Stone Life Apr/May 2014 | Page 25

STAFFORDSHIRE COUNTY SHOW “This is a traditional mid-week show which is also a shop window for farmers across the Midlands and we are naturally hoping for fine weather for the two-days. We are lucky that the showground is on high ground and that we have a large number of exhibition halls for people to shelter in and miles of tarmaced footpaths crisscrossing the showground should the rains fall. “This show is known for its friendly atmosphere and all our stewards, drawn from the SBAS’s county districts, wear black bowler hats, so if showgoers have any questions, they only have to turn to one of the scores of stewards who will be on duty both days of the show. “In addition to the thrilling Devils Horsemen’s shows, we have the equally speedy Mounted Games of Great Britain, which will see six county teams take part in a series of races, with the team from Staffordshire out to retain the championship award it won last year. “There will also be show jumping, the Grand Parade of prize winning animals, and the very popular Staffordshire Young Farmers main ring floats competition. “The Staffordshire County Show’s main sponsor is once again the South Staffordshire College, which also is running the very successful Animal Experience in the Country Pursuits Arena. We are naturally indebted to all our other sponsors too for their continued sponsorship, support and help in making sure that this show is one of the premier events of its type in the Midlands.” He added that the show costs more than £300,000 to stage, with the costs being met by sponsorship, livestock entry fees, ticket sales and from trade-stand revenue. Advanced tickets are now on sale available from outlets across the area until 1st May. April/May 2014 25 ®