MADAM – Following weeks of beautiful weather, all the tents had been erected and all the hard work done by a small band of people, everything was ready for a lovely show.

But it was not to be, the heavens opened and we had the most appalling day.

However, this did not deter the hardy Stroudies who still went to the show ground to support the organisers.

My heartfelt thanks to Edna and Michelle who with their dedicated helpers work extremely hard to put on this annual show.

It makes you proud to live in this beautiful part of the country with people so willing to run this event which takes all the year to prepare.

Without Edna and her helpers this show could not go ahead and this would be a great loss to the town.

Also many thanks to Tony and Mavis who have, for years, organised the horticultural tent which was very well attended as it was the driest place in the park The standard of the entries was again very high.

All the aforementioned do all this on a voluntary basis for the people of Stroud for which I and many others are extremely grateful.

Although much smaller because of the appalling weather, there was much to see, the animals being a big attraction as the children can get so close to them and are able to touch them.

If anyone feels they could give a little time to help with next year’s show, I am sure this would be gratefully appreciated.

I hope people took the opportunity also to visit the Local History Display in the museum either on the day or during the following week.

This was excellent, showing many years of Stroud history in so many diverse ways, it was a real treat and one needed at least an hour to take in all the information.

Again this is run by volunteers who put in so much time and effort.

It was a shame it was only on for a week but hopefully it will return.

To all the folk of Stroud who keep the traditions alive, I would like to say a big thank you and I for one am very appreciative.

Jill Turk Uplands