THE first Royal Three Counties Show – co-incidentally held over the weekend of the Queen’s official birthday – turned out to be a right royal success.
This year's event managed to put back a smile on the faces of show organisers after the wet weather of last year.
“Visitor numbers look very encouraging,” said Ken Nottage, chief executive of the Three Counties Agricultural Society, “and there has been a great atmosphere about the place.”
This year’s show was the first to be held since the event received its “royal” recognition back in March and Mr Nottage said efforts would be increased to secure a royal visitor for 2014.
“As we are now the Royal Three Counties, this would be the icing on the cake,” he added. “We always enquire about the availability of members of the royal family, but we will re-double our efforts for next year.”
A threatened protest against the Government plans for a badger cull to combat Bovine TB failed to materialise.
There were no protestors to greet Environment Minister Owen Paterson during his visit on Friday, while on Saturday only two people dressed as badgers turned up to hand out leaflets at the showground’s south gate.
“It was all very polite and peaceful and no trouble at all,” said the show’s communications manager Sharon Gilbert.