Two new show 0fficers will be joining the Launceston Agricultural Association ahead of next year’s show.

Sharon Horsington has stepped in to the show secretary role, and Zoe Gwennap will lead the horse section.

Sharon said: “I am the new secretary, a local Launceston girl. I grew up on Home Farm, Stoke Climsland, Callington – now better known as Duchy College. So have a farming background.

“I have worked for Barclays Bank for many, many years, dealing with people is what I love best, so hope to bring those skills to the secretary role.

“At the beginning of December, I was delighted to have the opportunity to join the already successful Agricultural Show team.

“The annual show is a major event for Launceston and the surrounding area — showcasing farming with amazing livestock at its best, local skills and crafts and so much more. It’s a day full of entertainment for the whole family.

“I am excited to be involved with the show, the committee are enthusiastic and work so hard to put on the event, for us all to enjoy. I’d no idea how much was involved, until now! It is my intention to introduce an online application process for all entries to the show, something we are now working on. It’s really exciting and important to keep the show relevant and up to date.

“I look forward to meeting many new faces and support the success of the show. Save the date of the next show: Thursday, July 27, 2023.”

Zoe is equally delighted to be joining the team to lead the horse section this year.

She said: “I was born near Falmouth, attended Truro High School and except for four years away at University, have always lived in Cornwall. After graduating I taught mathematics at Newquay Treviglas and then became Head of Department at the Roseland Community College. I feel honoured to have been the first female Head of Mathematics appointed in Cornwall. I married Oliver in1995 and moved to his family’s farm at Praze. We both “retired” to Launceston in 2013.

“I seem to have spent a long time in the horse world. Although my parents were not horsey they supported my interest in equestrianism. I had my first pony at the age of seven years and spent those early years hacking around the roads, often gone for many hours visiting relatives in neighbouring parishes. I can vividly remember hacking from Mabe to Carnon Downs and home again on the main A39 road to attend a Pony Club rally, a feat in todays world would be deemed too dangerous, if not mad.

“I have competed in affiliated showing, dressage, eventing, show jumping and qualified for HOYS and the RIHS on several occasions. Am proud to have won a class at Hickstead on a cob named Designer Stubble and have had the honour of riding in that iconic arena.

“I have always helped at local horse shows in West Cornwall, was one of the founder members of the Cornish Show Jumping Club and helped to establish Colraine EC. I started designing jumping courses initially for the workers, then progressed to Show Jumping. I am a BS Course Designer and Judge. In these roles I have been lucky to have been part of officiating teams at some prestigious shows including several County Shows where I worked with many of our renowned officials and have gained much experience in doing so.

“I first competed at Launceston AA in the mid 1960’s when there was only one ring and if my memory serves me right, this was situated in an area now occupied by the cattle and sheep. The last time I competed in the show ring was ironically at Launceston in 2014 where I had 2nd and 3rd in the ridden hunters.

“It is an honour for me to have been asked to led the horse section. Hopefully I, supported by other local knowledgeable horsey enthusiasts will guide this section into a new era. Agricultural shows celebrate our rural culture and showcase the best of what it offers. Showing can be fun, exciting, educational and sometimes frustrating but it is hoped that the schedule will offer classes for all horses, ponies, riders and handlers. I hope to see many of you in July competing and enjoying this competitive part of the horse world.“A spokesperson from Launceston Agricultural Association explained: “We welcome them both on to our committee and look forward to working with them and planning our 2023 Launceston Show.”

Launceston show will be retuning on July 27, 2023.