History of Broughton Agricultural Show
The Show was started in 1945 and was held in a hay field next to the playing field which was especially cut for the day and used until 1975. This was then amalgamated into the present field by the Playing Field Committee who ran and organised the events such as cricket and football. The Show Ground uses all the playing field on Scawby Road, Broughton for the show, which is with the kind permission of the Broughton Town Council. The grass area is flat and is cut by the BTC to a reasonable length. New features which include Heavy and Agricultural Horses and Shetland ponies have recently been introduced.
The Show
The first show was held in aid of the "Broughton Welcome Home Fund" for the servicemen and women returning from
the Second World War.
Classes held were for children’s jumping, riding and gymkhana, with prizes and cups for the winners of the open jumping competition.
The riding events were judged by Mrs O S Nelthorpe and Mr Neville Herring. On the day of the show the amusements were provided by "Wroot’s Amusements", but more recently the Fair/Amusements have been provided by Dowse’s Fair (Who have the Travelling Fair rights for the show day).
From the original concept of children’s entertainment (Horse, jumping, riding and gymkhana) it has progressed to include
a dog show, trade stalls, craft stalls and many more events.
The first show was held in the field behind the recreation field which was cut and prepared by C Green before each show day.
The present day show is still held on the same field which now includes the recreation field for the use of the villagers.
The present show has two "rings" and attracts jumping, showing, carriages displays in both Also a dog show and a horticultural display is held in the Phil Grundy Centre. Children’s entertainment is also provided along with the fair. Static displays of vintage tractors, motor cycles and stalls all add interest on the day.
The present Chairman Mr Leigh Waters provides the necessary enthusiasm, energy and encouragement to the committee,
who he relies upon for support on an annual basis for the success of the show.
Recently the show was "moved" from Saturday to Sunday as other local events often coincided and obviously affected the
number of visitors to the show. Preparations for the annual show are on-going throughout the year.
The Committee
The Broughton Agricultural Society is a non-profitable organisation which comprises of voluntary members on the Committee who carry on the tradition of Broughton Show. The Committee strive to provide donations to local charities every year. It is necessary for the Show to charge admission, endeavouring to cover most of the cost of providing a show for the people of Broughton.