After two years of COVID-induced cancellations, MP for Penrith and the Border, Dr Neil Hudson was proud to celebrate all that makes our rural Cumbrian communities great at Patterdale Dog Show.
The sun shone over Ullswater as hundreds of people descended on the Lake District village to enjoy sheep dog trials, fell races, and all the events that comprised the 117th traditional country show.
Having triggered an official EFRA Committee Inquiry into Rural Mental Health, spoken up on the matter in Parliament, and pushed for better provision in meetings with Ministers, Dr Neil Hudson was keen to highlight the importance that events such as agricultural and county shows hold for the wellbeing of people in rural Britain.
Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, said:
“It’s been an immense pleasure to experience the social good that country shows have on our communities and ourselves this summer and Patterdale Dog Day was no different. These kinds of events are the beating heart of rural Britain. Beyond the economic benefits or knowledge sharing they facilitate; they represent a special and unique part of our heritage. And one that should be celebrated!
"With rural isolation one of major triggers for mental health issues in the countryside, the importance of country shows such as Patterdale Dog Show bringing communities together should not be understated. It was so heartwarming to see folk coming together again after such a challenging time through the pandemic.
“I’ve fought hard on the issue since being elected by triggering an official Inquiry into Rural Mental Health on the Commons EFRA Select Committee - on which I sit -, standing up in the Commons to highlight the challenges we face, and talking with Ministers as to how we can better support our vibrant rural communities moving forward.”
Dr Hudson was also given the honour of judging the prestigious Champion of Champions award at the Matterdale and St Johns Sheep Show which runs concurrently with the Dog Day. A vet by profession, he gave the trophy to a beautiful Herdwick ewe, raised by father and son Peter and Robert Bland of Grassmere which narrowly pipped the Reserve Champion, a lovely Swaledale presented by Messrs Lightfoot of Glenridding.
Dr Neil Hudson MP added:
“It was a real honour to be asked to judge and award the Champion of Champions Award. In politics and in the animal world, it is tough judging when you are down to the final two candidates! There were some great sheep on display across the board and the final two were no exception, so it was a really tough decision, but one that I was humbled and honoured to make. With that said, the Herdwick ewe just edged it for me over the Swaledale. She was a well-proportioned, immaculately-presented and finely poised sheep, and one which I as a vet I was very drawn to due to her calm demeanour. A real credit to the Bland Family."
“Thanks once again to the organising committee for such a successful day and I know from all the smiling faces I passed, a great day was had by all.”
