THE ONLY AGRICULTURAL SHOW WITHIN THE M25
DR BRIAN PERRY
The Chertsey Agricultural Association (CAA) was formed in 1833 when a group of local farmers and landowners, who met at local ploughing matches, decided to form the CAA. This was to encourage a more widespread knowledge of, and to improve the use of, agricultural techniques in arable and livestock farming.
The ploughing matches led to the foundation of the Chertsey Show at which livestock classes and classes for Market Acreage were judged.
Awards were made annually to encourage agricultural labourers, both for long service with the same Master and rearing the largest families without the aid of Parish Poor Law relief.
By the end of the 19th Century the Annual Show had developed into an important local event with Show classes for horses, cattle, pigs, goats and sheep.
In 1991 the decision was made to hold a two-day show to enable time for the ever-increasing classes especially on the horse front. Since this time the Show has been able to settle on one site, the Chertsey Meads, through the goodwill of Runnymede Borough Council.
Chertsey Agricultural Show is now the largest two-day Agricultural Show in Surrey, attracting thousands of visitors each year. It takes place annually on the second weekend of August at The Chertsey Meads, bringing the best of the countryside right to the heart of the town.
When you attend the Show you will not only see over 500 farm animals with an accompanying Pet Show with rabbits, ducks and chickens, a Companion Dog Show, Dog Agility and a Horse Show. Horse power is not limited to livestock as there are Classic Car and Motorcycle Shows alongside vintage tractors and trucks and agricultural machinery.
The Show is a shoppers’ paradise with 5 acres set aside each year for shopping malls, craft and food marquees and hundreds of trade and charity gazebos. The Horticultural Marquee with hundreds of vegetables, flowers, domestic and craft classes with judges scrutinizing all exhibits on display.
The centre of excitement is the Main Arena, where there are many thrilling acts, children’s tug-of-war, light and heavy horse displays and with the cream of our livestock showing off their championship rosettes in the grand parade.
In fact, the Show caters for all interests. So why not put the 7th and 8th August in next year’s diary and have a weekend at the 2021 Show. Our web site – http://www.chertseyshow.co.uk/ – offers lots of information about the activities of the Chertsey Agricultural Association and events at the Show.