Help needed to keep town's show going (From Swindon Advertiser)

Help needed to keep town's show going

7:00pm Wednesday 22nd February 2012 in Local By Katie Bond

A MEETING to help secure the future of the Cricklade Show had a disappointing turnout.

The event was arranged in a last-ditch attempt to save the show, which has been synonymous with August Bank Holiday Monday for the past 80 years.

It is in need of help from the community if it is to continue to attract thousands through the gates this year because the current committee’s resources are being stretched to the limit.

With just eight members, keeping the show’s status as one of the biggest events in Wiltshire is becoming near impossible, and Jo Howse, who stepped down from her 10-year position as chairman last year, said she was disappointed with the turnout on Tuesday night.

“We only had one person from the town council turn up and they really just wanted to know what was going on, as opposed to actually joining the committee, although he is happy to help out,” she said.

“As chairperson, I was doing about five roles rolled into one, so if we got five people come forward, we could split these roles up between them.”

Jo originally joined the committee to run the horse section, and made the decision to step down as chairman so she could further develop the horse show.

She said talks would be held between the committee and the owners of the land at Upper Broadleaze Farm, where the event is held, tonight and a second meeting will be held on March 13 in a desperate attempt to attract interest.

Jo said: “The plan now is to meet with the landowner to see about it either ending up as just a horse show, or a complete no show.

“Most of the committee members at the moment originally helped me with the horse show and are all keen to help with this, but we haven’t got any new people. We need people who don’t mind getting stuck in, perhaps a group of farmers, who are willing to put up posts and markers in the field because that is where we struggle.

“I am a laid-back person and it can be stressful on the weekend but once it is all over you feel great that you have achieved what you set out to achieve. I have enjoyed it.

“I would hate to see the show end. It was a horse show back in 2001 during foot and mouth, and we managed to get it back to what it is now, but if there is no one particularly bothered about helping to keep it this way, it may end up being just a horse show, or even worse, nothing at all.”

The next meeting takes place at The Club, in Cricklade, on March 13 at 8pm.

For more information, visit www.crickladeshow.co.uk.