The Show Team

I wanted to get involved with something new as my dad had just died and my mum was increasingly affected by Alzheimer’s Disease. I’ve always loved agricultural shows (my dad used to take us when we were kids) so I went along to the 2015 AGM to volunteer as a show day helper and found myself on the committee. I dragged my husband along to that first meeting to keep me company and he ended up signing up as well! We’re both on the Facilities Sub Committee and I love our little team. I job share with Maggie Hirstle looking after show day volunteers and this has been a fantastic introduction – when one of us is busy or distracted by life, the other simply does a bit more to fill the gap.

– Rachel

I have only been involved since 2009 and joined to run the Rabbit show as my predecessor Donald Becket passed away. I took over the Huddersfield & District Fanciers Society which Donald ran and was asked to run the rabbits, which I gladly did with the help of the Huddersfield Rabbit club. The Rabbit Club under my leadership still run the Rabbits but about 4 years ago Karen asked me if I would like to be fully responsible for the whole of the small livestock which I gladly accepted. For me personally I love the atmosphere and the rewards of putting on a successful show for the Mirfield people. The buzz on the day is difficult to describe but all I can say is everyone enjoys themselves and that what I find VERY REWARDING. I enjoy being part of “The Team Mirfield” it’s like having a massive extended family and believe me if you need anything there is someone in the “family” who will either be able to help of know someone who can. All you need to do is ask.

– Howard

I joined because I wondered who did all that work to put on a show like that, and what would happen if they had to stop? I wanted to get involved to make sure that such a good event in our Town continued.

– Martin

I first joined the committee in December 2013, one of the main reasons I joined was to do with my Duke of Edinburgh Award I was completing at the time. However, I then got to know the committee and how much of a close knit but welcoming almost family like group it is. I enjoy being part of a team which is purely focused on the community and putting on a great show every year. Being part of the marketing team I have met many supporters but had the opportunity to mix with other subcommittees; that is something I love, the fact you are constantly working with each other to support each other within the committee. Of course things can get hectic from time to time but I wouldn’t change it, that’s why we do it!

– Joseph

I visited the first and second shows and responded to a shout out for new members and thought it would be great to be involved in helping with the horse show, rather than simply watching from the comfort of a straw bale – only to find this already well looked after. I soon found out that there’s so much varied stuff going on in all sorts of competitions that I’m never bored and have now been on the committee for over 25 years!

– Sylvia

I was invited by an existing member of the committee to join Mirfield Show and to undertake a particular role due to my relevant experience; I attended a committee meeting then decided I did want to join the Mirfield Show committee. I have found Committee Members to be super-welcoming and friendly. I have undertaken the role of Horticulture Secretary for 3 years; for the first of those years I held a remote, online, onion-growing competition, due to the pandemic. There are a few competitions that are online (e.g. cat, and story writing) - this probably makes Mirfield Show more accessible for some people, and it`s also a great way to keep Mirfield Show in the public eye; similarly the craft days are events that keep Mirfield Show in the public eye throughout the year. I have now handed the horticulture reins over to another member of the committee, however, I am still involved with Mirfield Show and support where I can, for example, at the craft days when help is needed to set up the rooms (chairs & tables) and help visitors with their activities (my favourite activity is decorating biscuits - I eat a few of the decorations whilst I am decorating the biscuits!

-Nicki

It was 1997 when I found myself with a bit more time in my life. I had been thinking of getting involved in something to do with the community in Mirfield. I had been to the previous 2 shows with my small children and it seemed a good fit for me. That first year I was put in charge of dealing with the litter and waste from the show - but this didn’t put me off! I got a huge buzz from seeing everyone coming through the gates to enjoy something we had worked all year to produce. It still gives me that buzz. In my time on the committee I have been Publicity Officer, Chairman for 10 years, and latterly a member of the marketing subcommittee. I am maintaining my involvement although I don’t live locally anymore.

-Karen

I moved to Mirfield 4 years ago and retired the year after. I saw a post on Facebook about the show committee and got in touch. I have limited time to offer but am part of the bookings committee and mainly have small specific tasks but then fill in where I can help. Even though I can’t offer a commitment to take on more, I still feel of value. There is a great social side to being on the committee too, as the meetings are fun and there are many events you can volunteer to help with. I helped at the kids creative day last year and it was great fun.

-Bev