60th Brompton Regis Show
It Rained…but it didn’t dampen
Yes, it rained again but it didn’t spoil the enjoyment! The worst of the rain held off until after 3pm by which time the horse show was drawing to a close, the family dog show was well into its final classes and most people had wandered round the stalls and taken part in the games. When it did come, however, it rained hard and forced most people into the Show tents for the produce auction and raffle draw. Except, that is, for entrants to the final classes of the Dog Show who were determined to see it out. At least the ground remained firm and allowed us to move around on grass rather than mud.
The forecast certainly reduced the number of horse show entries and the overall attendance but I am delighted to say that the final amount raised for local charities and good causes was £4,274 (subject to final audit) which is £43 more than the record amount raised in 2011. Given the circumstances, this represents a major achievement by all of the many people involved.
My sincere thanks to everyone for their many hours of effort supporting the Show and helping us on the day and to those who helped to prepare and clear the field afterwards. Well over a 100 people were involved in one way or another. It is an excellent example of this village ‘punching above its weight’ when, for the last 60 years, it can assemble so many willing organisers and helpers to stage such an event.
The photographs that you can see speak for themselves and show that the best of spirits come through even in the most adverse of conditions. If you would like a copy of any of the photos, please let me know.
To commemorate the 60th Show, the Committee held a ‘Thank-you’ event in the Village Hall for all past and present supporters and contributors. I am pleased to say that the event went extremely well with about 80 people in attendance. Tony Takle and his Minstrels and the Skilgate Ladies Line Dancing Team provided some excellent entertainment. My thanks to Tony, David, Ernest and Graham and to Lesley Walker and her team of line dancers – they were fantastic. Also, a big thank-you to those who contributed plates of some really lovely food for the buffet. Everyone who contributed, whether it was the music, the line dancing or the food, did so voluntarily.
It was a pleasure to see so many people enjoying themselves and particularly pleasing to see some of those involved in the very first shows such as Olive Stevens, Harold Hayes, Margaret Buckingham, Mary Stacey, Margaret Elliot, Vi Boundy, Harold Bale and Edward Luxton. Click here to see photographs of the evening.
The AGM will be held at 7.30pm on Monday 18th November at 7.30pm when the committee will decide on how this year’s funds will be allocated. Also, at the AGM, a new committee will be elected to organise next year’s Show. Both Steve, as Chairman, and I, as Show Secretary, will be stepping down so nominations for both roles will be needed. This will be crucial if the Show is to continue. I have enjoyed carrying out my role over the last 5 years and will give full support, as I am sure will Steve, to whoever takes over to make sure of a smooth transition. Nominations or names of potential candidates to me please prior to the AGM.
Keith Routledge – Show Secretary
Tel: 01398 371248
