"Best two days of my life!"

. . . that was the verdict of young Robert last night.

On Thursday it was Westmorland County Show. As usual it involved a lot of preparation in getting the cows looking their best, and gathering together all the kit and feed etc. But it was worth it as a record crowd was able to see the sun shining on a good line up of Dairy Shorthorns. The judge Seimon Thomas from South Wales picked David Dent's Winbrook Wren 2nd as the breed champion, and Strickley Starbud 48th as reserve.

But for Robert the excitement came in first showing the maiden heifer Strickley Starlet 133rd, which was placed first in its class and in then entering the Junior Dairy Handling. All the practising round the yard . . .

must have paid off as he was placed first. He was even photographed and interviewed by a local newspaper.

I think Robert and Chris also relished the chance to escape from the cattle tent and wander round the Showfield with their friends and with money in their pockets. They came back with empty pockets while Henry and James only managed to spend £3.50 each (bacon buns).

Friday was back to school - along with trophy and rosettes. I expect the school bus felt like a victory parade by a Championship winning football team.

Day Two culminated in Kendal Torchlight Carnival. Old Hutton school joined with Bendrigg Lodge

in a float, and Robert and Chris walked round the route as a two- headed alien. I hope I may have some photographs, but cameras sometimes jam at the wrong time.

And I must mention James and  The First Responders who decked out our trailer with large red heart shaped balloons, and to the sounds of "Stayin' Alive" demonstrated the importance of CPR so well, that a nearby policeman was about to call 999.