FOR this week's edition of nostalgia, we looked back at a popular village show when it was held 25 years ago.

The beautiful late summer weather attracted hundreds of people to the North Tyne village of Falstone for its annual show in August 1999.

Robert Robson, from Otterburn, winner of the blackface sheep category, with his shearling ram in 1999Robert Robson, from Otterburn, winner of the blackface sheep category, with his shearling ram in 1999 (Image: Newsquest)

The show field surroundings were a study in natural colours, with dark green conifers edged sharply against an azure sky. 

Children splashed in the river as thirsty dogs drank while enjoying a cooling dip. 

A hound safely locked up while his owner drinks in the beer tentA hound safely locked up while his owner drinks in the beer tent (Image: Newsquest)

Throughout the day, a hot sun beat down on the show field where the crowds enjoyed traditional country fair attractions like sheepdog trials, a try-your-strength machine and coconut shy. 

The Scotch Blackface title went to Bill Twizell from The Sills, Otterburn, with his ewe lambThe Scotch Blackface title went to Bill Twizell from The Sills, Otterburn, with his ewe lamb (Image: Newsquest)

Judging by the sturdy footwear worn by the majority, people had expected to become bogged down on the field after the torrential rain of a few days earlier, but luckily the ground had drained off and dried out well.

Snuggling into the cuddly rabbit on the St Peter's Church stand and paying to guess its name were Anna Simms from Hexham and Rebecca Blackith from BellinghamSnuggling into the cuddly rabbit on the St Peter's Church stand and paying to guess its name were Anna Simms from Hexham and Rebecca Blackith from Bellingham (Image: Newsquest)

Falstone Show organisers did not know at the time how much money they had made but expected a good result because of the large numbers of people coming through the gate.

Dundee, owned by Thomas Scott and shown by Einat Wright, was the best Jack Russell bitch Dundee, owned by Thomas Scott and shown by Einat Wright, was the best Jack Russell bitch (Image: Newsquest)

There was a good turnout in the children's pet section, with the eventual winner, little Jack Hodgson, almost dwarfed by his Westie dog, Corrie.

The best exhibit and the most points in the vegetable section was won by David Elliot from Newcastleton who also took the cup for the most points in the vegetable and flower section combinedThe best exhibit and the most points in the vegetable section was won by David Elliot from Newcastleton who also took the cup for the most points in the vegetable and flower section combined (Image: Newsquest)

The children's races, including egg and spoon, sack and three-legged, were well-supported and the encouraging cries of parents were almost drowned out by the contribution of the enthusiastic compere, Andrea Armstrong of Carlisle Terrace, Hexham.

Minty the Border terrier owned by Margaret Armstrong from The Carrick Farm, Elsdon, took the best Border terrier titleMinty the Border terrier owned by Margaret Armstrong from The Carrick Farm, Elsdon, took the best Border terrier title (Image: Newsquest)

There was a good turnout for the fell race, a five-mile course which climbed 500ft.

The first man home in a time of 36 minutes 21 seconds was 42-year-old James Dickinson, an undertaker of Gunnerton.   

James Dickinson of Gunnerton, the winner of the fell race in 1999James Dickinson of Gunnerton, the winner of the fell race in 1999 (Image: Newsquest)

James was also the first over-40 veteran. 

Second man home was his fellow Tynedale Harrier Paul Gaines with 39:04.

The first woman, and first lady veteran 35 and over, was Jane Saul with 53:32. She was closely followed by Northumberland Fell Runners team-mate Pat Cooper with 54:35.

First veteran over 50 was Bellingham's Bill Campbell with 54:59 and the team prize went to the Northumberland Fell Runners team of Andy Curtis, Bill Campbell and Tom Dodds.