MEMBERS of Okehampton and District Agricultural Show committee are pictured proudly standing in front of the special Voaden Gate named in memory of former show chairman Bill Voaden and his wife, Pam. Bill, who died last year, was involved with the show for more than 50 years, and for this year?s centenary occasion, the decorated wrought iron gate was constructed in his honour. More visitors than ever flocked through the gate for this year?s show to make the 100th event the most successful ever. Show secretary Gilly Oliver said: ?We felt it was particularly appropriate to honour Bill at this, the centenary event, and the design reflects all the areas of the show. ?We feel it is a fitting tribute for all the hard work he did for the show over the years.? Mrs Oliver said the committee had decided they wanted something over the main pedestrian gate, so it could be seen by everybody who came to the show. The gate was created by David Trant, of Bridestowe, whose handiwork impressed show organisers. Mrs Oliver said: ?It is absolutely spectacular, I was really astonished when I saw it for the first time?. The centenary show had been a fantastic success, she said. ?We have had many letters, e-mails and telephone conversations with people thrilled by the show this year. ?I had one letter from someone from America, who came over and saw the Dartmoor Pony display. They said they had never been to an agricultural show before but they thought it was a marvellous event,? she said.
