AN ANNUAL countryside show is calling on supporters to help with this year’s event.

People with a passion for the countryside are being asked to join an army of volunteers at The Romsey Show.

Celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, the South’s largest one-day agricultural show takes place on Saturday September 9 at Broadlands Estate.

There are a variety of volunteer roles available. In return for free entry to the show, volunteers need to commit to a minimum of three hours. Depending on the time volunteered, there are also further benefits such as breakfast or lunch included.

Some people give their time to help in the build-up, while others choose to volunteer early on the day itself, before the visitors arrive at 9am, or help take the show down at the end.

With over 1,000 animals being shown, around 30,000 visitors and 500 retail stands, there is always much to do and it’s mainly thanks to the 250 volunteers who work year-round that the spectacle is such a success each year.

Nick Hatchley, junior vice chairman, has been involved in the show for over 20 years. He said: “There’s a real family feel among the volunteers. Many people who volunteered as stewards in the past are now Society members and have increased their involvement, sitting on organising committees and enjoying other society activities like the annual Farm Walk, Picnic-in-the-Tent and croquet tournament. It’s great fun and the show brings lots of pleasure to lots of people.”

The Romsey Agricultural and Horse Show Society is a registered charity. The Society’s principal objective is “To promote agriculture, forestry, horticulture, allied industries, rural crafts, the breeding of livestock including horses, and to encourage skill and industry in such enterprises.”

As well as supporting the Show Society, generous volunteers sponsored Penny Grabham, Chairman of The Show, in her recent abseil down the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth. The £320 she raised goes to the Wave 105 Cash for Kids 1000 Faces appeal.

Penny said: “As the Chairman of Romsey Show I am enormously grateful to over 250 amazing volunteers who help run our fabulous show. In honour of these special people I took a huge leap out of my own comfort zone to do the abseil. It was the most amazing experience, 170m from top to bottom and the views were stunning.”

Volunteer roles with The Romsey Show are many and varied and include helping with:

• The Farm Section: making sure the cattle and stock movements are safe

• Traffic and gates: helping park vehicles, checking tickets at the gate, helping traders to arrive at The Show

• Horse Section: monitoring the rings and controlling the horse lane

• Trade Stands: ensuring traders are working within their areas and not blocking aisles.

• Countryside: making sure the ring events and surrounding attractions run smoothly.

To find out more about the host of volunteering activities, please contact admin@romseyshow.co.uk or visit www.romseyshow.co.uk.