The Churnet Valley Living Landscape Partnership exhibited at the annual Leek & District Show on Saturday 27th July. The sunshine helped make the day a great success with reportedly over 11,000 visitors attending.
The CVLLP marquee proved to be one of the most popular with the children as several of the partner organisations had organised a variety of practical things to do including making woody spinners and sculpting clay animals. The RSPB helped children to make butterfly feeders and the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust invited visitors to have a go at the traditional wooden shaving horse.
No doubt the highlight of the day was the Bits of Dead Wildlife Quiz where both adults and children took part in identifying some of the more bizarre relics from the Churnet Valley. Lots of fun was had in an attempt to win prizes including a hamper donated by local firm Cottage Delight.
Suzanne Cole promoted the CVLLP Community Grants Scheme and the Staffordshire Rural Hub’s farm apprenticeship package was advertised by Chris Higgins. Representatives from both Severn Trent Water and Natural England were in attendance all day.
The valley’s industrial heritage was celebrated with displays from both the Churnet Valley Railway and the Caldon & Uttoxeter Canals Trust and the living heritage was represented by volunteers from the local branch of the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust.
The Staffordshire Moorlands Community and Voluntary Service had a great day promoting their new retail arm “Much More Than…” and the Early Cancer Detection Project.
The day ended on a suitable high as the CVLLP marquee was awarded the prize for the Best Small Trade Stand – there is already talk about next year!
[Photos courtesy Waterway Images]