Organisers of Appleby Show have been unable to recruit a secretary to run the event, but hope it will go ahead in August despite this setback.
Meeting at the town’s Conservative Club on Monday, members and supporters of Appleby Agricultural Society discussed the crisis, which began around the end of March when the former show secretary indicated she was unable to continue in the role.
Efforts followed to recruit a replacement to no avail.
At Monday night’s meeting, however, three or four volunteers came forward willing to carry out parts of the job, which involves tasks including sorting out entries, putting a schedule together, inviting judges and sending them information and hiring equipment — plus other work.
It is estimated this can take up 400-500 hours each year, mostly in the summer months.
Show chairman Alan Tallentire said: “With some volunteers coming forward we hope it will go ahead, but it’s not 100 per cent certain — it depends on how things come together.”
He also said that measures are being taken to ease the organisers’ administrative burden and reduce costs, including taking entries and publishing the show schedule online only.
Anybody who wants to submit an entry in the traditional way will be able to do so at an event to be held in July, details of which will be available on the show website.
Alan added that the search continues for a secretary and anybody interested can call him on 07812 117249.
The progress of efforts to organise this year’s show will be discussed at a further meeting which is to be held at Appleby Conservative Club on Thursday, May 29 at 7.30pm.
One of those set to be present is former Herald photographer Fred Wilson, who is due to be the show president and has donated a new trophy in memory of his late wife Wendy to go to the exhibitor of the champion Scotch Blackfaced sheep.
