Rural show called off because of rain (From Evesham Journal)

Rural show called off because of rain

7:30am Friday 31st August 2012 in Evesham By Gerry Barnett

THE Vale of Evesham Autumn Show, one of the one of the highlights of the countryside calendar, is the latest victim of the summer downpours.

Disappointed organisers reluctantly took the decision to cancel this week when it became clear that ground conditions at Moyfield Riding School, South Littleton, would not stand up to the huge crowds.

However, chairman Tony Bomford remains upbeat and is already looking ahead to 2013. “We have had to cancel before and have come back stronger than ever and I am confident this will be the case next year,” he said.

The show, involving shows of cattle and sheep and equine events including hunter judging, show jumping and gymkhana events, was due to take place at Moyfield Riding School, South Littleton, on Sunday, September 9.

Mr Bomford said: “The weather has put us so far behind on the farm we just haven’t had the time to do anything. We still have fields of grass which were supposed to be for hay and haven’t been able to get on to them. We did manage to cut one field back in May, turned the grass several times in bright spells but still could not get it in and eventually turned the cattle out on it.

“The fields we hold the show in have dips in them which are still full of water. It would be impossible to get cars in and out, let alone the heavy lorries.

It is just desperate.”

Mr Bomford said cancellation would be a big disappointment particularly to the scores of children looking forward to taking part in the gymkhana events.

The show is run entirely by volunteers. Mr Bomford added: “Over the years we have raised thousands of pounds for local charities and having to cancel will be a blow to them as well.”