Special awards given to recognise superb work at Clogher Valley Show
CLOGHER Valley Agricultural Society has made a number of special awards in recognition of people and charities as a result of holding their Clogher Valley Show earlier this summer.
Following on from the death of their President, Capt. R. H. Lowry OBE, the Committee wanted to acknowledge the dedication that he gave to the Show for a long number of years.
A spokesperson said: “We discussed at length our ideas. The Captain, as he was fondly known, had a lot of time for everyone, and especially our young volunteers who he encouraged to take part in their respective roles each year at the Show.
“We finally decided that an
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This is the 18th year for this presentation. The award is to encourage young people to help volunteer at the show each year.
annual bursary be given to a first year agricultural student to help them further their studies.
“The winning recipient will receive a cheque for £1,000, together with a plaque which will be presented annually.
“This year, we are presenting it to Miss Erin Marlow, from Fintona, who is studying a Degree in
Sustainable Agriculture through Greenmount College.
“Erin helped in the office in the run up to the Show; she is also being trained to Steward, and helped after the Show. The Committee believe Erin is a very worthy first winner.”
For the Young Persons’ Award, this goes to Jordan Mclaren. The Thompson Family of Corbo, Clogher, have presented a trophy in memory of their late father, Arthur, who was a dedicated and loyal member of the Clogher Valley Show for a long number of years.
This is the 18th year for this presentation. The award is to encourage young people to help volunteer at the show each year.
Jordan Mclaren has been involved with the Show for several years. Jordan, who works locally with Fane Valley Stores, takes time off work to help with the Show and is a steward in the cattle field. Jordan helps with the preparation of the fields and tidying up of the fields in the days following the show.
The Chairman and Committee feel Jordan is very deserving of this award, and truly appreciate the young helpers.
It is also customary each year for Clogher Valley Show to nominate a chosen charity. This year it is Cancer Focus NI.
In the Vintage Section, a registration form is sent out to vintage enthusiasts each year. Instead of paying an entrance fee they are asked to donate to the said charity, and this system works very well.
On Show Day, the Vintage Stewards also collect donations on the field. The volunteers from the nominated charity have sole rights to collecting on the showgrounds on Show Day.
The nominated charity is passed previously at the Show’s annual meeting, and Clogher Valley Young Farmers play a big part in the fundraising.
On Show Day, they have a duck derby (in the river Blackwater running through the showgrounds), and after the Show they have a barbecue together with entertainment, with all proceeds going to the nominated charity.
The Show Committee feel it is a privilege to help local charities.