Shropshire County Show chairman explains resignation
The man behind the revamped Shropshire County Show has resigned from his post, claiming that he was subjected to a barrage of abuse at the end of this year's event. The man behind the revamped Shropshire County Show has resigned from his post, claiming that he was subjected to a barrage of abuse at the end of this year's event. Roy Dodd has quit his role as chairman, director and trustee of The Shropshire & West Midlands Agricultural Society - the organisation which runs the annual event at the showground in Berwick Road, Shrewsbury. Despite turning around the show, which had sustained massive losses and was heading for administration, Mr Dodd claims that he was subjected to "personal, drunken and foul-mouthed abuse" at the end of this year's show in June. Details of the incident are disclosed in a letter Mr Dodd has sent to 40 committee members explaining the reason for his sudden resignation.
The man behind the revamped Shropshire County Show has resigned from his post, claiming that he was subjected to a barrage of abuse at the end of this year's event.
Roy Dodd has quit his role as chairman, director and trustee of The Shropshire & West Midlands Agricultural Society - the organisation which runs the annual event at the showground in Berwick Road, Shrewsbury.
Despite turning around the show, which had sustained massive losses and was heading for administration, Mr Dodd claims that he was subjected to "personal, drunken and foul-mouthed abuse" at the end of this year's show in June.
Details of the incident are disclosed in a letter Mr Dodd has sent to 40 committee members explaining the reason for his sudden resignation.
Mr Dodd today declined to comment on the incident.
But he added that he was "very disappointed" to step down from his role.
He will remain a council and life member of the society.
Mr Dodd said: "I am very disappointed to find it necessary to resign.
"I have sent a letter out to all the council members explaining why I have resigned.
"I have enjoyed my time as chairman and we have achieved our objectives for the first year and the show is in a strong position to go forward."
The society made about £32,000 in profit this year, despite the organisers having had only three months to turn around the show around, which is its main event.
Mr Dodd was responsible for devising a rescue package aimed at saving the 120-year-old event which was accepted by creditors earlier in the year.
The former West Mid Show ceased to exist last year after it was hit by financial problems.
But following Mr Dodd's proposal, a Creditors Voluntary Arrangement was put in place to try to pay back creditors who are owed more than £160,000.
Mary Hopkins, who is general manager of the society, said: "The trustees of the society would like to thank Mr Dodd for the work and dedication he has given over the last year, particularly with regard to the CVA negotiations which have enabled the society to continue."
By Russell Roberts
