News Releases...

Press Contacts:

Edward Lambert (Publicity) - 07866 856492

Peter Titley (Show Manager) - 01785 850183

Mary Cartmail (Show Secretary) - 07702 240511

03/09/2007

RECORD BREAKING SHOW

Organisers of the annual Eccleshall Show are delighted to announce that 2007 was a record breaking event despite setbacks earlier in the year.

Show Chairman, Robert Cartmail, said: “In July we had doubts as to whether or not the showground would be waterlogged if the heavy rainfall continued, in August we had the devastating news that Foot and Mouth was back in the UK and that resulted in the abandonment of competitive sheep classes, but we've battled on and I'm delighted to say that we had a record breaking year. Our early gate figure suggests that we had at least 4,500 visitors and we welcomed a number of new trade stands who promised to return next year. Show Manager Peter Titley believes the success of the event boils down to a friendly atmosphere “A phenomenal amount of work goes into organising the event and individuals give their time voluntarily. Against this backdrop we have a simple philosophy - welcome all visitors with a smile. Eccleshall is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and I hope that such a reputation will continue for years to come." Entries in the equestrian were at an all time high, the ferret show saw well over 100 animals competing while the companion dog show had to split classes in order to cope with the vast entries. At 10am, just before the show officially opened, land owner David Jacques planted a tree presented by Eccleshall Show Society in recognition of its sixtieth anniversary. The tree was a Sweet Chestnut, appropriately chosen to rest next door to an existing tree of that kind on the showground which dates back 300 years. In the classic vehicle section, exhibitors travelled great distances to put their motors on display and adjacent to the classics area was the busy main ring which kept visitors entertained with all sorts of delights from the husky dogs and sleds, to the very popular children’s’ sports and tug of war. The horticultural and craft section saw officials donning land girls outfits to mark 60 years while a traditional Brass Band played a mixture of tunes, a number of which dated form the 1947 era. Show Secretary Mary Cartmail considers this year’s show to be amongst the most successful in its sixty year history; “The flow of feet through the entrance gates was steady and without a break from about 11am. We had to use our over-flow car park and I think this is indicative of a very successful show.” This friendly local show has a reputation for providing a warm welcome to exhibitors and visitors alike and offers a wealth of quality countryside action for all the family.

27/08/2007

 FINISHING TOUCHES TO COUNTRY SHOW PREPARATIONS

Just days before the gates of the Lower Parks showground open to the public for the 60th annual Eccleshall Show, organisers are thrilled by record entries and an upsurge of interest across all sections of the event which takes place on Saturday 1st September. Show Chairman, Robert Cartmail, said: “This promises to be a brilliant show. It's sixty years since the show started and among the ways of commemorating this milestone, a tree, presented by the Society, will be planted by the landowner, David Jacques, at 10am on the day of the show. We are expecting the largest equestrian section in the history of the show and fantastic support is also promised for the dog and ferret shows, as well as the classic car section which will see a number of 1940's vehicles, similar to those on the road when the show began.” Despite the disappointing abandonment of the sheep section due to Foot and Mouth movement restrictions, Show Manager Peter Titley says “A year of planning will provide more attractions for everyone - young and old and with gates opening to the public from 10.30 am our visitors can expect a very full and entertaining day. We've increased the range of entertainment available at the show, and if things prove popular, they'll be back next year with more besides”. Conscious that the showground is not within a reasonable walking distance of Eccleshall, Mr Titley added “We hope that Eccleshall people who would ordinarily struggle to arrange transport to the showground will make full use of our FREE shuttle bus facility - operating from 11am onwards from Eccleshall Police Station and John Pershall Court. Times are available on our website. This was introduced last year and proved to be very popular - consequently we've added extra runs to cope with anticipated demand”. In addition to the companion dog show offering pedigree and novelty classes, canine enthusiasts will have plenty to keep them entertained with the chance to see the popular Gundog demonstration by Dave Coe of Jarrovian Gundogs. Dave says: “If anyone has a particular problem about dog training or needs advice, I will be delighted to discuss this with them individually as part of the service offered at Eccleshall Show .Owners are welcome to bring their own dog along, so that I can offer on the spot comments about their particular animal”. In the horticultural and craft section, officials will don land-girls outfits and dig for victory while judges in the section will judge, among other things, the heaviest and weirdest vegetables as well as the best bunch of blooms. A number of trade stands offering various products from antiques to garden furniture, fresh food to children’s’ toys plus most things in between, will mean there’s plenty of opportunities to spend money - So, whether it’s a traditional Brass Band or Children’s Sports, Tombola or Tug Of War - there will be a wide choice on offer at Eccleshall Show 2007 with ample FREE parking. This friendly local show has a reputation for providing a warm welcome to exhibitors and visitors alike with a wealth of quality countryside action for all the family.Show Schedules are available from the show website and Stars News, Sweet Occasions and the library in Eccleshall. Show admission tickets at the reduced rate of £3.00 each (saving 40% on the gate price) are still available from Sweet Occasions: 2b High Street, Eccleshall - 01785 850660

16/08/2007

SHOW SUFFERS LOSS OF SHEEP

The following notice has been posted on the Show Web site today:

“Although the FMD outbreak in Surrey appears to have been contained, there is a continuing need for vigilance and caution. It is possible that wider movement restrictions may be lifted prior to Eccleshall Show but there remains an understandable reluctance on the part of animal keepers to move animals other than in totally essential circumstances. Investigations continue in areas away from Surrey. Against this uncertain background and given our location at the heart of Staffordshire's cattle and sheep country the Committee has cancelled the Sheep section of this year's event.”

Sheep Secretary, Edward Lambert said “This is a huge disappointment, but a decision that we had left as long as possible to make. We had 215 entries from exhibitors as far afield as North Yorkshire, Hertfordshire and Suffolk”. Mr Lambert added “Eccleshall had established itself as a recognised qualifying championship show for a number of specialist sheep breed societies and we were planning a number of special events within the section to mark the sixtieth show.

Show Manager, Peter Titley said: "Despite the loss of the sheep section, there remains a very buoyant atmosphere among organisers who look forward to staging a splendid event. There are a number of attractions for visitors to see including a large equestrian section, dog and ferret shows, trade stands and classic car display. This year will also see specialist Western Riding demonstrations and a Gun Dog display in the main ring”.

An indoor shopping area is also new for this year alongside the fifty of more outside stalls which are expected. The horticultural marquee - newly equipped with trestles made by workers from Staffordshire Probation Area's unpaid work scheme - plans a spectacular display as part of this year's anniversary celebrations with the organisers appearing as members of the Land Army to bring back memories of the 1940’s when the produce on display symbolised community spirit and the war effort. Advanced tickets are available now priced at £3.00 each from Sweet Occasions, High Street, Eccleshall and offer a 40% saving on the gate price. This year Eccleshall Show will enhance its traditional country show atmosphere with an increased range of entertainment for all the family. The gates open to the public at 10.30 am and full details are available on its regularly updated web site - www.eccleshallshow.co.uk

25/06/2007

HIGH HOPES FOR ECCLESHALL SHOW

DESPITE THE WET WEATHER WHICH HAS DEVASTATED MANY PARTS OF BRITAIN AND SEEN THE CANCELLATION OF OUTDOOR EVENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY, THE ORGANISERS OF THE ANNUAL ECCLESHALL SHOW ARE IN GOOD SPIRITS AS THEY PUT THE FINISHING TOUCHES TO PLANS FOR THIS YEARS SHOW.

Show Manager, Peter Titley said: "We are really sorry for the organisers of events which have been washed out by the heavy rainfall but Eccleshall Show remains on schedule for Saturday 1st September when we celebrate our 60th year. Part of the show will have a 1940's theme and we are looking for people with memories of the early years of the show. We are keen to meet people who can provide old photographs or stories about the show from the 1947 to 1957 period. Any one who provides information for our display will be given free family tickets to the event as guests of the Society "

Eccleshall Show boasts a specialist Sheep Show and a large equestrian section - both of which attract high entries across a wide area. This year will also see specialist Western Riding demonstrations and a Gun Dog display in the main ring. An indoor shopping area is also new for this year alongside the fifty of more outside stalls which are expected.

The horticultural marquee - newly equipped with trestles made by workers from Staffordshire Probation Area's unpaid work scheme - plans a spectacular display as part of this year's anniversary celebrations with the organisers appearing as members of the Land Army to bring back memories of the 1940’s when the produce on display symbolised community spirit and the war effort.

This year Eccleshall Show will enhance its traditional country show atmosphere with an increased range of entertainment for all the family. The gates open to the public at 10.30 am and full details are available on its regularly updated web site - www.eccleshallshow.co.uk

16/06/2007

HORTICULTURAL HELP FROM LOCAL OFFENDERS

OFFENDERS UNDERTAKING UNPAID WORK AS PART OF THEIR COMMUNITY ORDERS IN STAFFORDSHIRE HAVE COME TO THE ASSISTANCE OF ECCLESHALL SHOW SOCIETY’S HORTICULTURAL AND CRAFT SECTION BY MAKING NEW TRESTLES IN TIME FOR THIS YEAR’S SHOW.

Organisers of the country show approached Staffordshire Probation Service for their assistance after discovering their existing trestles used to display horticultural and craft exhibits were plagued with woodworm.

“The Show Society is really grateful to the Probation Service for manufacturing the trestles at such short notice - we needed almost 300, and offenders carrying out unpaid work in the community rose to our challenge!” says Edward Lambert, spokesman for Eccleshall Show Society.

As part of the sixtieth anniversary celebrations, organisers in the horticultural section are dressing as land girls, reminiscent of the time in the late 1940’s when the produce on display symbolised community spirit and the war effort.

Eccleshall Show maintains its traditional country show atmosphere with a large equestrian section and traditional livestock competitions together with an increased range of entertainment for all the family.

25/03/2007

SHOW HELPS STRENGTHEN FIRST RESPONSE FUNDS

Eccleshall Show Society has donated £500 to the town’s First Response Team, despite making a loss at last year’s show.

“Torrential rain and strong winds explained a lower than normal turnout at last year’s show”, explains Peter Titley, Show Manager.

At the Society’s last committee meeting, a cheque for £500 was presented by Mr Titley to Robert Carruthers, representative of the five-strong response team that serves Eccleshall and surrounding areas.

Mr Carruthers was pleased to receive the donation from the Society and explained a little about the service; “The objective of a First Response Scheme is to provide emergency medical care until the professional services arrives. This is done 24/7, and we are funded solely by donations. We hope to purchase a new response vehicle soon, so all donations are vital”.

Mr Titley remarks “Although the show didn’t even break even last year, we felt it was important to recognise the valuable work done by the First Response Team, and the Show Committee was unanimous in deciding to delve into our funds. The donation is particularly pertinent as it is also given in memory of Mr Bim Jacques, former President of the Show Society and original land-owner of the grounds on which the show is staged”.

11/03/2007

SURF TO SHOW SOCIETY'S UPDATED SITE

Eccleshall Show Society, organisers of the town's annual country Show which this year takes place on Saturday 1 September, has a fresh look to it's website in order to incorporate the group’s new name and logo.

Founded in 1947, the organisation celebrates its sixtieth year this year and has launched an appeal for people to tell their stories about previous shows.

Organisers are keen to make 2007 extra special and would like people who have memories from previous shows - particularly the early ones - to make contact.

Please email your stories or anecdotes, and include photographs if you have any, to info@eccleshallshow.co.uk or if you don’t have access to email, you can contact the Show Manager, Peter Titley on 01785 850183.

The Show Society is keen to think of an apt way of marking the sixtieth anniversary and would like to hear from anybody who has an idea to mark this milestone. All contributions will receive careful consideration from the show committee.

Remember to visit the new website - - www.eccleshallshow.co.uk.

27/08/06

COUNTRY SHOW TO BOOST CHARITY COFFERS

Rodeo riding, dog agility, rare breed sheep and equestrian competitions are just some of the attractions that await visitors to the annual Eccleshall Show which takes place this weekend on Saturday 2 September. Eccleshall Show Society hopes to raise many hundreds of pounds for local charities as a result of this year’s show.

Chairman, Robert Cartmail said:

There are so many deserving local charities. At the end of a successful show, there is nothing more satisfying than knowing that a sizeable donation can be given to charity.

Mr Cartmail added

Of course the weather very much affects the turnout at the show and we would urge people not to be put off by a spot of rain! Organisers spend many months preparing the event and costs are incurred whatever the weather. There are plenty of undercover vantage points from which the show attractions can be seen should we not be blessed with sunshine.

The show, now in its 59th year, promises to be bigger and better than ever before. Show Manager, Peter Titley remarks

We have listened to comments from visitors to last year’s show and taken steps to address the points that were made. We have a full line-up of entertainment running throughout the day and hope that new additions to the attractions programme prove a worthy investment and are popular with visitors.

Keen that people attend the show, Secretary Mary Cartmail says:

The show is a great way to round off the kids’ summer holidays - especially as children under 12 are admitted free of charge. With children’s sports, Punch and Judy, magic shows and much more besides there is plenty to keep the youngsters occupied while the parents perhaps peruse the many and varied trade stands on offer.

Eccleshall Show takes place in the fabulous parkland setting of Lower Parks, Sugnall - just out of Eccleshall on the B5026 Eccleshall to Loggerheads road. Advanced tickets at £2.50 each are available until Friday from Sweet Occasions, High Street, Eccleshall.

Further information is available on the Show Society’s website - www.eccleshallshow.co.uk - or from 01785 284276 or 01785 850183.

19/08/06

COUNTDOWN TO COUNTRY SHOW

Just days before the gates of the Lower Parks showground open to the public for the 59th Eccleshall Show, organisers are thrilled by record entries and an upsurge of interest across all sections of the event which takes place on Saturday 2 September.

Show Chairman, Robert Cartmail, said:

“This promises to be a brilliant show with the largest equestrian section in the history of the show and well over 200 specialist sheep entries.”

The change of showground layout last year allowed public easier access to all the entertainments and livestock areas and Show Manager Peter Titley says

 “A year of planning will provide more attractions for everyone - young and old and with gates opening to the public from 10.30 am our visitors can expect a very full and entertaining day”.

Conscious that the showground is not within a reasonable walking distance of Eccleshall, Mr Titley added

“We hope that Eccleshall people who would ordinarily struggle to arrange transport to the showground will make full use of our FREE shuttle bus facility - operating from 11am onwards from Eccleshall Police Station and John Pershall Court. Times are available on our website”.

The show promises a packed programme, including, once again, the highly professional Dog Agility event staged by the East Midlands Dog Agility Team. In addition to the many regular features, the equestrian section boasts a ‘Racehorse to Riding Horse’ competition sponsored by Tattersalls Bloodstock.

Equestrian Secretary Fiona Fraser says:

“Any sponsorship for our show is welcomed and very much appreciated but to be recognised by Tattersalls - the leading bloodstock auctioneers - is a real boost.”

In addition to the Dog Agility Competition, canine enthusiasts will have plenty to keep them and their canines happy with the Companion Dog Show and the chance to see the popular Gundog demonstration by Dave Coe of Jarrovian Gundogs. Dave says:

“If anyone has a particular problem about dog training or needs advice, I will be delighted to

discuss this with them individually as part of the service offered at Eccleshall Show .Owners are welcome top bring their own dog along, so that I can offer on the spot comments about their particular animal”

So, whether it’s a traditional Brass Band or Children’s Sports, Tombola or Tug Of War - there will be a wide choice on offer at Eccleshall Show 2006 with ample FREE parking.

This friendly local show has a reputation for providing a warm welcome to exhibitors and visitors alike with a wealth of quality countryside action for all the family.

Show Schedules are available from many Eccleshall town locations including Stars News, Sweet Occasions and the library. They are also available to download from the show website.

Show admission tickets at the reduced rate of £2.50 are still available from: Sweet Occasions: 2b High Street, Eccleshall - 01785 850660

12/08/06

FREE SHUTTLE LAUNCHED FOR SHOW

With just over two weeks to go before the Lower Parks showground opens its gates to host the annual Eccleshall Show organisers, Eccleshall Show Society, are pleased to announce the launch of a free shuttle bus service to ferry people to and from the showground.

Show Secretary Robert Cartmail says:

We are fortunate to have secured the services of a mini-bus which will allow us to provide a service to Eccleshall residents who would perhaps otherwise struggle to make it to the show.

Mr Cartmail added:

Eccleshall Show has grown significantly is the past few years. We hope that good use is made of the bus and that people come along to the show to see the spirit of a true one-day local show in full fling.

Amongst the many attractions at the show, there will be Shire horses, a large equestrian section, sheep show, horticulture and craft, various trade stands catering for almost anything imaginable and plenty of entertainments for the big kids and little kids alike! Children are admitted free of charge and parking on the showground is free.

Further show information and the bus timetable is available on the show website - www.eccleshallshow.co.uk alternatively contact 01785 850183 or 01785 284276.

ENDS