THE president for the 2014 Okehampton Show was chosen at the Okehampton and District Agricultural Association's annual meeting recently.

William Cornish was elected as president, with Mark Wooldridge president elect for 2014. John Hockridge retains his position as chairman, with Mark Woodridge acting as vice chairman. The 2013 accounts prepared by Simpkins Edwards were presented to the executive committee for approval.

The 2013 show took place on August 8 on a very sunny day which produced record gate numbers. At the meeting new committee members were voted onto the executive committee. Andrew Crocker, Philip Davies, Jeff Dunn, Ross Sizmur, Stephen Smaile, Nick Tucker, Ian Vanstone and Paul Vanstone are now all on the committee. It was agreed that a cash donation would be made to the farmers in Somerset who are suffering from flooding.

The 107th Okehampton Show will take place on Thursday, August 14 — trade stand bookings are now being taken. Local businesses are particularly welcome to take a stand at the show.

As a one day agricultural show it is one of the largest in the county, attracting approximately 14,000 people.

As a charity, the Okehampton and District Agricultural Association awards grants to local students who go on to study agriculture and horticulture. The association considers it vital that youngsters are encouraged to work within the farming industry and continue to manage the countryside. If anyone is interested in finding out whether they are eligible for a grant they are encouraged to contact the show secretary.

For further details concerning the show or grants please contact the show secretary Claire Woodward on 01363 866161, via e-mail on [email protected]">[email protected] or go to http://www.okehamptonshow.co.uk">www.okehamptonshow.co.uk