08/08/12
'Good for George – the show went on'
by Jo James, Chief executive of Kent
Invicta Chamber
There have been many comments made over the past few weeks about
the County Show which was so badly affected by the weather, with a
mix of opinions on whether it should have been cancelled knowing
the forecast.
Personally, if I had a hat, I would certainly take it off to
George Jessel, chairman of the Kent County Agricultural Society,
for demonstrating that true British spirit of “the show must go
on”.
Despite the heavens opening relentlessly, everything was in
place and gates ready to open. But as the rain continued, it made
it virtually impossible to park and vehicles had to be turned
away.
Visitor numbers are reported to be around 50,000 compared to
67,000 last year.
If you consider the weather over the three-day period, they
should be pleased with themselves that visitor numbers were only
down by 25% considering the impediments they faced. It certainly
was a case of business as usual for the traders and those who were
lucky enough to park.
Organising something on the scale of the County Show takes so
long in the making, with so many individuals and organisations
involved. Is it better to call it off, or put yourself in the lap
of the gods and hope for the best?
Many traders rely on the annual opportunity that the show brings
to fill their future order books. So in my mind, 50,000 visitors
represent a great business opportunity compared to packing up shop
and going home.
Roger Moore, the general manager, told me that the society had
received numerous messages thanking them for being brave enough to
say “the show will go on.” Despite the reported huge losses this
year, will the County Show continue next year? Of course it will
and Kent residents will once again come out in full support.
I started by taking off my imaginary hat to George Jessel and I
will end with a salute to everyone involved in the organisation,
those who exhibited and those who braved the weather and
visited.