true picture of the village of Heckington.
Why? Well, that’s the month when it hosts what is affectionately known as England’s largest village show, and it’s an event that typically attracts more than 25,000 visitors.
It’s a weekend extravaganza which is not to be missed if you enjoy countryside shows and prefer the intimacy and special character of local events, rather than a major countywide gathering. But, make no mistake, the show’s reputation ensures that it continues to attract and grow a faithful following, including curious newcomers keen to discover the secrets of its success.
This is a show which is truly diverse and which also highlights the talents of its many visitors – and, of course, if you can bear to drag yourself away, there’s a chance to explore the rest of the village too.
This year’s event takes place on Saturday and Sunday, 26th and 27th July, and with so much on offer you may choose to splash out and visit on both days. Either way, you’re sure to be impressed.
So, if you are looking for something which really does offer plenty to keep every member of the family interested – including your dog – Heckington Show is a must-attend event. The show opens at 9am on both days and continues until 10.30pm.
Show chairman Charles Pinchbeck said: “People typically travel 20 to 30 miles to a show – making ours within easy reach of Lincoln, Newark, Grantham and all the towns in south and mid-Lincolnshire.
“However, there is something special about Heckington that draws people from further afield. I know of one Wisbech family who come every year and it is made up of three generations!
“I think a key draw is the tremendous range of activities, so everyone finds something they really enjoy. More than that, the scale and quality of Heckington Show means that it has an atmosphere that is universally appealing and, in some ways, it is Britain’s village show, making it well worth a slightly longer journey.
“In fact, one family in Norway bring their children to the show every year to keep them in touch with their British roots!”
ADDED ATTRACTIONS
On Saturday 26th July, from 7pm to 10.30pm, visitors can also enjoy a Firework Concert (the main ring gate opens at 6.45pm). The following day on Sunday at 10.30am, there will be an open-air church service at the Concert Marquee and, at 3.30pm, it will be time to present the winners of the Horticulture, Arts and Crafts competitions with their prizes.
The Heckington Show is made up of many different areas covering every interest, from family activities to animal and livestock shows, a heritage area, horticulture, cookery and the arts, sports and showjumping, vintage machinery and much more. There’s no fear of anyone getting bored, but you might find that you really could do with visiting on both days!
Charles Pinchbeck explains that while there may be nothing particularly new to the successful format this year, that doesn’t mean that the team behind this fabulous event isn’t constantly refreshing the show in a variety of ways.
“Every autumn we spend our first two meetings of the show planning year just looking at how we can make the show that little bit better. A great innovation last year was a buggy service from the main car park to the show entrance.
“We also trialled a Wi-Fi network for card machines which was highly successful in making sure people can take home their finds and discoveries on the day. One topical snippet – the first meeting for the 1945 show took place on VE Day, 8th May 1945, and less than three months later a fabulous show was held!”
So, what are some of the most popular aspects of this crowd-puller and is it easy to get new attractions to come along?
“There is so much that people enjoy each day, it’s hard to pick out any one aspect. I think part of the magic is the mix of local community participation and top-flight competition. The passion and commitment of the village schoolchildren running in the morning is just as intense as our national cycling heroes competing in the afternoon,” said Charles.
“Then there are the country show favourites, such as the magnificent Shire horses on Saturday and hordes of sheep and cattle on Sunday, as well as the flower and produce competition, without which no village show is complete.
“One of the things that makes Heckington really special is the chance to get close to the action, meet the exhibitors and hear their stories.”
Naturally, there’s plenty of tasty food on offer, including favourites such as farmhouse sausage rolls or piping hot doughnuts!
“But most of all people tell us that they enjoy the huge variety the show offers and the simple fact that it’s just a lovely place to be, with people coming together to celebrate and share all that is best about English rural life,” he added.
“I think that comes from the fact that it is still organised entirely by volunteers who give so much time to make sure everyone has a wonderful day out – it’s the biggest volunteer-run show in the country we’re told!”
HISTORIC BUILDINGS
Of course, Heckington is a large village and it also offers lots of other things to explore – including historic attractions, such as the magnificent St Andrew’s Church, Heckington Windmill and the Station Museum.
Heckington Windmill has been grinding flour from locally grown grain for 200 years. You can enquire about guided tours, but on site you will find the 8 Sail Brewery (in the old engine shed and sawmill), plus a tearoom and gift shop. The shop sells flour, oats, jams and other treats, along with non-food gifts.
St Andrew’s Church is a magnificent parish church which was built in the 1300s. Fascinatingly, it is decorated inside and out with beasts, gargoyles, angels and animals. Its benefactor was the chaplain to Edward III, Richard de Potesgrave.
Heckington Station Railway & Heritage Museum is based in the original 1859 former station building on the platform. A small but fascinating museum, it illustrates the history of rail in Heckington. There are many interesting exhibits, memorabilia and hands-on model railways. Groups and education visits are also catered for.
This means you can enjoy looking at the memorabilia and two model railways inside, and also watch the trains go by. The museum will be open during the two-day show, between 11am and 3pm each day.
SET SAIL FOR HECKINGTON WINDMILL
In the heart of the Lincolnshire countryside, 15 miles south of Lincoln, is the magnificent 8-sailed Heckington Windmill.
Built in 1830, it offers a glimpse into the history of milling, and an opportunity to explore this unique piece of Lincolnshire heritage which showcases the story of grain from field to fork.
There is a visitor centre where children can get hands-on with exhibits and can hunt for mice around the windmill, while adults can explore the five floors of the windmill.
Visit the shop selling flours that have been stoneground on site, along with a selection of gifts and local foods. And before you leave make sure you visit the award-winning Miller’s House Tea Rooms with delicious cakes (baked on site), lunches and then drop in at the 8 Sail microbrewery.
The perfect location for a family day out – why not add Heckington Windmill to your list of places to visit this summer?
For more information visit www.heckingtonwindmill.org.uk
HIGH QUALITY HOME ENTERTAINMENT AT A TOUCH
If you are looking for excellent quality sound and superb cinema visuals in the comfort of your home, Expressive Audio, based in Moorby, is on hand to help create the right setup for your space. A modern high-definiton big screen and dedicated sound system ensures an immersive experience for enjoying not only blockbuster movies, but your favourite must-see TV series and sports too!
The expert team can also advise on making the most of your music collection, with top names in HiFi equipment. And don’t miss Expressive Audio’s free “Bring Your Own Music Night” events on Sunday 29th June and 27th July (7pm-9pm) at The Red Lion in Revesby – bring your favourite music in vinyl, CD or digital form to share with fellow audiophiles in a great venue, on some fantastic HiFi systems.
For more info, call 01507 499047, visit the showroom at Moorby Yard on the Revesby Estate, or visit www.expressiveaudio.com
PAWFECT PRESENTS FOR COUNTRY LOVERS
Named after owner Nikki Downs’ two much-loved original bullmastiffs, SkyeBubble offers a unique quality collection of original country themed gifts designed to capture the close bond between dogs, horses, and their owners.
Among SkyeBubble’s most popular gifts, the Original Range are all designed and made of quality materials in Lincolnshire. Top sellers include the Absolutely Love dog showing tea towel, showing lead and collar bag, the Dog Walking bag and Hoofing Around equine range.
New for this year is a unique range of wooden pet crates for toys, treats and all those small dog “nik-naks”.
“Sharing my love of dogs, horses and country life through an independent business provides that little something different for people who have similar interests,” says Nikki, who launched her business in 2016 with just a table at a local craft fair, after many years spent working for a large corporate company.
“Dogs are a massive part of our lives, and this year we have welcomed a new addition to our family, Optimus Johnnie Walker, otherwise known as ‘Handsome Johnnie’. He is enjoying his puppy training and his success in the show ring.”
Among the shows SkyeBubble will be exhibiting at this year are Chatsworth Country Fair (29th – 31st August), Newark Festive Gift and Food Show (25th & 26th October), and Sandringham Christmas Craft, Food & Gift Fair (14th – 16th November).
For more information visit www.skyebubble.co.uk
Follow on Facebook: SkyeBubble Country Dog & Horse Gifts
EARTHWORKS MADE EASY WITH S E HILL LTD
Established in 1973, SE Hill is a highly regarded family-run business offering a range of professional earthworks and groundwork services, together with cost-effective equestrian and agricultural constructions, such as specialist arena builds, forestry and clearance projects.
With a longstanding reputation for delivering high quality workmanship, the reliable and professional team will help resolve your residential and commercial landscaping challenges and help find you an affordable solution.
Free consultations are offered for all services, followed up by a quote and the expert landscaping team are fully licensed, bonded and insured.
“We love to take pride in the work we do, which brings us many repeat clients,” says managing director Steve Hill. “Each project is finished on time and to budget, making sure each job is completed above and beyond your expectations.”
For more information visit www.sehill.co.uk
EXPERIENCE SOME MAYFIELD MAGIC THIS SUMMER
Mayfield Vineyard’s reach and reputation go from strength to strength, and they continue to delight with fun and informative wine tasting experiences. These make ideal gifts for that special someone who has everything! With the addition of pizza ovens and the partnerships with Marsh Pig and Spirit of Trent rums, Mayfield Vineyard’s VIP experiences are fast becoming a popular choice for an evening out.
Diversifying and thinking outside the box has always been a skill of Mayfield Vineyard’s owner, Fraser Key. “It’s been a busy year, but we are reaping the rewards of our hard work as our reputation grows, and more and more people are choosing to visit us.
“We have ‘taken the show on the road’ to local air bases, where our wines have been enjoyed in sergeants’ and officers’ messes. Having grown up in ‘Bomber County’, I am very passionate about developing this partnership with the RAF.
“We enjoy hosting groups for special occasions, and recently, on a very sunny Sunday lunchtime, over 30 Triumph owners chose to meet at the yard and relax while enjoying a homemade pizza and a glass of wine, while hearing about our wine production and admiring each other’s vehicles. This is something we hope to replicate, so if you are looking for a space to meet after a drive out, why not get in touch?”
As well as attending various local markets, including Fulbeck’s monthly artisan market, Mayfield Vineyard is now a regular fixture at Stamford’s Friday Street Market. Fraser is delighted to be attending the wonderful and very local Heckington Show for the first time this year, where he hopes you will stop by, say hi and sample the Owl Collection.
Mayfield Retreat’s selection of holiday rental properties is also growing and receiving great reviews.
Fraser adds: “If you are looking for a relaxing weekend break in the countryside, we offer accommodation for groups of 2 to 22, all with hot tubs and of course, the opportunity to join us for a wine tasting experience and pizza supper!”
Photographs: Mick Fox
We Recommend
Never miss a copy!
Big savings when you take out a subscription.
Lincolnshire Life Magazine Newsletter 12/25 - mailchi.mp/lincolnshirelife.co.uk/lincolnshire-life-magazine-newsletter-12-25