St Martin Show and village barn dance in Cornwall at weekend

Both visitor numbers and the amount of entries were described as “excellent” at the event, which was held in the barn at Trewince near St Martin.

Plenty of people came to admire the large variety on display in sections ranging from fruit and vegetables, to flowers and floral art, arts and crafts, photography and home produce.

There were also classes for children to get involved in.

Toby Stanbury presented with the Trewince Cup for best exhibit in Children’s Photography section, by Paul Wright (Image: Johnny Alston)

The Cober Valley Accordion Band entertained visitors during the afternoon, with ice cream available from the Gwella Dairy Cart, plus tea and cakes provided by the ladies of the village.

At the far end of the barn a book stall, bric a brac and surplus vegetable stand provided items to buy on the day.

Sophie Haskins with her prize winning cake, winning the Parish Hall Cup for Best Exhibit in the Show (Image: Johnny Alston)

The show and its accompanying raffle raised money for two charities: Farming Community Network and Street Vet.

Trophies and children’s cash prizes were announced by Brindley Hosken at the end, and presented by Paul Wright.

Elizabeth Williams with her Trophies and the St Martin Horticultural Shield for most points in the show, alongside a few of her Flower entries (Image: Johnny Alston)

Sophie Haskins won the cup for best exhibit in the show with her cake, while Elizabeth Williams won most points in show as part of a haul of trophies. 

Everyone involved in organising the community event were thanked, along with the many people supporting the show by entering so many classes, and finally the public for attending in such numbers.

Ann Hosken receiving her two trophies for Best Pasty and Most points in the Home Produce (Image: Johnny Alston)

As has become in tradition in recent years, the show was followed in the evening by a barn dance, organised by the Friends of St Martin (FOSM).

This year’s event has been declared the “best ever”, with more than 200 people attending the event. The dance was attended by people of all ages from across the Lizard Peninsula and also included visitors and holidaymakers.

As always, The Cornwall Tinners Ceilidh Band provided lively and uplifting music throughout the evening and the caller worked hard teaching everyone how to do energetic dances such as ‘Strip the Willow’ and ‘The Dashing White Sargeant’, before leading them in the ‘Serpent Dance,’ which brought the event to an exhilarating conclusion.

The barn dance in full swing (Image: Vicky Woods)

During the evening a hog roast was provided by Helford Hog Roasts, and the Prince of Wales pub at Newtown served drinks to the thirsty dancers from their specially adapted horsebox that was set up in the barn. For those needing to cool down further, there were ice creams available from the local Gwella Dairy.

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The group said: “FOSM would like to thank everyone who made the event such an outstanding success – Johnny and Fran Alston and family, The Cornwall Tinners Ceilidh Band, Helford Hog Roasts, The Prince of Wales pub, Gwella Dairy, and all those who helped to get the barn ready following the craft and horticultural show and assisted with tidying up after the barn dance.

“Above all, huge thanks to everyone who attended the barn dance – the happy atmosphere and fantastic turnout made it a wonderful evening for the community. We are already looking forward to next year!”

Ossie Skewes , winner of the St Martin Parish Hall Cup for most points in the Open Vegetable section, with his collection of home grown vegetables (Image: Johnny Alston)