In 1945 four local
farmers from the Broughton area
successfully organised the first
Broughton Gymkhana which was held
on the 21st July 1945 on the
village recreation field. The farmers
were J Wells, F Knapton, W Golland and C
Green.
The chairman for the show committee was
J Wells (1945 to 1978) and the original
secretary was G Vickers.
The first show was
held in aid of the "Broughton Welcome
Home Fund" for the servicemen and women
returning from
the Second World War.
Classes held were for
children’s jumping, riding and gymkhana,
with prizes and cups for the winners of
the open jumping competition.
The riding events were judged by Mrs O
S Nelthorpe and Mr Neville Herring.
On the day of the show
the amusements were provided by "Wroot’s
Amusements", but more recently the
Fair/Amusements
have been provided by Dowse’s Fair (Who
have the Travelling Fair rights for the
show day).
From the original
concept of children’s entertainment
(Horse, jumping, riding and gymkhana) it
has progressed to include
a horticultural and dog show. The
Horticultural tent provided farmers with
a show piece for their many different
varieties of corn,
potatoes etc and the gardeners were able
to show off their prize vegetables. It
also had classes for the jam and cake
makers
of the Community.
The first show was
held in the field behind the recreation
field which was cut and prepared by C
Green before each show day.
The present day show is still held on
the same field which now includes the
recreation field for the use of the
villagers.
The present show has
two "rings" and attracts jumping,
showing, carriages displays in both Also
a dog show and a horticultural
display is held in the Phil Grundy
Centre. Children’s entertainment is also
provided along with the fair. Static
displays of vintage
tractors, motor cycles and stalls all
add interest on the day.
The present Chairman
Mr Colin Johnson provides the necessary
enthusiasm, energy and encouragement to
the committee,
who he relies upon for support on an
annual basis for the success of the
show.
Recently the show was
"moved" from Saturday to Sunday as other
local events often coincided and
obviously affected the
number of visitors to the show.
Preparations for the annual show are
on-going throughout the year.
