Farming Talk: Final plans being made for 137th Minsterley Show

Minsterley Show is in countdown mode for August 18.

Well, after a year of preparation we are in the final stages of organising for this year's 137th show.

It is also my final year as show chairman so I'm hoping it's going to be a good one.

As a local farmer from Cruckmeole I have been visiting Minsterley Show since I was a boy and never really put much thought into how it was organised or what was involved behind the scenes, therefore becoming chairman was a big eye-opener and my phone has been red hot ever since.

The committee has been working flat out the past few months pulling together the show schedule, including details of the various classes ranging from horses, dairy cattle, sheep, goats, cake-making, wine-making, lots of children's classes and lots, lots more.

Now it's the busy job of delivering these round the county to all the shops and post offices in order to get some entries in – good job we've got a hands-on committee.

My main job in the run-up to the show is to book the main ring attraction and I was told if you get that wrong then people won't come – so no pressure there then!

Having been to a fair few shows in my time, I thought I would bring the focus back to the countryside this year and am thrilled that both the Pony Club Mounted Games, which to be honest does look quite dangerous, and also Elaine Hill Sheep Dog Display can come and show us their stuff.

My main task now is to get the committee doing sunshine dances every Saturday, in the hope it will scare away the rain.

You may think this is so we have a sunny day at the show.

However this is just a ruse as I could really do with getting my cattle back out into the fields instead of sheltering in the sheds away from the rain.

Come rain or shine, Minsterley Show always draws the crowds and I'm sure this year will be no different.

Anyway, my sisters tell me mud is good for the skin isn't it?

Charlie Sandells is chairman of Minsterley Show.