With just a day to go until the Suffolk Show, Terry Hunt – EADT/Ipswich Star editor and president of the Suffolk Agricultural Association – looks forward to the county’s biggest two-day event.
When we began running the daily countdown to the Suffolk Show, there were 100 days to go. All of a sudden, it seems as though I’ve just blinked and the show is almost here. They do say that time flashes by more quickly as you get older…
It is, of course, Suffolk’s biggest event. Over the two days, something like 80,000 people come through the gates to enjoy the very best of our county. Importantly, the show has stayed true to its agricultural roots, but it’s about so much more than that. Over the years, it has embraced change and has ensured that it has a very broadly-based appeal.
I loved show director Bill Baker’s list of 101 Things To Do At The Show, which we published a couple of days ago. The list really did demonstrate how much there is to see and do. In fact, you could produce a list with 1,001 things to do – and probably still miss a few things out!
For the last 18 months or so, firstly as president elect and, since February, as president of the Suffolk Agricultural Association, I’ve had the privilege of seeing behind the scenes of the organisation which brings the show together.
I have been mightily impressed. Beneath the radar, there exists an army of dedicated volunteers who happily devote thousands of hours to the agricultural association and, in particular, to the Suffolk Show. Equally unheralded are the excellent staff at the SAA.
So, here we are – just a day to go. As president, I’m looking forward to a brilliant two days. I’ll try to see as much of the show as I possibly can but, as I mentioned earlier, the sheer volume and variety of attractions will probably force me to admit defeat!
Lots of people have asked me what I’m looking forward to most. Well, and I know it’s a cliché, but all of it, to be honest. The show has been part of my life for more than 50 years, since my grandparents used to take me as a small boy. Now that I have a better understanding of just what goes into making it happen, I will appreciate it even more.
One of the highlights for me will be the long-service awards, when a group of fantastic people from the agricultural industry receive richly deserved recognition for their many years of dedication.
Something else I am determined to do is right a wrong – in all the years I’ve been going to the Suffolk Show, I have never visited the flower show. Everyone tells me it’s the finest outside of Chelsea, so I am determined to see it for myself this year.
For light relief, the Mascot Derby is an absolute must, especially this year when the EADT’s own invention, Tractor Boy, will be making his debut in this elite sporting event. He’s been told he must win for the president!
In truth, what I will enjoy most of all is walking around, to find surprises and delights at every turn, appreciating the very best our county has to offer, while bumping into lots of old and new friends. I wish you all a very successful and enjoyable Suffolk Show. Oh – nearly forgot – we deserve some decent weather!
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