ON THE MOO-VE! (From Free Press Series)

ON THE MOO-VE!

MONMOUTHSHIRE Show is on the move from its traditional setting of The Vauxhall Fields to a new showground in the Wye Valley.

The annual event has been staged at various locations in the town for the past 189 years and has now become a victim of its own success.

The Monmouthshire Show Society have taken the tough decision to move away from the Vauxhall Fields for the first time since 1946, because of access and size constraints, as well as having to negotiate with three separate land owners.

Last Friday the society secured the purchased of 96 acres of land adjacent to the River Wye on the outskirts of Monmouth along the A466 Redbrook Road.

Kay Spencer, show secretary for the past 11 years, explained that the new site is in a picturesque setting and will make a most amazing location for one of the fastest growing and prestigious shows in the country.

Mrs Spencer said: "The site lends itself beautifully to the countryside and agricultural areas of the show which will now have the added benefit of the River Wye to allow for additional attractions including fishing demonstrations as well as better facilities which could be turned into permanent amenities.

"This will ensure that the paying public will have even better value for their money.

"I am aware that inevitably there will be some dissension, but I believe that with the introduction of a free shuttle bus service from Monmouth, park and ride facilities and permanent facilities, the Show can only go from strength to strength."

To allow time for the land to recover from 10 years of arable farming it is being re-seeded so that the Show will still be held on Vauxhall Fields for at least one more year.

Show chairman Andrew James added: "This move will ensure the future of the Monmouthshire Show as the biggest one-day agricultural event in Wales.

"We are all excited by the prospect of owning our own site and the opportunities that will bring."

The Countryside Council for Wales are pleased that the land will revert to grassland and the Show will work with them to create areas for wildlife. Andrew Blake from the Monmouth based Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is delighted that such a prestigious event as the Monmouthshire Show to be within their area."