Show organisers look to future (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Show organisers look to future

9:44am Thursday 18th September 2008 in Alresford

ORGANISERS of the Alresford Show say they will have to raise £75,000 for it to go ahead next year.

That's how much secretary, Gussie Raimes, thinks it may take to shore up the event following the abandonment of this year's show.

She said that the Alresford and District Agricultural Society's £118,000 reserves would cover the £100,000 losses, but that money would have to be raised to ensure the future of the event.

She said the committee had discussed ways of lessening the impact of bad weather in the future, such as having more than one entrance gate for exhibitors and a detailed contingency plan.

"We've had heartwarming messages from people who have exhibited or enjoyed the show in the past, which, when you're feeling upset, does make you feel a lot better," she added.

Last week, the society appealed to the public to forego ticket refunds to ease its financial burden. The society said it would wait until the end of October, the deadline for the public to ask for their money back, before launching a fundraising drive.

On Monday, the organisers held a "post mortem" on the event.

"It was a tragic outcome for our centenary year," said Charlie Corbett, chairman of the society.

"It is ironic that, according to our records, the show has never before been cancelled because of wet weather.

"However, we are already looking forward to the next 100 years and I am sure that if the support we have already received continues, we will be in a position to stage the show next year."