NEXT year’s Stroud Country Show will be the last unless a new band of volunteers step forward to take over the reins of the hugely popular event.

The current dedicated group of seven organisers behind the event – which has been running since Victorian times – are standing down due to a combination of age and in some cases health issues.

Hundreds of families flock to Stratford Park every July to enjoy the showcase of traditional country life featuring livestock – many of which are local breeds – crafts, produce and an array of other attractions.

Community stalwart Edna Powell, who has been show chairman for the past 12 years, encapsulates the zeal and passion which has kept the institution going.

“I’ve had a wonderful team of people who have helped put on this show, some of whom are pre-war – I couldn’t do it without them,” said Edna, who runs Cotswold Sewing and Knitting Machines in Lansdown, Stroud.

“There comes a time when you get older and it seems physically harder to do these things.

“I’m 75 next year and I’m moving sheep hurdles. I’m too old to be putting up tent poles.”

However, she believes the show will go on, as the equipment required to organise the event is owned by the Stroud District Horticultural & Agricultural Show Society and will be passed on to the successors.

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When asked what the biggest change has been over her tenure, Edna said: “It’s grown bigger.

“People keep coming back and still will do for the livestock, horticulture and crafts.

“I brought livestock to the show, that’s the biggest draw of it all really, the cattle, sheep and pigs. Since I took it on board the admission was free.”

Next year’s show is on Saturday, July 15 and is already well into the organising stages, featuring the usual attractions such as Gloucester Old Spot pigs and Cotswold sheep.

“We only ever break even on the costs of the show, but there’s still money for future shows, whoever takes it on,” said Edna “Another door will open, I’ll still be involved. I’m confident that a new band of volunteers will take over this wonderful community event to ensure it survives for future generations to enjoy.”

Anyone wishing to help ensure the survival of the show should email stroudshow@gmail.com In the meantime, all are welcome to attend the annual general meeting which will be held on Wednesday February 8 from 7.30pm at the Congregational Church Rooms, Bedford Street, Stroud.

The current committee of seven contains Roger Cullimore (president), Edna Powell (chairman), Bob Clarke (vice chairman), Michele Welsh (secretary), Jane Burns (treasurer), Roger Sillick (event manager) and Laraine Sillick (handicrafts).