Society's Youthful Success
13.01.2003
End of year figures confirm the Newbury & District
Agricultural Society had a successful 2002 despite the Liberty & Livelihood
March being held on the second day of their premier event, the
Royal County of Berkshire Show.
An attendance of 68,829 exceeded 2001 figures and confirmed the
two-day event as one of the country's most popular major agricultural
shows. Admission income and capacity trade space sales, together
with increased sponsorship and Showground hire, including renting
land to Birse Contractors, boosted income to £991,000. Expenditure
rose significantly, particularly on improved tentage and seating,
resulting in an operating surplus of £123,000, which will
be used for ongoing Showground improvements and held as a reserve
against a reduced operating year.
This was the first year under the Society's revised structure
with responsibilities apportioned between a voting Board of Management
and Shows Council, comprising representatives of Section Committees,
acting as the communication hub for the Society. Michael Bowden
was Chairman of the 2001/2 Board of Management, with Richard Benyon
- Society President and Victoria Brown - Chief Executive.
Presenting the Annual Report and Accounts, Mr Bowden, a farmer
from Brimpton, expressed gratitude to the hundreds of volunteers
whose tireless work ensured the Society's success during often
difficult times for agriculture and the rural way of life. He said, "The
Society's backbone is made up of the hundreds who work both in
the front line and behind the scenes. It is their affection for
the Society and commitment to putting on first class events that
has made the Royal County of Berkshire Show one of the country's
favourite agricultural attractions. We had a tremendous 2002 Show
with good weather, excellent entertainment and for me the icing
on the cake was seeing livestock back on Newbury Showground." He
concluded, "I pass on the Chairmanship with thanks to the
many who helped during my year and with very best wishes for an
equally successful 2003."
Reviewing the year's activities Chief Executive, Victoria Brown,
highlighted the successful creation of Junior Society Membership
and lively Youth Council, chaired by 16-year-old George Walters.
Mrs Brown said, "Junior members enjoy benefits at the Society's
Shows and their own events which they plan themselves to appeal
to their various ages and interests. Open to 5-18 year olds, with
the age limit extended to 26 for Young Farmers Club members, we
are delighted that the thriving initiative is being considered
for replication by other agricultural societies."
Continuing a 'young people' theme the Society extended its support
for educational projects and in 2002 sponsored the secondary schools
regional Food and Farming Challenge, with Cox Green School, Maidenhead
and Castle School, Newbury taking top honours. Pupils from local
schools also visited Newbury Showground for a Problem Solving Day
where they looked at improving the County Show Guide and came up
with ideas for the Children's Trail competition. Other contests
open to primary age pupils included growing Busy Lizzie plants
and an expanded art competition where children drew pictures relating
to ploughing.
The Report also included reviews of the Society's Newbury Summer
Show, Ploughing Match and social events.
The Annual Report and Accounts of the Newbury & District Agricultural
Society will be received at the Society's Annual General Meeting
on Wednesday 29th January 2003.
For further press information please contact:
Annette Priestley
Comand (UK)
Tel: 01635 248258
e-mail: priestley@comanduk.co.uk
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