This year we celebrate the 160th Slaley Show. Our long history has seen many changes from its start in 1848, with four classes – Flowers, Fruits, Vegetables and Farmers. Fifty years on, butter and produce were added and the changes continued, to include a shepherds’ gathering and cow and calf event, to finally evolving into the format that you see today. Nevertheless, the committee continues to promote the best of local skills, produce and activities to celebrate all that is great about our traditional village show.
As we evolve, changes take place. This year, for the first time, the dog classes will take place outside the main show field, in the main car parking area. This allows anyone who just wishes to enter their dogs or watch the classes without attending the show itself to do so. We hope, however, that once these classes are completed both the owners and onlookers will come into the show field to enjoy all that is on offer.
The main ring attractions this year include a falconry display, pony games competition, the local hunt with their hounds, mounted fancy dress and our ever popular terrier racing.
This year will also see the introduction of a Food Hall marquee to celebrate all the fantastic products from our local farming community and producers in the area. Show goers will be able to taste and sample all their wonderful products. Our thanks to Sir Michael Darrington, who has stepped down after many years as President, and we are delighted to welcome Robert Forster as our new President. We also lose our long serving general Secretary, Catherine Lincoln, who has decided to retire from the role but continues to be involved as the new Horticultural Secretary.
Thanks to Mervyn Savage, who retired as Membership Secretary, and to Anne Lishman, our retiring Floral Art Secretary. We welcome Margaret Ogle, who has long been involved with the show, as our new Floral Art Secretary. Finally, I must say a big thank you to all our sponsors, advertisers and those volunteers who give freely of their time, both before, during and after the show and without whom the show would not run. These include all the stewards, judges and section secretaries who make everything run smoothly on the day and finally to all our local famers who contribute so much to making our show such an attraction.
We hope to see you at our 160th Slaley Show – a traditional village show at its best!
Marge Rastall, Chairman
