Charity of the Year - Penrith Mountain Rescue
6th July 2022
Penrith Show Charity of the year set to receive more donations at the show
Penrith Show always has a nominated charity of the year, but with the cancellation of the show for the past 2 years, it has been a long wait for Penrith Mountain Rescue (Penrith MRT) who were first selected for 2020, with support carried over to 2022.
The first opportunity to fundraise for Penrith MRT came at the Penrith Agricultural Society annual dinner held at the Roundthorn Hotel earlier in the year. A cheque for £281.45 was handed over last week, marking the start of celebrations for the 50th show on the Brougham showfield.
Penrith MRT covers the largest geographic area of any of the Lake District Mountain Rescue Teams. It covers a huge area stretching from the Scottish and the Northumberland Borders, down the North Pennines to High Cup Nick above Dufton and across to Haweswater and the surrounding fells.
The cheque was presented to Penrith MRT by Show Chair Fiona Kidd and the team from Penrith Building Society who are the main sponsor for Penrith Show 2020. Commenting Fiona said “It’s been a tough time for the show, it’s been dormant for two years and in that time we’ve seen changes and challenges. One thing that has certainly been a constant is the dedicated support we’ve had from Penrith Building Society – and we are very indebted to them for sticking with us over so many years. We’re delighted that they are our main sponsor this year and everyone is really excited to get the show on the road again. We’re busy dusting things down and adding some new ideas that focus on family entertainment and activities.
“One thing we are keen to do is support Penrith Mountain Rescue Team as much as possible. When looking through our archives, we discovered boxes of a book called Guardians of Eden. It was produced for the Millennium and is an illustrated celebration of the roll of farming in East Cumbria. It has a rich history of a bygone era and includes lots of photographs from yesteryear too. Instead of leaving them in the back of the cupboard, we’re providing Penrith MRT with a supply of the books for their stand at Penrith Show in the hope that people will give them a donation (minimum £1) in exchange for a copy.
Rob Hunter, Chair of Penrith MRT said “It has been such a long time since we have been able to get out properly and engage with the public and raise crucial funds. We are delighted that Penrith Show has chosen to support our charity and are really looking forward to being there. The Team is funded by donations, and all members are unpaid volunteers, so we’re grateful for the support that Penrith Show has offered. It will be a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness, giving us a chance to talk to the public about what we do. Our volunteers are willing to respond any day of the year and in all weather. We will respond to an average of 60+ callouts a year. Over the previous two years, this has been much more of a challenge, which makes the support of Penrith Show even more valuable.”
The show is very much geared to a fun farming and family day out, so there is a stronger focus on family entertainment with a new family activity area and lots of things to keep everyone entertained including a junior warrior course and archery, Stu Di Doo balloon modelling & magic shows, and Zoobidoo with her range of exotic creatures. For dog lovers, there will also be dog training demos by Jen Cartmel from Clever Dogs with handers and their dogs.
Some things never change and have remained part of the show's regular features including the sheep cattle and horses, plus the dry stone walling competition and the Cumberland & Westmorland Wresting which, this year, includes the Ladies 10 stone Championship.
The committee is also excited to welcome back the well-known local-born band Hardwicke Circus. The band recently hit the headlines for playing at Glastonbury. Fiona Kidd said, “Fingers crossed we have a fine day because we think the boys will create a fantastic end to the 2022 show.”
Early bird tickets can be purchased until 8th July
