'Fantastic' success for Holsworthy Show

AN OLYMPIC silver medallist, the return of livestock and its traditional community feel ensured this year's Holsworthy Show was a huge success.

Despite rain showers and plenty of mud, hundreds of people poured through the gates at Killatree yesterday for the 112th Holsworthy and Stratton Agricultural Show.

Secretary Alison Wilson said: "It has been fantastic to have the stock back - they are the heart of the show. There has been real excitement and it was fantastic to have Heather here as it made it that little bit extra special."

Heather Fell from Yelverton near Tavistock won silver in the women's modern pentathalon in Beijing.

Just days later she was competing in the puissance at Holsworthy Show. She missed out on another medal, losing to last year's champion, but said it was fantastic to be in Holsworthy and it helped "bring her back down to earth" after a "manic" few weeks in China.

Heather said: "I am so pleased I came and glad I did better than last year."

Heather failed to make it past the first round in the puissance at Holsworthy Show last year which she said was "very embarrassing".

She added: "The one (fence) down (at yesterday's event) wasn't entirely my fault and my coach said I did really well. I have loved every minute of it here and that is the main thing."

For full story see Thursday's Journal.