By hook or by crook, I’ll be ready for all the summer shows
ITH Christmas just round the corner, the agricultural show season seems to be a VERY long time away and yet the hard-working organising committees of the local shows are well into preparations for next summer.
Last week, I received the very great honour of being elected as the honorary show president for next summer’s Emley Show.
Emley Show is one of the bestattended and respected shows in Yorkshire and over the last few years has been blessed with great weather which always helps to turn a good day out into a truly great day. Emley Show 2020 will be held on August 1 – Yorkshire Day!
Last year, over 12,000 attended the one-day show and were treated to a great family day out with a huge diversity of activities, exhibitor stands, country crafts, livestock, family entertainment and competitions.
The tradition of Emley Show is over 120 years old with the first show being held in 1893. While continuing to be focused on promoting and increasing understanding of the local agricultural industry, Emley Show has something to offer everyone. As well as events in the main arena, there are several rings housing equestrian events.
At Donaldson’s Vets, we have been proud to be heavily involved with all the local agricultural shows. We act as the official show vets at most of the shows locally and have a stall at many where we have a chance to talk to people about our work with domestic animals, horses and farm species. I feel that the agricultural shows form an essential backbone to the local agricultural calendar and serve an essential role in educating consumers about where their food comes from as well as providing a social hub for the farming community.
It is a huge personal honour for me to have been elected as the president of Emley Show and to provide whatever help I can to the organising committee, many of whom have worked tirelessly and thanklessly behind the scenes for years to put on the show. Last week, at the AGM, I was presented with a beautiful shepherd’s crook by the outgoing president, April Bray.
As with a great many organisations who rely on voluntary support, the show committee could always do with more help. They are keen to assure any potential volunteers that they genuinely understand that some people can offer a lot of time to the show, while others can offer only a very little.
At this time of giving, whatever you can offer, be it just a few hours, or a much larger commitment, your contribution would be very welcome. Merry Christmas.
If you would like to get involved, please contact me at Donaldson’s Vets and I would be happy to pass your details on.