For members of Kings Bromley Show Society – November 2024
2024 Show
After the deluge of rain last year (the memory of which stilll lives on in the minds of many Committee members!!), it is good to report that, whilst not basking in the warmth of July sunshine, apart from one short cloud burst the day was DRY. All the usual, familiar elements of our village show e.g. treasured vehicles, the ever popular dog show still featured but a major difference was the main arena entertainment. This year, House of Mash were our sole entertainers showcasing their joyously, vibrant outdoor musical “Hullabaloo”. Starting at 12 noon with a meet & greet the cast walk about, the performers certainly kept the entertainment flowing all afternoon. Their compered show featured evocative music, dance and dazzling circus like performances. The group also provided participatory circus workshops and community sports. It was something very different for the Show – unique, engaging plus lots of fun to watch and take part in.
Alternating with the House of Mash was the Live Music Stage. The 4 acts – covered a wide variety of musical genres with our headline act The Forgery ( a good time rock/pop band) giving us a rousing end to the day. On the field Dan of Mercer Falconry showcased a variety of birds of prey offering both static and ariel displays. His entertaining yet educational commentary gave an insight into the unique personality of each bird and demonstrated the true skills of these ariel predators.
The Competitive Marquee which, is at the very heart of the Show still remains a popular element both for entrants in the various sections and for visitors to view. The number of entries in the various classes varies from year to year. For instance, this year the number of Horticultural entries was slightly down but weather wise it hasn’t been a great growing year so, this was to be expected. What is pleasing is that the overall numbers – that is, people willing to have-a-go and take part – remains in a similar range year on year.
Annual General Meeting-27th November 2024
Please do come along to the Village Hall for 7.30pm to find out what the Society has been doing in the past year, plans for the future and to meet other members. Members are welcome to take part in the meeting but please remember that only members in their 2nd consecutive year of Membership are entitled to vote. Once the business of the evening is concluded there’s a nice array of cheese, biscuits & wine to enjoy.
New in 24 – Treasured Vehicle Show
This was a completely new venture for the Show Committee to undertake and thanks must go to Committee member Yvonne Sheldon for really ‘steering’ (excuse the pun) this event to fruition. For all involved it was very much a steep learning curve. As the name suggests the event was not solely for vintage cars but for all much loved modes of transport – from vintage through to modern day classics. Approximately 300 vehicles were displayed on the field which, for a first-time event, was an extremely pleasing result as was the number of visitors – around 1200 people came along to admire the wide variety of wheels on show.
Having made sure the costs of staging the event are covered, the Society will be making a donation to a Cancer Charity from the proceeds of this event. Due to the amount of interest shown by both vehicle owners and visitors the Committee are intending to repeat this event in 2025 on Sunday 17th August.
Thanks to our Volunteers
Incredibly, the Society now has a database of over 100 people who are willing to help the Society in numerous ways. This help ranges from being Committee members, caring for the Show trophies, setting up the field to helping for a couple of hours on Show Day. Whatever the role or task undertaken this help is absolutely invaluable and very much needed, welcomed and appreciated. As a way of saying ‘thank you’ to everyone who helped, a Sunday afternoon tea was held at the village hall. This proved to be hugely popular with around 60 people enjoying sandwiches, tea, cakes and, of course, scones – all prepared and served by – yes, you’ve guessed it Volunteers.
It is hoped to make this an annual thank you get-together plus it is intended to arrange other social occasions during the coming year.
Many, many thanks to everyone. Couldn’t do it all without you
The Future – Looking to 2025
Only a month after putting the 2024 Show ‘to bed’ the Show Committee have already turned their thoughts to the coming year. The Society owns and maintains the Show field allowing free access to its land at all times. However, there are annual on-going costs associated with this, with the Show being the major event bringing in funds to help cover the expenses. As already mentioned, although we do have a substantial amount of people who are willing to help,
the Society is in great need of volunteers who are willing to take on specific key roles on the Society’s Management and Show Committees.
This year many Show Committee members doubled-up on jobs to help plug the gaps. bviously, this is not ideal, neither is it sustainable and, in the long term, will have consequences for the future of the Show and the Society.
So, after careful consideration the Show Committee have decided that realistically they do not have sufficent ‘hands-on-board’ to organise a 2025 Show. However, a Village Fête which, will be far more achievable, will be held at the Village Hall on Sunday 14th September.
Become involved in the Show Society
Although not organising a full-on Show next year we would like to fill the following gaps in 2025 as this will enable our new recruit/s to join in and get to know colleagues, procedures etc in a more relaxed informal manner without a big Show looming ahead. Currently, we are looking to fill the following roles:
Membership Secretary
The main responsibilities are the collection and banking of annual subscriptions (if paid by cash or cheque). Currently there are 164 members paying a membership fee of £8.00p.a. Also, checking payments received by BACS direct into the Society’s bank account.
Maintain a database of current members & be able to communicate with them via email. Actively promote membership e.g. assist with the production and distribution of a promotional flyer. Distribute membership cards.
Field Co-ordinator
This position involves the up-keep and general ongoing maintenance of the Show field which is owned by the Society. This could involve checking on the condition of boundaries, hedging, fencing, gates and entrances onto the field. Arranging for any work that is required to be undertaken by contractors if this cannot be carried out ‘in-house’.
Assisting the Show/Event Co-ordinator in preparing the field for an event e.g. marking out the field, positioning signs around the village approx. 6 weeks prior to an event, providing assistance to colleagues prior to and on the day of a Show/event.
These 2 roles are Society Management Committee positions – involving around 3 meetings each year. There is no obligation to be part of the Show Committee and attend Show meetings. However, joining in some of meetings is a good way to meet other volunteer Committee members, understand the Show planning process and generally become more involved in the Society.
Trade Stand Organiser
Income from selling trade pitches on Show Day is vital to the Society & in the past 2 years we have utilised the services of an outside specialist contractor to fill most of the available pitches. However, we do still sell our own spaces. The role could possibly be a mix of the 2 avenues. We aim to have a good mix of quality stands. Selling our own spaces would involve approaching contacts from our own lists (via email) and sourcing new traders. If you enjoy going to craft fairs,markets, shows etc this could prove to be a useful way to find potential stall-holders.
Admin tasks would include responding to email enquiries, issuing contracts/invoices/Show Day passes, ensuring payments are made to the Society, liaising with the Show Co-ordinator and being present on the field on Show Day (early morning to direct traders on arrival & deal with queries).
Children’s Amusements Organiser
This role involves booking the above mentioned features of the Show e.g. bouncy castles, fairground rides etc. Administration tasks are similar to those listed above.
Food & Beverage Organiser
The food and drink offer at the Show is important to the Show’s overall image and we aim to offer a variety of quality food. & drink outlets. Usually we have around 5/6 of each.
Again, the admin tasks are similar to those listed for the Trade Stands Organiser.
The above 3 roles are Show Committee positions and will involve attending some but not necessarily all Show meetings (usually 10 each year).
We would be delighted to hear from anyone who may be interested in any of these roles. Please contact: Kirsten Harber, Show Co-ordinator
Email: coordinator@kingsbromleyshow.co.uk
Alternatively, Yvonne Sheldon, Show Secretary
email:yvonne_pete@yahoo.co.uk or 07774 937306