With kind weather on both Show days, the 129th Hertfordshire County Show proved to be another memorable and successful inclusive community event attracting over 30,000 visitors to the Herts County Showground.

One of the many and varied highlights in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Arena over the weekend included the unique Hertfordshire Farmers High Technology satellite driven Tractors on both days. The Saturday visitors were enthralled by the Quad Bike Stunt Show, followed on Sunday by Britain’s top equestrian stunt team, the Devil’s Horsemen plus the ever popular Titan the Robot.

This year’s new ‘Hurry’ Scurry Driving Invitation Cup proved to be a fun and enjoyable addition to the Show held in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Arena. The concept of inviting amateur Groom ‘volunteers’ to compete in front of 3,000 spectators for the prestigious Graham Beeson Memorial Cup generated lots of support and loud cheering! The popular winner was Bill Barr, a Redbourn farmer just beating his daughter Zoe into second place. The youngest competitor Gemma Payne, the Hertfordshire County Show Equine secretary, achieved a commendable 4th place against very stiff competition. In addition to

the exciting and unique entertainment, the ‘real’ winners were charities selected by the Groom ‘volunteers’. Bill Barr donated his £310 winning prize money to the Farm Africa project, plus Kevin White raised a fantastic £743.75 for the Hospice of St Francis, Berkhamsted in memory of a late friend. This successful Charity Fundraising ‘pilot’ event will be back in 2016!

The Show ‘all-inclusive’ entertainment policy proved again very popular with both Advance and Family tickets achieving new records. The Hertfordshire County Show positive ‘value for money’ reputation and increasing visitor awareness within the County is most encouraging for both our future Show development and visitor attendances.

This year’s President Diana Cornish hosted a lunch for invited guests on Saturday, and congratulated the Hertfordshire Agricultural Society on arranging one of the best Shows in our long and proud history. Diana also thanked and complimented the Show Jumping section for their event organisation professionalism and in particular providing one of the best Ring surfaces in the South of England.

As everybody appreciates, large and on-going successful events ‘do not just happen’ and

they require creative and detailed planning with enthusiastic support. Our grateful thanks go to the Office team of Mike Harman, Mary Smart, Stephanie Meakin, Gemma Payne and Claire Kearns, plus all the voluntary Hertfordshire County Show Stewards, led by Stuart Roberts, for their personal and unstinting support over the busy Show weekend.

The friendly and relaxed atmosphere together with the smiling faces seen both during the Show…… and also at the Exit Gates on both the Saturday and Sunday evenings, confirmed a very successful Hertfordshire County Show weekend. The extremely positive post-Show feedback from both visitors and trade exhibitors is both motivating and encouraging and we are looking forward to planning the 2016 Hertfordshire County Show with both renewed energy and confidence.

A note for your 2016 Diary:

The 130th Hertfordshire County Show is being held on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th May 2016. We really hope to see you there!

A ‘SNAPSHOT’ REVIEW OF THE 2015 SHOW

The ‘Better than Ever’ Show!

Judges Emma and Andrew Beale present the prestigious Hertfordshire Marquee 1st Prize to Henry Patterson of Not Before Tea

Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th

May 2016

Saturday 28th & Sunda

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SHOW FOCUS ON FARMING, AGRICULTURE & THE COUNTRYSIDE

“Your promise of an Agricultural Show with top quality family entertainment certainly exceeded our optimistic expectations. Our family spent 7 hours at the Show on Saturday and came back on the Sunday to see even more! Definitely coming back next year.”

DAN AND HELEN PIPER, ADAM (10), LEAH (7)

Donkey Breed Society classes in the Flamstead Ring

Kerry Hill – Ewe Lamb awarded 2nd place

Claire Daw from Hertford attracted large numbers in the Hertfordshire Farmyard keen to see her beautiful baby Jersey calves and learn about Dawlicious Jersey Ice Cream made in Hertfordshire

The beautiful and creative NAFAS arrangements in the popular Horticultural Marquee

Sunday Show Jumping in the Lafarge Tarmac Arena

5 Little Piggies enjoying the Redbourn sunshine

Colourful and vintage Tractors from Yesteryear

Crowds appreciating the traditional Driving classes

Our Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Arena Stewards check the Invitation Scurry entries

Our President meets a new four-legged friend in the Hertfordshire Farmyard

The Poultry Marquee proved to be one of the busiest educational areas at the Show

‘Glenade Lady Heather’ Overall Champion in the Aberdeen Angus section

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••2015 SHOW HIGHLIGHTS•• 2015 POST SHOW COMMENTSCongratulations and thank you to all who work hard for the Hertfordshire County Show. Because we do learn (129 Shows) the lessons of history each year is certain to be better than the last – another ‘better than ever’ Show for 2015, deservedly earned. Well done everyone. Richard Walduck, Patron

Excellent show as always, gets better every year. Congratulations to all involved. James Chambers

Thank you so much for an absolutely wonderful Saturday at the Hertfordshire County Show. We absolutely loved being invited to judge the ‘Made in Hertfordshire’ Marquee – What a privilege to meet so many wonderful, talented people – and what an impossible task to choose between the excellent ‘local’ Trade Exhibitors. Emma and Andrew Beale, Judges of the ‘Made in Hertfordshire’ Marquee’

To all the Hertfordshire County Show Office Team, I just wanted to say a big personal thanks for all your work over the weekend, probably the most enjoyable Show I have done since I started supporting the Show in 1989. Kevin White, Committee of Management Member

VISITORS COMMENTS:

I attended the show on Saturday and I would like to complement management on the excellent public toilets. They were clean, comfortable and well serviced by a lovely team of ladies. What a difference a good loo makes to the enjoyment of the day.

Can I say what a brilliant day at Herts Show. So much to do and so much fun for all the family….. My son was in awe of all the fire engines army cars tractors etc... Thank you.

Was amazing! Me my husband and 2 children loved every minute of it, was there literally all day.

Been meaning to visit the show for the last 15 years and finally made it this year. We all thoroughly enjoyed the wide variety of trades and entertainment. Lots of useful advice from animal breeders and delicious food as well. Definitely going to return next year!

Had a great day at this show lots to enjoy for everyone and plenty of shopping to do just super.

EQUINE SECTION:

Thank you for inviting me to your fabulous Show – I had a lovely day and thoroughly enjoyed judging with your efficient team.

…just wanted to say that we attended Herts county show and would just like to say thank you, the showjumping arena was beautifully prepared and the going was great, it all ran on time, and everybody we met was polite and so helpful, so thank you again for a lovely day out.

Having visited 3 county shows in the last week I wanted to say Thank You to all involved especially the helpful stewards such as Gemma at Herts (who is a godsend). As always they made a massive effort with the ground (was perfect) and the jumping and cannot do enough to help everyone enjoy the experience.

Herts County Show, whole show beautifully run, and presented, the show jumping courses were colourful and testing and the ground was lovely, couldn’t fault it, thank you.

SHEEP SECTION:

Just wanted to drop you an email to say how much of an improvement the sheep section of the show was this year. The public and also the exhibitors I also think very much enjoyed the commentary in the sheep rings.

The students experience this year was so much better than last year and they all said how much they enjoyed the show. I was also very impressed with the longwool, down and shortwool judge on the Sunday of the show who gave excellent encouragement and good advice to some of the students.

CATTLE SECTION:

Just a quick note to express our gratitude to the Hertfordshire County Show….. Once again the show was really enjoyable….. many thanks for your hard work

TRADERS COMMENTS:

I enjoyed the show, thank you, its such a pleasant atmosphere and much nicer than the generic ‘Country’ shows that seem to abound. Hope we can come again next year. Leather Design and Craft

We were very chuffed both with this (award) and sales over the weekend. Out of all the shows we’ve attended this year and there’s been a few, the Herts show stands out from the crowd for your professional management of the showground and for the excellent entertainment provided to visitors. Scott’s (London) Ltd

…. just to say thank you for a fab show! Can’t wait for next year. Marcellabella

Just to say thank you to you and your team for all the hard work you put in to create this weekend’s show; it is very much appreciated and we would love to come back again next year. Anns Kitchen Pantry

I just a wanted to send on our thanks for all your hard work and support. We were extremely happy with our pitch, and had a great weekend. You are both extremely efficient and it is clear that you’re both passionate about the show. Little Thatched Company

••2015 SHOW WINNERS••

Congratulations to Dominic Edel on completing 32 years of excellent service to A T Bone and Sons Ltd of Crossoaks Farm, Borehamwood

The Devil’s Horsemen, international equestrian stars of film and television filled the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Arena

Herts Farmers Fantastic Forktrucks demonstrated modern technology in Farming

Our President presents the 2015 Coronation Gold Challenge Cup to Mr G R Fountaine

Bill Barr winner of the inaugural Graham Beeson Memorial ‘Hurry’ Scurry Invitation trophy

The Shetland Pony Dinky Derby thrilled our Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Arena visitors

Mr Alexander’s Travelling Show evokes memories from Yesteryear before computerised and electronic entertainment arrived

Leather Design & Craft awarded 2nd Prize in the ‘Made in Hertfordshire’ Marquee

Kevin White, one of our brave ‘Scurry’ Groom volunteers raised an amazing £743.75 for the Hospice of St Francis, Berkhamsted

Titan the Robot returned to the Show and captivated large audiences on Sunday

A T Bone deserved winners of the Best Agricultural Trade Stand

Mid Herts Bonsai – 2015 Supreme Winner in Horticultural Marquee

2015 HERTFORDSHIRE TROPHY & AWARD WINNERSCATTLE THE HARESFOOT YFC YOUNG HANDLER CUP Young Handler Charlie Rose Clark PrestonTHE HAGUE CHALLENGE BOWL Hertfordshire Points Winner Cattle Miss F Woollatt St AlbansSHEEP THE AUBREY WILLIAMS MEMORIAL TROPHY Champion Young Shepherd Mr D Cassie SarrattHORSES THE LUCAS-BLOCK CHALLENGE CUP, THE LYELL CHALLENGE CUP & THE GAME FLAIRE TROPHY Best Sports Horse Miss J & A Smith StevenageTHE ALDENHAM HARRIERS SUPPORTERS CLUB TROPHY Best Hunter Bred or kept in Aldenham Harriers Hunt Country Mr M Frost KnebworthTHE HILLSBOROUGH CUP Champion Scurry Driver Miss EF Eldridge HarpendenTRADE STANDS THE BURNS TROPHY Best Horticultural Trade Stand Mid Herts Bonsai KnebworthTHE MANN EGERTON CHALLENGE CUP Best Agricultural Trade Stand AT Bone & Sons BorehamwoodPRIZE CARD AWARD 1ST Winner in Food Hall Cannatella & Colletti St AlbansPRIZE CARD AWARD 1ST Winner in Shopping Marquee Rough Stuff BovingdonPRIZE CARD AWARD 1ST Winner in Made in Hertfordshire Marquee Not Before Tea Hemel Hempstead

The Hague Challenge Bowl for the highest Hertfordshire points winner presented to Fiona Woollatt of Hedges Farm, St Albans

I am pleased to report the Hertfordshire County Show was open for business on both days of the Show weekend assisted by good weather on both days. The car parking arrangements worked well and whilst the car parking areas were at capacity for short periods on both days we were able to accommodate all the vehicles that came to the show. This year’s President was Diana Cornish who has been a long term supporter of the Society and the Show, Diana worked tirelessly giving out awards and rosettes for various events at the show. Our thanks go to Diana for a great job as the President of the Show and we are grateful to her for the time and the effort on both days of the Show.

The Hertfordshire Agricultural Society continues to strive to provide an affordable day out for the families of Hertfordshire and the adjoining counties whilst at the same time providing a platform to promote agriculture in the county and the education of people about the industry of agriculture in Hertfordshire both historically and presently. The free visitor entertainment

and free circus at the Show was again a feature in 2015. A very important part of the Society’s aim is to promote food produce and farming and its importance to the food chain and the economy of the county. This is in part achieved by presenting the Hertfordshire County Show where the strong theme of farming is evident for all the people who attend and particularly for the young visitors who are introduced to agriculture at the annual Show. The machinery displays are always a popular aspect of the Show as is the Grand Parade of Winning Cattle.

A key and growing feature of the Hertfordshire County Show is our “Proud to Promote Hertfordshire” theme, it is an area that the Society wishes to build on and expand for the future as it underpins the core values of the Hertfordshire Agricultural Society. The Society will continue to promote agriculture in education and a key objective for the future is to bring young people into the Society in order that it can continue to promote the importance of agriculture to the County of Hertfordshire.

Next year will be our 130th Hertfordshire County Show and you can be assured that we will make every effort to emulate our reputation as an ‘inclusive community’ event offering an Agricultural Show with Top Quality Family Entertainment. The dates are Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th May 2016. We do hope to see you there!

Noel Grant Chairman 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.com

Website: www.hertsshow.com

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

HertfordshireCounty Show

Proud to Promote

Hertfordshire

THANKS TO A T OLIVER & SONS LIMITED

BIDWELLSBRUCE SHERRIFFLAFARGE TARMACMAJESTIC TREESMARTIN GRANT HOMES LTDMCMULLEN & SONS LIMITEDMRS MARGOT GARDENERMR RICHARD WALDUCK, OBE, DLNATIONAL FARMERS UNIONP. TUCKWELLQUANTUM CARE LTDSTRUTT & PARKER LLP

THANKS TO ANTHONY MOSLEY PHOTOGRAPHER

AVIATION TURBINE SERVICES LIMITED

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PROCAM AGRICULTURE

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OUR 10TH HERTFORDSHIRE PRIMARY SCHOOLS ART COMPETITION

THEME: HERTFORDSHIRE‘S YEAR OF WALKING

STEWARDS DINNER SPONSORS

WINNING FINALISTS

3-6 years

1st Megan Gove Northfields Infants, Letchworth Garden City

2nd Eleanor Brown Redbourn Infants, Redbourn

3rd Tayla-Mae Dean Bonneygrove Primary, Cheshunt

7-9 years

1st Mollie Johnson St Joseph’s R C, Hertford

2nd Year 3 class project Millbrook School, Cheshunt

3rd Amirah Fauz Oaklands Primary, Welwyn

10-11 years

1st Summer Barnett-Moule Millbrook School, Cheshunt

2nd Amy Walker Peartree Spring Junior, Stevenage

3rd Bethan MacIntyre St Hilda’s School, Harpenden

Hertfordshire County Council Chairman Frances Button, Councillor Teresa Heritage, Diana Cornish and Ginny Roberts meet the talented Winners at the Show

BUXTON & HIGH PEAKS SECURITY SERVICESFIRE PROTECTION COMPANYGRANDSTANDS ON THE MOVE GREAT BRITISH SAUSAGE COMPANY

SARAH BEESONIMPERIAL LONDON HOTELS LTDMCMULLEN & SONS LIMITEDNSR COMMUNICATIONS LTDPLYVINE CATERING LIMITED

ROY PINNOCK & COSEVERN VALLEY CATERINGSIGNED BY METARRAGONTHORNS GROUP

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