'Don't be afraid to embrace change' urges show official

A SHOW secretary has explained how other committees could learn a thing or two from its successes.

David Prince, secretary of Brough Show, was very pleased with how the 2017 edition turned out earlier this month, with increased entries in sheep classes and steady numbers in the equine sections.

Mr Prince said the show’s changes, such as allowing horse and pony entries on the day, had paid dividends and explained how change could be a healthy thing.

He added: “My background is in engineering, however, for the past 25 years I have done exhibitions.

“I look at Brough Show as a big exhibition and so what I’ve tried to introduce is looking at different ways of doing things and thinking outside the box.

“You cannot just sit there and expect people to come to you. You have to adapt to make it attractive to people and I think a lot of it has worked.”

Dale shows are not shying away from innovation either with Eggleston Show welcoming vintage cars for the first time in its history on September 16. Guest stalls and attractions on the showfield have proven successful at Brough Show in recent years with tractor entries one of the biggest success stories.

Mr Prince added: “It needs the effort putting in to make it a success – the committee and the people involved are magic. They know what to do.”

Meanwhile, at the front of the show field, the dry stone wallers were hard at work plying their craft against the clock.

Organiser Paul Thompson and judge Colin Sowerby revealed what it took to make it and how the art differed in a matter of miles.

Mr Thompson said: “The types of stone are different as are the textures.

“I don’t think the foundations of it have changed for 500 years.”

Mr Sowerby added: “It’s about trying to keep your stones level.

“Competition walling is done on the tidy side rather than the strong side.

“We have a strong waller here – it probably won’t win but if you left it would be here in 50 years.”

A £200 prize for the winner attracted professionals to the event with the winnings worth the day off the roster.

Mr Thompson said: “Everybody else comes to the show as a hobby but this is their job – especially when we have such good sponsorship.

Mr Sowerby added: “It’s a shame English Heritage do not support it more.”

Dry stone wallers will be seen in acton in the dale at Eggleston Show next month.