What a year, and what a fantastic Red, White and Blue

Celebration.

This year’s Hertfordshire County Show theme of Red,

White and Blue inspired a very special party

atmosphere over the two days, with ‘dressing up’

support from our Stewards, Members, Trade Exhibitors

and Visitors. Their collective teamwork resulted in the

biggest and most colourful Jubilee weekend street

party in Hertfordshire!

Our Jubilee celebrations uniquely included both a

Diamond and Gold: Her Majesty the Queen’s fantastic

Diamond Jubilee, together with our own Golden Jubilee

celebrating the purchase and move of our Showground

to Redbourn in 1962. The end result was not just one,

but two memorable Jubilee celebrations over the same

weekend.

We were most honoured to receive Royal permission to

re-name our Grand Ring the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

Arena as a permanent memorial to Her Majesty’s

Diamond Jubilee reign. We are most grateful to the

Countess of Verulam, under her shared guises as the

Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire and our 2012

President, for her guidance and support of our

application.

Unfortunately the weather on Sunday did not read the

Show script, and proved a challenge with wind and

extremely cold rain. Nevertheless, the overall Show

attendance at 23,886 although lower than expected, (or

we believe deserved), confirmed our loyal and valued

visitor support. With record Advance ticket admission

sales, we were expecting a bumper Sunday attendance.

Sadly, this expectation was not realised resulting in our

lowest admission financial income since 2008. As a

consequence, the Society will be underwriting the Show

financial deficit from our Showground hire income.

Looking back, it is fair to say that we felt just a little

‘unlucky’ with the unkind weather over our weekend.

However, the subsequent wet English ‘summer’ sadly

resulted in numerous other Agricultural and County

Show cancellations and abandonments. Within our own

Trade Association i.e The Association of Show and

Agricultural Organisations, some 25 Member events

were cancelled and/or abandoned in 2012 resulting in

much reduced incomes and creating future financial

challenges. Perhaps the 2012 Hertfordshire County

Show was not quite as ‘unlucky’ as we originally thought!

We can be encouraged by the positive support, and

ironically the ‘disappointing’ overall visitor attendance

for our 2012 Show. Given a ‘dry’ Show weekend, we

have every confidence that our attendance would

exceed 30,000 visitors. All the independent feedback

from this year’s Show confirms we are still moving

onwards and upwards in terms of developing and

upgrading the largest community event in

Hertfordshire.

Already various plans and improvements are already in

place to maintain this positive and strategic

momentum for our 127th Hertfordshire County Show

being held on Saturday 25th, and Sunday 26th May.

Please make a note of the dates in your 2013 Diary.

Finally, we would like to thank Strutt & Parker for

kindly extending their on-going Show sponsorship

support to funding this 2012 Show ‘Snapshot’ Review

publication.

A 'SNAPSHOT' REVIEW OF THE 2012 SHOW

Jubilee Party Fun!

Patron Richard Walduck congratulates Ian Clark, Gordon Chichester-Miles and David Clark on winning the Stewards Team Jubilee ‘dressing up’ competition.

•••••PRe-shoW•••••

Jubilee Red, White & blue CelebRations

Information Office: Getting ready for VisitorsQuestion Time!

Majestic Trees prune trees on showground

Stephanie, Mary, Gemma ‘Hiding from the Sun’ Adrian Bird reports in to Stuart Roberts on the tradesection

Promotion board for Willows Farm Village A bad omen? Snow arrives from the Ski Centre forthe Enjoy Hertfordshire Marquee!

Themed display in the Horticultural marquee by SuzziesFlorist

A very colourful Lucie Stone Plyvine Catering Team with Mike Harman and Mary SmartJune Walters presents Tamarisk Nurseries,winner in Horticultural Marquee

International Seafoods take 2nd Prize in theFood Hall Patriotic steward Nick Martin

in the members marquee

Richard Walduck presentsLucie Stone with prize forbest dressed steward

Herts and Beds Goat Society win the bestJubilee themed Exhibitor

Noel Grant our patriotic Boy Racer

• PRESS COMMENTS • PRESS COMMENTS • PRESS COMMENTS • PRESS COMMENTS • PRESS COMMENTS • PRESS COMMENTS • PRESS COMMENTS •

New CTR sponsored Watling Ring sign

Lady Verulam proudly unveils our new Queen’sDiamond Jubilee Arena sign

Our own Jubilee grandchildren, Ellie and Thomas

Ollie Walters winner of the Henry Barker award forSteward of the Year

Brian Carter working hard in the pre-Show sunshine

Royal Approval for theCounty ShowHertfordshireCountryside

Jubilee Theme for theCounty ShowSt Albans Review

Union flags, comedyhats and red, white andblue outfits at every turnHorse & Hound

County puts on theshow right hereHerts Advertiser

Show SuccessSt Albans Review

Diamond JubilationsChiltern & Thames Rider

Jubilation as Royalracehorse takes topprize Horse & Country TV

Justin Dealey from BBC 3 Counties Radio interviewsCommunications Steward, Janette Baker-Watts

••2012 shoW hiGhliGhts••

““

2012 POST SHOW COMMENTS

General Comments:Congratulations Mike and all the heroes on anothershow exceeding ‘Heartfordshires’ puissant standards,set over more than 100 years. This year you alsoachieved a red, white and blue pageant fitting ourNational, most historic jubilee success to perfection. Richard Walduck, Patron

The Show was as ever a great success: vibrant, fun,cheerful and a wonderful way to advertise theimportance of farming to Hertfordshire.Richard Beazley, HCC

Three cheers for her Majesty the Queen and threecheers for the Hertfordshire Show.Howard & Ginny Roberts

As always it was superb and a real credit to you andyour team. Martha Lytton Cobold, Knebworth House

Well done to you and the team for once again puttingon such a Diamond Jubilee Show! Caroline Tapster, HCC

Once again can I thank you for your hospitality at theshow. Everyone was so helpful, from the securitystaff at the gate the stewards ringside and of Gemmawho made a couple of visits to ensure that all waswell. Please pass on our very sincere thanks.Derek Archer, SDA

Together with your team you have really made thisshow into one of the best there is- a fantastic rangeof activities and a wonderful friendly atmosphere John Fishwick, Royal Veterinary College

One area which I found outstanding, and such awelcome relief from the ever growing chip, burger,sausage, donut stalls, was the Hertfordshire Foodarea near the countryside arena….The inspiration tohave a covered eating area so close by was an addedbonus particularly with a wet and coldSunday….Once again thank you for a wonderfulweekend, well organised, with many friendlywelcomes from all the stewards through to the carpark attendants.Sally McBean, regular visitor

Thank you for all your support you, and your team,give to the County Council to ensure that everythingruns smoothly for us. It is a great opportunity for usto promote our services and get feedback from ourresidents and users.John Wood, CEO, Hertfordshire County Council

Thank you very much for our stand at the Herts Showlast week-end. We had a useful time including theSunday in spite of the weather. As usual all thefacilities and staff were excellent. Bernard Hicks, Farming Christian Link

Many thanks to you and everyone at Redbourn; atruly lovely Show.Nigel R Wilson, Secretary of Heathfield Show

Thank you very much for a lovely show and extremelyorganised and helpful stewardsAmanda Saville, Chariots of Fire Display

… we were most impressed with the scale and variedcontent. Shame it wasn't dry for the competitors.Nevertheless we both enjoyed our visit and I haveadded a report with some photos to the Harpendiaweb site Reports page.Ron Taylor, Editor, www.harpendia.com

Congratulations from the Royal Vets Farm Club onsuch a fantastic show! We all had a brilliant time andwill definitely be attending again next year!Royal Veterinary College - first time cattle exhibitors.

I loved seeing all the animals and the horses werefantastic. It was all great there was so much to seeand do. We plan to go again next year and every yearfrom now on. Fantastic!!!!! Julie Murray, Sarratt Office Supplies

I must say the thing that I enjoyed the most was thecontrasting display of old and new machinery. It wasso well done with them coming in from differentends. The commentator was excellent and the wayhe explained the work loads of each machine and theprice of each was very informative and educationalfor everyone watching.David Goff, past secretary for Kent County Show

Exhibitors and Judges CommentsThank you! Great show and much enjoyed by all theSide Saddle Association riders who so muchappreciate the classes you put on each year for us.Ginny Oakley, Horse Exhibitor

Congratulations on a great equine section of theHerts County Show. The donkey classes had suchquality exhibits – it was a real pleasure to judge.Diane Randall, Judge

We had some lovely classes of sheep to judge and asever your hospitality was second to none.Alan and Carole Muddiman, Judge

Herts County Show is the best run show that I judgeat, I always enjoy my day judging or competing.Linda E Impey, NPS and PUK

…the show is very well run with good facilities andthe going in the rings is always near perfect.Martin Davies, judge

Farming Snakes and Ladders, a great addition to theFarming Education Area

Chariots of Fire Display hotting up

CATTLETHE HARESFOOT YFC YOUNG HANDLER CUP Champion Junior Young Handler Dairy Paige Misselbrook Kings LangleyTHE LETCHWORTH BACON COMPANY CHALLENGE CUP Champion Simmental PB & JA & BA Borlase Nr HertfordTHE EMMA WOODWARD MEMORIAL CUP Best Simmental Opposite Sex to Champion PB & JA & BA Borlase Nr HertfordTHE HERTS AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY CHALLENGE CUP Champion Inter Breed Calf Dairy Mr & Mrs BA Daw HertfordTHE KIMPTON YFC YOUNG HANDLER CUP Champion Senior Young Handler Dairy Claire Daw HertfordTHE EAST MIDLANDS LIMOUSIN CLUB PERPETUAL CUP Best Male - Exhibited by member WJ & M Mash Ltd CheshamTHE EAST MIDLANDS LIMOUSIN CLUB PERPETUAL CUP Best Female - Exhibited by member WJ & M Mash Ltd CheshamTHE LIBERTY CUP Reserve Champion Overall Points Mr DA Sapsed Nr HitchinTHE HAGUE CHALLENGE BOWL Highest Herts Points Winner Mr DA Sapsed Nr HitchinTHE WESTWOOD CHALLENGE CUP Champion Inter Breed Calf Beef Mr DA Sapsed Nr HitchinSHEEPTHE CENTRAL WOOLGROWERS SALVER Inter Breed Sheep Champion Mrs LA Rollason AylesburyHORSE & SHOW JUMPINGTHE SILVER CHALLENGE CUP Best Novice Hunter - Herts Bred Mr MP Frost Woolmer GreenTHE ALDENHAM HARRIERS SUPPORTERS CLUB TROPHY Best Hunter - Aldenham Harriers Mr MP Frost Woolmer GreenTHE NOONAN CHALLENGE CUP Winner - Private Driving Class 51 Mr RH Newman Watton-at-StoneTHE GAME FLAIRE TROPHY Best Filly Sports Horses- Herts Owned Miss J Palmer Waltham CrossTHE PATERSON SILVER CHALLENGE CUP Winner - Light Trade Turnouts Mr R Sherfield Hemel HempsteadTHE KIMPTON CHALLENGE CUP Winner - Private Driving Class 50 Smith Bros St AlbansTHE PARKLANDS YOUNG HANDLERS CUP Best Young Handler - Donkey Georgia McCarthy Bishop's StortfordTRADETHE MARLBORO' MOTORS TROPHY Winner - Main Trade Stand Competition Brick Oak Farm Herbs CheshamTHE MANN EGERTON CHALLENGE CUP Best Agricultural Trade Stand MKM Agriculture Marston MoretaineTHE BURNS TROPHY Best Display in the Horticultural Marquee Tamarisk Nurseries StewkleyPRIZE CARD AWARD Best Shopping Marquee Stand Rib Valley Angling WarePRIZE CARD AWARD Best Hertfordshire Food & Farming Stand Lymehouse Jewellery FeldenCHARITY PRIZE AWARD Best Charity Stand Keech Hospice Care StreatleyPRIZE CARD AWARD Best Jubilee Red, White and Blue Stand Beds & Herts Goat Society Houghton Conquest

Henry Sandwell tells Professor Crump to get down offhis high horse

Phillipa Scott Scurry driver in a hurry

Mounted Games in the Jubilee Arena thrillcrowds

Bridget Borlase wins the Emma Woodward cupfor prize winning simmental

A convincing win for Louise Pavitt in the Martin GrantHomes Area Trial in front of a large crowd

Linda Rollason wins Interbreed champion Norfolk HornEnglish Petit Point winner in HertfordshireMarquee

2012 HERTFORDSHIRE TROPHY & AWARD WINNERSFor a full listing of all the 2012 Results please go to www.hertsshow.com and click on 'Results' on the signpost

••2012 shoW WinneRs••Plyvine Catering, cool under pressure, display Royal icesculpture

Noel Grant and Bruce Sherriff double act at thePresidents Lunch

Richard Walduck and Lady Verulam sit on the RalphFaulkner memorial bench

Clare Bourke from Hertfordshire Life presents TheCrusty Pie Company with Winners Shield

2012 has been a momentous year for The HertfordshireAgricultural Society but perhaps not for the thing that we allenjoy most our annual County Show. We changed the dates tocoincide with the changed bank holiday dates for the Queens GoldenJubilee celebrations. This brought weather that we would not havehad if we stayed with our usual dates and perhaps visitors were lessas they had other demands upon their time. Nevertheless it wasgreat show and all of those attending cannot fail to have seen thehard work that was put in to deliver a value for money day out.

This is my last year as Chairman of The Society and I have manypeople to thank for making my 6 years in tenure to be bothenjoyable and productive. I have particularly enjoyed the

transformation of our Redbourn site from a ‘Field’ to an established ‘Showground’ with the on-goingmuch-needed investments in Tarmac Roads, Post & Rail Rings, Security Fencing, Surface drainage,Signage, Water and Electricity supplies etc. It is pleasing to report that all these improvements weretotally funded from our income, and not long term loans.

These strategic infrastructure upgrades have undoubtedly improved both our Hertfordshire CountyShow image and materially assisted the hiring of the Showground to third parties on a repeat basis.

I wish Noel Grant every success as our new Chairman, and I am sure he will enjoy the samepositive support as myself from a much respected Society.

Graham LilleyChairman of the Hertfordshire Agricultural Society

Published by The Hertfordshire Agricultural Society - Organiser of the Hertfordshire County Show The Showground, Dunstable Road, Redbourn, Herts AL3 7PT

Tel: 01582 792626 • Email: info@hertsshow.comWebsite: www.hertsshow.com

cHAIRmAN’S mESSAGE

2012 HERTFORDSHIRE PRImARY ScHOOlS

ART cOmPETITIONTHEME: QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE AND THE LONDON OLYMPICS 2012

DONORSEAST OF ENGLAND WINTER STOCK FESTIVAL HEIDI NEVILLE-STOCKLEYKATIES CONFECTIONS J J BURGESS & SONSMIDLANDS AND EAST ANGLIA HEREFORD BREEDERS MR SWEETIE & COMRS JUNE WALTERSMRS M J PUGHOAKLEIGH FARM LIVERY YARDTRUSSELL'S BUTCHERS

WINNERS:

3 to 6 years: Blake Williams, St Helens School,Wheathampstead

7 to 9 years: Ethan Williams, Northfields School, Letchworth

10 to 11 years: Freddy Randall, Flamstead Village School

GOLD SPONSORSA T OLIVER & SONS LIMITED

ABP

ARCHANT HERTS & CAMBS

BIDWELLS

BRUCE SHERRIFF

GATES GROUP

JE BUCKLE (ENGINEERS) LTD

LAFARGE AGGREGATES LTD

MAJESTIC TREES

MARTIN GRANT HOMES LTD

MCMULLEN & SONS LIMITED

MR RICHARD WALDUCK, OBE, DL

MRS MARGOT GARDENER

NATIONAL FARMERS UNION

QUANTUM CARE LTD

STRUTT & PARKER LLP

WAYSIDE GROUP LTD

SILVER SPONSORSANTHONY MOSLEY PHOTOGRAPHER

AVIATION TURBINE SERVICES LIMITED

BARCLAYS BUSINESS BANKING

BEALES HOTELS LTD

BLAINS TRAILERS & TYRES LTD

GL EVENTS SNOWDENS MARQUEES

GRANITE 5 LTD

HERTFORDSHIRE LIFE

JOHN ANDERSON HIRE

KINGSMEAD MARQUEES (SOUTHERN) LTD

METALWOOD FENCING (CONTRACTS)LTD

NORTH HERTS FARMERS COMPANY

NSR COMMUNICATIONS LIMITED

PROCAM AGRICULTURE

ROSETTES DIRECT

T ROBERTS & SON

TITMUSS GRAIN LTD

WILKINS KENNEDY

WILLOWS FARM VILLAGE

SPONSORS

STEWARDS DINNER BRADSONS

BUXTON & HIGH PEAKS SECURITYSERVICES

CLEARAWAY DRAINAGE SERVICES

FIRE PROTECTION COMPANY

GL EVENTS SNOWDENS MARQUEES

GRANDSTANDSONTHEMOVE

HERTS AND BEDS PRINTING

IMPERIAL LONDON HOTELS LTD

M MILES SCAFFOLDING

NEVILLE SYMONDS ASSOCIATES LTD

NSR COMMUNICATIONS LTD

PLYVINE CATERING LIMITED

P W HIRE

ROY PINNOCK & CO

SEVERN VALLEY CATERING

SIGNED BY ME

TARRAGON

THORNS GROUP

Lady Verulam admires the winning entries for the popular Hertfordshire County Council Primary Schools art competition smartly escorted by her LordLieutenancy Cadets namely Charles Edwards, Conor O'Shea and Shaun Kellam.