Local College Town and Country Open Day

A very busy thoroughfare with hundreds of visitors going to and fro

Since my last post, the world of weather has turned upside down and we have had two wonderful days of sunny hot weather on this Bank Holiday weekend.

A traction engine supplied by a local firm

Three friends and I visited the Bishop Burton College Town and Country Day yesterday (26th May) in rural East Yorkshire. The college holds a 'Centre of Vocational Excellence' status in both agriculture and equine and is set in beautiful green countryside just north west of the market town of Beverley. 

A Gavioli organ welcoming visitors at the entrance playing great tunes, powered by the traction engine, above

I can't find out much about the history of the college to be honest, I'm sure there will be some, but the tiny picturesque village of Bishop Burton next to the college is mentioned in the Domesday Book apparently. The estate upon which the college now stands was sold by the family Watt who had owned it since the 1780s. The Gee family built a hall at Bishop Burton as far back as 1603.

Wood carver creating art

In 1086, the village had  38 villagers 15 smallholders and 3 men-at-arms in 18 households. The value to the local Lord (in taxes and rent etc.,) was £34 a year. Today the pretty little village boasts a very nice pub and a village pond, a population of nearly 700 and is on the main A1079 from Beverley to York.

Alpacas

The well known and respected college holds many events and one of them is their town and country open day with many activities such as horse riding competitions but essentially it's an open day for the local populous to come and see the work the college does in its animal husbandry courses. 

Otters

The grounds are extensive and beautifully kept, even the residential areas seem modern and well kept. The animals are well looked after as well as I could see and the public can see behind the scenes at all the various areas of expertise.

The cost of entry was £5 with concessions and free parking and dogs on leads were permitted. There were lots of facilities, food and toilets and the site is ideal for disabled people with great paths and roads to wander down. The event was packed with what appeared to be thousands of visitors to see many many events, too many to mention here and over 50 photos I took doesn't even cover all of it. 

Meerkat on guard, even in captivity, there was always one keeping a look out.

The East Yorkshire Motor Services Brass Band who I saw at the Christmas carol concert at the Holy Trinity Church in Hull last December were there entertaining the crowds as well as Morris dancers, fashion shows and a troupe of young girl dancers. There was a dog show and a daft dog show for crazy family dogs to have fun in. There was a horse jumping event that looked like cross country but I didn't get too close to that. There was a falconry display and dozens of animal centres to go and look round, from cuddling snakes and watching chicks hatch.

A white tailed sea eagle - the biggest of the UKs birds of prey

We had a picnic lunch beautifully prepared by my friends and had a wander round many stalls and activities for all the family - kids were especially catered for throughout the day, they could even have a go at bricklaying!

As a bonus - the sun shone brightly all day. Well done all the many, many volunteers and the students and staff who made the event feel safe and well organised.

We spent six hours there and I don't think we saw it all, but I did do something I don't normally do - I never win prizes on raffles etc., but I won two tombola prizes which I gave away to be honest to someone who would more appreciate them than me, but at least I won.

A great day.

Chat soon 

Ta-ra