225th County Show kicks off on Tuesday

Close to 100,000 people are expected through the gates over the next three days and organisers are hoping that the weather will be far kinder than last year.

Here show general manager Malcolm Crossman explains what people can look forward to.

"We remember well the 2008 show was a difficult one to run because of the poor weather condition," says Malcolm Crossman, General Manager of Pembrokeshire County Show.

"The exhibitors, traders, members and the general public all pulled together to create an atmosphere that typifies this great event. That spirit I know will continue this year because of the effort that is continually going into improving all aspects of the show.

"This year the society celebrates its 225th anniversary and 50 years located at Withybush Show field and will be held on the 18th, 19th, and 20th August.

"I mentioned last year of the continuous drive to improve the ground and this year a new road and parking area has been created for horse boxes and lorries so tidying up the area whilst creating more parking spaces. The members parking area has also been established off the A40 at Ridgeway gate will allow members to park near to the Vice Presidents entrance hopefully encouraging more membership to be taken up.

"New marketing initiatives are being investigated for this and next years show. Key areas are being looked at that can being added value such as improving our on-line presence.

"A move also to create our on-line sale of tickets and offer more information about what is available to the public on offers and attractions.

"Once again my team will provide a show full of attractions.

"The Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society prides itself in preparing a show that offers the public the best in Pembrokeshire livestock with cattle, sheep, pigs and goats preparing to battle it out in their respective arena.

"The show also supports companies who promote the scientific aspects of caring and breading of animals, engineering technology through the many manufacturers of farming machinery and implements and setting a platform for political debate through our political leaders and farming unions.

"The show stages a three-day show jumping schedule and hosts the International Stairways Series. This is a new series of identifying and assessing both potential and existing British team competitors will launch in 2009 taking in eight of the largest County Shows in the country. The series is set to attract some of the country's top horse and rider combinations providing a platform to showcase British Show Jumping at its best.

"The Craft and Horticulture in the Parkhouse Exhibition Centre I think displays the many talents we have in our country from walking sticks to embroidery and floral art to best onion exhibit. Give it a go and pick up a schedule from the show office and read the many options to display your particular interest in a competition that is second to none.

"This year's main attractions are aimed at entertaining the children. Titan the Robot is here once again this high tech awe inspiring robot from Cybertsein took four years to build, stands 8ft tall and is here for the full three days.

Lennie The Land train is 27ft long and has two covered carriages and takes 24 passengers around the showground.

"In the Grand Arena The Bolddog 'Lings' Freestyle Team perform, they are the official Honda No 1 motorcycle display team and the UK top ranked freestyle motor-cross team.

"Performing in The Livestock Arena is Dingle Fingle and The Clown Town Crimewatch Team, a fast a furious, high-energy slapstick stunt show for all the family.

"The County Show is also supported by Dog agility, Open Dog Show under Kennel Club rules, Vintage Tractors, The Welsh Axe men and Pole Climbers and the very exciting Inter Hunt Relays.

"The society is conscious of the financial climate and has held its entrance charges to that of 2008. £12 for an adult, £8 for OAP and £6 for a child.

"The show costs over half a million pounds to stage and my finance team have worked hard to produce a business plan that improves the monitoring process, stabilises and reduce costs.

"My thanks go to our sponsors who we are grateful for supporting the show and allowing the extra funding that assists in improving areas that will benefit the show and the public.

"This year's Lady Ambassador is Miss Ros Bushall who was appointed at the AGM in February and I'm sure will enjoy the experience of being involved in one of the largest county shows in the country.

"The president this year is Mr and Mrs Malcolm and Jean Lewis of Duckspool Farm, a person who likes to get it right. He is fully committed and has brought new ideas to the committees he chairs and will offer great leadership throughout this years show and beyond.

"My staff have supported me in presenting this magnificent event and I thank Ms Gaynor Brown, show organiser and her assistants Mrs Beverley Gardner and Miss Diana Ford for all their work and Mrs Myfanwy Chapman for ensuring our financial controls are in order.

"Mr Steve Phillips, Head Groundsman and his assistant Mr Bill McMullen who I know will bring this showground up to readiness to take 100,000 people through the gates to a venue that is one of the UK's greatest shows.