Show looking at more for children to do

While events like the bonny baby competition and a dog show have not taken place for some years, show president Mike Weysom said that the committee will probably be looking at making use of the area in front of the Professor Shaw Community Centre in St Martin’s to provide entertainment for children to enjoy next time.

‘We’ve not had anything in the field for the last two years because we’ve not had enough volunteers,’ he said.

This year saw a number of eager hands helping to set up the event ahead of its opening on Friday so capitalising on that interest will also be on the committee’s agenda.

But Mr Weysom, who has been involved with the show since 1963, said he could not foresee a return to the days when it occupied fields behind Sausmarez Manor.

‘I don’t think we’ll ever get back onto the field with the costs and we’d need 20-30 volunteers just to put the tents up,’ he said.

Poor weather had hit several shows in the past and Mr Weysom said he often joked that if ever there was a drought, staging the event in the fields would put an end to it.

‘We can manage what we’ve got. It’s more of a community, village-type show.’

Cost was also a factor in the lack of outdoor events in the field at the community centre site, which was being used as car parking.

Aside from the exhibits there was a stall selling books, another letting people buy excess produce, a bottle stall and a thriving raffle which boasted an array of prizes provided by individuals and local businesses

Despite the lack of outdoor entertainment, Mr Weysom said he was pleased at the turnout and the number of entries.

‘It’s been great. With the dry weather it’s not been good for growing, but the standard of the produce has been fantastic.’