Farming Talk: Excitement is mounting for our show day

Only a few days left until the 137th Minsterley Show.

After 52 weeks of hard work and planning we are now gearing up for show day. The fields are now all marked out ready for the marquees and show stands and this week is going to be extremely hectic – good job I've got my combining done and I don't live far from the showground.

Thousands are expected at this year's show and I personally can't wait. From duck herding to racing ponies to Jack the Jester, the showground is all set to be a hive of activity.

There is still time to enter the carnival float competition. This is one of my favourite parts of the show, from the huge Young Farmers floats to the smaller golf buggies, it's great to see.

Trade stands have been fully booked for months, with local businesses competing to get the best pitch. We have agriculture dealers with their big machines, vets, Young Farmers, local food producers and many more ready to show some proper Shropshire hospitality. I'm sure being chairman means you get a good discount, doesn't it?

We will even be having a tribute to the Olympics, with our very own children's races in the main ring. Anyone can enter on the day and if last year is anything to go by I think Usain Bolt should be very worried.

Minsterley Motors is putting on a free shuttle bus from Hanwood, Pontesbury and Minsterley to the showground, so there really is no excuse not to pop along and see what we have all been up to for the last year.

Also this year, the committee has decided it isn't quite busy enough and has organised a summer luncheon on Sunday at the showground. For more information and tickets please contact me, Charlie Sandells, on 01743 860217

A huge thank you has to go to the show committee – without all its hard work and dedication this day would not happen – and also the Hamer and Dale families for the venue.

So come and join us on Saturday and help us showcase the best of the British countryside.

Charlie Sandells is chairman of Minsterley Show.