HENDREDS FAMILY SHOW 2007

In 1995, three residents of East Hendred, Adrian Sessions, Mick Childs and Mike Harris decided to re-launch the Hendreds' Family Show (also known as the September Show). This much loved event had not appeared in the village calendar for a number of years. All three had experience of local produce shows or other events previously held in the village.

When an appeal to help with the show's administration appeared in the Hendred Bulletin, a handful of volunteers came forward. These included Janet Bradley (who with her husband Malcolm had been heavily involved with the previous village shows), Laurie Becker and Rachel Sutton. Although unable to make a commitment to attend committee meetings, Janet pledged her support and offered to pass on her vast knowledge from the previous shows. Laurie and Rachel joined up with the three founder members and the Organising Committee was formed. Mr Eddie Denly became our President.In the first few years the show was held in Snells Hall and comprised only the 'produce' show.

We successfully applied to the Parish Council for funding and were grateful for their limited support in the early days. In 1998 we were delighted that Lord Jenkins of Hillhead OM, a great supporter of the show, kindly agreed to be it's first patron.When village plans were being drawn up for Millennium year, a suggestion was tabled for the show to be relocated to the Sports field and combined with other attractions to make one big family fun day of celebration. As various Millennium grants were available for events taking place before the end of August, we brought our show forward a few weeks and, albeit temporarily, became part of The Hendred Village Millennium Celebration.

Other features of the day were children's races, a team It's a Knockout and the first of Gill Hine's Kennel Club approved Dog Shows.The day was a huge success. The show itself was held in a splendid marquee which really set off all the exhibits to their best effect. Despite having to match the grants received penny for penny, we made a profit which we gave back to the village by way of the purchase of the Millennium clock now housed on the roof of the Sports Clubhouse and to cover the cost of hiring a marquee for the following year's show.

The show has since been held on the Sports ground housed in a marquee. It continues to include a Dog Show which Gill runs completely independently of us but donates all profits to the show funds. We also have stalls, a car boot sale, various vehicle displays, BBQ and refreshments, auctions etc. that bring in some money towards the cost of putting on the show. Hopefully, we offer something for everyone.In 2003, the organising committee was expanded and the current members are Adrian, Mick, Mike and Rachel from the original committee plus Bruno Branson, Dave Chennells, Martin Simmonds and Fred Trigg.All our trophies have been donated to us and we have a number of sponsors/supporters/helpers who have been marvelous to us since the re-launch.

The 2007 show will be our thirteenth show and we intend to make it the best yet.

Rachel Sutton 2004