THE irrepressible Widecombe Wag, Tony Beard, will be putting in a welcome appearance at the Okehampton Show.

He has been visiting this annual event and entertaining the crowds for the best part of two decades.

'It is always a great pleasure to be invited out to the Okehampton Show. Like a good wine — it matures,' he says.

'Last year it was one of those one-day shows that had to be cancelled, but now it is up and going again — all bright eyed and bushy tailed.'

Tony recently visited Hatherleigh on one of its Tuesday market days and was delighted to find there was a wide range of stalls selling produce.

'In the sheep pens there were two auctioneers — one selling fruit and veg and the other selling bits of furniture and tools. I felt that Hatherleigh was perking up.'

It was that upbeat atmosphere at Hatherleigh — recovering in the wake of the foot and mouth crisis — that Tony felt acted as a barometer for a better atmosphere in the rural community.

'There was a good feeling and I'm sure that Okehampton is going to pick up. The agricultural show is one of the days out that is very important in the farming calendar.'

Tony tells audiences in his cabaret that in a rural community there are only two important days — market day and Sunday. 'They are both an excuse to have a shave!' he quips.

A farmer himself from the other side of the moor he knows first hand the difficulties that face communities whose livings are hewn from the land. But now he sees a light at the end of the tunnel — drawing a veil over the past and a drive towards a better future.

'There is a bit of optimism creeping back. There is a long way to go we know but people are beginning to hold their heads up and start smiling again.'

He believes Okehampton Show plays a vital role in lifting the spirits of the whole community.

'People feel the good vibes and enjoy the get-together. There is a very positive outlook getting into everyone.'

Tony believes most of the one-day shows around the county are orientated towards their own individual areas and the local population — but they also attract a lot of people from far and wide.

'People who have moved away choose then to return to their roots. They will visit the show because they know they are sure to meet up with people that they haven't seen for ages. It is a very important annual day in the calendar.'

'I think the show is an excuse for a get-together and it serves a very important service. One-day shows are better than bigger ones because the local people can afford a stand. A wide range of people come to the show. It is very good advertising for people selling. People can see what is being produced and they can also talk to the producer.'

Tony feels it all ties in well with today's popular farmers' markets because it provides a shop window for people who visit the show but who are not agriculturally orientated.

He enjoys the combination of the old and the new — the contrast between displays of vintage farm machinery and the latest in modern agricultural technology. 'There is nothing better than being able to talk with someone about their favourite hobby or subject.

'If people are prepared to go up and speak to these people that are exhibiting items they will be only too delighted to share their enthusiasm and knowledge. 'It is a way of informing people about their heritage.'