Bosses of show thankful for help

Bosses of this year’s West Mid Show have praised everyone who helped make it a huge success - despite torrential rain and gale force winds.

Chairman of the show, David Tudor, sent out his thanks not only to the traders and exhibitors who fought through the elements but also to the crowds.

Seven tents and marquees had to be dismantled, including the school and council’s, which had earlier been crowned Best Marquee. Mr Tudor said staff managed to get to each tent showing signs of instability and take them down safely.

He said: “They were taken down in advance of that happening and no person was injured as a result of any tent being removed.

“It was very well done. It was a headache and a nightmare, but it was well coped with by everyone concerned.

“I felt sorry for those who had spent hours and hours doing their displays, which were wonderful. I have nothing but praise for all those who helped to dismantle the marquees but also those who were taking down the displays and getting stuff out safely.

“In terms of attendance figures on Saturday, we were delighted as it was very wet.

“Although the attendance was slightly down it was not that significant on the previous year. On Sunday the gate receipts were 10 to 15 per cent above last year’s net receipts.”

l A report in yesterday’s paper incorrectly stated marquees had blown away on Sunday. The error is regretted.