Chairman's retort to critics
The chairman of Shropshire's under-fire West Mid Show committee has hit back at criticisms by a member of the showjumping committee, claiming his demands were "unreasonable".
David Tudor said it was impossible to comply with requests made by Phil Edenborough, who tendered his resignation more than a year ago over issues affecting showjumping competitions at the event.
Mr Tudor also disputed claims about health and safety made by former horse committee member Sharon Thomas.
She resigned on Monday saying the 59-acre showground was too small to cope with all the attractions.
Mr Tudor said: "Neither Sharon Thomas nor Philip Edenborough have ever been chairman of committees.
"Both served on the horse committee as chief stewards and both have given valuable service in helping to build up the horse section of the show to record levels.
"They have, however, made demands which could not be fulfilled."
Mr Tudor said it was his duty to strike a balance bet- ween sections at the show.
"Mr Edenborough made demands - such as the grass in the main arena had to be six inches long - something which would have made the main arena unusable for many of the other events which were to be staged in it later in the day," he said.
"He also demanded that the collecting ring should be extended to the exclusion of several equine trade stands. These sort of demands are quite unreasonable."
He added: "Sharon Tho- mas, in her statement, mentioned health and safety concerns.
"As show chairman, I regard this as of paramount importance and therefore I always hold a separate briefing meeting, prior to the show, on health and safety issues for the large number of horse stewards.
"The main ring programme did run precisely to time thanks to the excellent supervision of the main arena chief steward.
"However some horse stewards failed to obey the important health and safety instruction. Fortunately there were no accidents but I will ensure this can never happen again."
By Russell Roberts
