Farming Talk: Mud failed to deter crowds at farm show
With the weather we had earlier this year and the problems other shows in the county have experienced, the final week of preparation was a tense one for the Minsterley Show committee – and at 9am on show morning the ground was looking a little muddy underfoot, to say the least.
However, that didn't stop thousands of visitors coming to the show, resulting in record attendance. By lunchtime the sun was shining and my wellies were put back in the car and the dust was wiped off my sunglasses.
The decision to showcase the countryside in the main ring this year worked well, with Elaine Hill herding her ducks and the Shropshire Pony Club mounted games fighting for this year's cup.
I was lucky enough to watch all the excitement from the commentary box and it was great to see all the crowds on all sides of the ring. There was again fierce competition in all the livestock, horticulture and carnival float classes and a huge thank you has to go to all those who took time to enter.
A big thank you also has to go to the Hamer and Dale families who kindly let us use their fields for the show. It's a great location.
Minsterley Show is one of the oldest agricultural shows in the county. This success is purely down to the hard work and dedication of a strong and diverse committee and also the continued support of all those that come and visit the show every year.
The AGM is now fast approaching on October 22 at Minsterley Parish Hall, where I will hand over the chairmanship and planning will begin for Minsterley Show 2013.
I personally can't wait to see what next year will bring.
Charlie Sandells is chairman of Minsterley Show
