ONCE again it is with pleasure that I write, following what has been a hugely successful and fun Okehampton Show, which was held on Thursday, August 8.

While the final hurdles, barriers and signs are put away for another yea and the 'dust settles' over the show field I must as chairman, thank everyone who made this year's 106th Okehampton Show happen.

The list to thank is long' a show of this size takes a year's worth of planning and would not be able to go ahead without the help of a loyal team of volunteers who give up their time to make the show happen.

This year's president, Michael Crocker, took a break from his usual 'sheep stewarding duties' to preside over the show and we hope that he and his wife, Jenny, had a good day with us.

Thanks to our directors and committee members who make up the Okehampton and District Agricultural Association and who offer help and advice throughout the year, together with help setting up the show and who are a great support.

Thanks to our show secretary who co-ordinates the running of the show and each of the section secretaries who work so hard to make their own section work.

We have a tremendous number of animals on site and it is no easy task ensuring their safe arrivals and departures and all the secretaries make this work so smoothly. Thanks to our kind farmers and landowners who allow us the use of their fields for the day.

Thanks also to the local organisations who get involved and helped - the Okehampton Rotary Club, St John Ambulance, Hon Vets North Park Vets, Hon Doctors, Dr T Watson and Dr Emma Chapman, the mayor and officials of Okehampton Town Council, Staff Sergeant R Boyce and the Okehampton Army Cadets and the Okehampton U15s rugby team members.

To all our exhibitors, traders, show day members, judges, stewards and sponsors alike I hope you had a good day and thank you for your support.

Finally, and importantly, a huge thank you must go to all the visitors who came along to the show en masse.

On behalf of the association we hope you enjoyed your day.

Planning for next year's show will be underway as I write — roll on 2014!

Thanks to all involved again and for the many unnamed people who unstintingly give so much of their time to ensure the success of the show.

L J G Hockridge

Chairman, Okehampton and District Agricultural Association

Claire Woodward

Show Secretary