New Management

The Annual General Meeting of Tynedale Agricultural Society held every November sees new officers and committee members elected. At the meeting on 4^th November there were more changes than usual with a change of Chairman, and four long serving members of the Management Committee stepping down after many years.

Mark Scandle, coming to the end of his three year tenure as Chairman, handed the reins back to Robert Raine, of Townfoot Farm, East Woodburn, his former Vice Chair. Robert said, “It’s fantastic to hold the post of Chairman again, and I’m glad to get a second chance to contribute to the Show’s leadership after my first term was interrupted by two cancelled shows during the Covid pandemic.”

Robert will be supported by new Vice-Chairman, Robbie Young of Kelso, and together they make an experienced team. Robert and Robbie share over fifty years’ service between them. Robert’s own father once held the post of Chairman and President and involvement in the Show is a family affair. Robert’s wife Jackie is Chief Steward in the Sheep Section, with almost thirty years’ service, and in the recent round of elections, his daughter Rachel joined the Management Committee.

Other new Management Committee members include Melanie Teasdale, who also steps up to lead the Equine Section after a decade running the Heavy Horse Section. She is joined by Christine Harrison from Stocksfield, Chief Steward of the Competitive Homecrafts Section, and Michael Thompson, who started his volunteering career at the Show in the Dog Section many years ago.

Gawin Holmes, Durham based Chartered Surveyor and Heavy Horse enthusiast, replaces James Wardle as Vice President. Gawin graciously accepted the position at the AGM, saying “This is a great honour, and I shall endeavour to serve and uphold the charitable mission of the Society.”

The outgoing Chairman gave his report on this year’s Show, “I want to thank the amazing volunteers this year who battled against unprecedented poor weather and the muddy conditions in the final days of preparations, and ensured our visitors and traders had the best day they could have had. On reflection, the show day weather was perfect and we had lots of good feedback despite the ground.”

The Show’s Treasurer’s Report demonstrated an increase in net income for the year, with the lower gate turnover being outweighed by strong investment returns. The Society is in a stable financial position and as a registered charity, aims to share its surplus revenue to promote education and good causes in the region. At the meeting, the Committee agreed to offer two £1000 Bursaries to local students, William Soulsby, in his second year at Askham Bryan College, and Phillipa Storrick of Berwickshire, attending Bishop Burton College. Both Northumbrian youngsters are studying land based courses and will be volunteers at the 2025 show.

Kerry Robson, Show Secretary, announced new developments for the next year’s show. She said, “The theme will be “The History of Northumberland County Show”, celebrating the heritage and tradition of northern agriculture and rural life, and looking back over the 190 years of the Show’s history. Vintage machinery, special photography displays and competitions will mark the occasion. Next May marks the 80^th anniversary of VE Day, and the Show will feature military displays from the Northumberland Hussars and their armoured vehicle fleet.”

Main arena attractions include Broke FMX motorbike stunt team, and in the livestock sections, a new Continental Giant Rabbits Stock Show is bound to be a popular attraction for the public. A full Shearing competition will take place and a new floral art show is planned with four competitive classes.

Kerry concluded, “The Show as always holds agriculture at its heart and we are proud to provide a platform for rural and urban communities to come together, and for farmers to enjoy a social occasion in these difficult times. It’s a great family day out and an opportunity for people to learn more about faming life.”

The Show takes place on Saturday 24^th May 2025, at Bywell near Stocksfield. Tickets are on sale now and make the perfect Christmas gift. Go to www.northcountyshow.co.uk for details.