Devon County Show - Show Secretary gives glimpse behind the scenes

Devon County Show Secretary Ollie Allen speaking at the lunch to launch the 2011 County Show:

“Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen and welcome to this year’s Devon County Show Press & Media Lunch.

“Last year, I took you back to the beginning in 1872 and, having dealt with even more red tape this year, I really wish I was in 1872 when there was no such thing as health and safety and EColi or TB was not ‘the buzz word’.  But we are in the 21st Century now and have to face the challenges that are put in front of us, which we will do with determination and optimism.

“OK, so let’s talk about this year’s Show.  I wonder how many of you have noticed a new kind of plant flowering in the hedgerows and fences around Devon over the past couple of weeks  - the lesser spotted correx board?     What takes two people, 14 days, covering 1,350 miles around Devon?  The answer?   Delivering and erecting nearly 700 correx boards to add to the 300 that have been collected by enthusiastic supporters of the County Show.   I doubt there are many people in this county who do not know that their County Show is looming.

“Over 5,000 entry forms have been processed this year for livestock, horse and feature entries – this does not equate to the number of animals which will be approximately double and that does not include the bees!

“This year we have over 300,000 sq metres of tentage, from just two contractors.  Can you imagine the rigid stock control these companies must have?

“Another question.  What takes nearly 800 square pieces of correx, two marker pens, 2 x 100m tapes (because the first one was broken!) and so far 41,418 steps?  The answer, marking out the trade stands.  By the first day of the Show, over 700 trade stands will be on site, covering approximately 19,008 ft of ground frontage.    

“People ask me what is the main attraction this year?  My answer?  The Show is the main attraction and everything it contains are the support acts.   It is the largest annual event in Devon and a virtual catalogue of the very best Devon produces or manufactures.   There are more local exhibitors than ever selling and promoting their wares this year.  For instance, the West Country Crafts marquee for instance has increased in size by 100’ to accommodate the number of West Country exhibitors wishing to be at the Show.     

“There is so much happening that it would take me a long time to run through the entire programme.  We have a reputation amongst our exhibitors for being a Show that listens to comments, suggestions and yes, criticisms and, if it makes viable, economical sense we do try to implement at least one suggestion per year.   Our President this year was full of suggestions and we have actually implemented two of his ideas in the Main Arena - 7 Aside Rugby on Thursday and Saturday and a secret mission involving James Bond but I cannot tell you about this because if I did, I would have to shoot you all.   Just make sure you make a note of the times of the performances on Thursday and Friday of ‘For Your Eyes Only’!

“Our underlying aim of course is the promotion of farming and food production and this year is no different to any other in the sense that we have a very strong agricultural element throughout the Show, whether it is in the livestock section, the machinery trade stands, dairy equipment, feeds or renewable energy.  We will even have a wind turbine being exhibited which is bound to create interest.

“Adam Henson, ‘Countryfile’s Face of Farming’ will be visiting the Show on the Friday and during a packed programme he will be a panellist for the Young Farmers debate ‘ ‘Feeding The Future’ and – probably the most important of his tasks – he will be judging the Spring Sausage competition!

“Kirstie Allsop will also be with us on the Friday, filming for a Channel 4 series on country crafts – another area for which Devon is renowned – baking scones, making jam, cider, cream – she is considering all the options at the moment but is sure to attract interest from visitors on that day.

“Well, with only 15 ‘sleeps’ to go, I believe that yet again, we will be putting on the best Show in the country, run by a supreme team of professional staff and voluntary stewards and helpers who have a passion for and a belief in the principle that the Devon County Show, like farming, has a future.   Yes we will keep our roots in tradition but at the same time we embrace change, if it is beneficial to the Devon way of life and its economy and the Show will continue for many, many years to come.

ends