‘Horse and Hound’ show to replace Thame Show for 2016
On 10/05/2016 At 5:42 pm
Category : Missed a ThameNews story?, More News, Thame news
Responses : 9 Comments
AFTER losing money last year, the committee that runs the Thame Show has decided that there will not be the usual Oxfordshire County & Thame Show in September 2016.
No cattle and sheep at this year’s Thame Show
Some members however, have got together with the Horse Committee and have decided to plan a smaller event, to be known as the Thame Horse and Hound Show, completely independently from the Thame Show and the Agricultural Association itself.
Thame Show’s Secretary, Chris Parker, told Thame.Net that the gate money from the 2015 show last September, was down, largely because there had been an inch and a quarter of rain the day before which may have put visitors off from going. In the event, it was a warm, sunny day but the hoped-for crowds stayed away.
The committee, he explained, decided that it could not risk the show’s assets again this year, particularly as it is a charity.
The Thame Horse and Hound Show 2016, will take the form of four show rings for show jumping etc, a Countryside ring with a few displays, food and drink outlets and hopefully, maintain the dog show. There will also be some trade stands but no Domestic tents or cattle or sheep for 2016.
Chris concluded: “The new format has attracted a sponsor and some finance from some members, so we hope to maintain the tradition in some way for the time being, and to be able to invite the public at a much reduced rate than in previous years.”
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Will you include the classic cars, tractors etc?
No schedule has been released yet. We understand that a programme of events will be published in 2 – 3 weeks.
Looking forward to it how do I get a schedule
Thame show used to be the highlight on the Thame calendar. Over the years it has become too commercialised , & people have been expected to pay extortionate prices , not only to get in, but also having to pay £5 for a burger & a pint… Let’s hope the organisers stick to their word of the £5 entry fee. I would strongly suggest it’s is heavily advertised on social media as well as the Thame gazette( before the advent)
Sorry a horse and hound show wont get my support, The first official show of the Thame Agricultural Association was held in October 1888, but the unofficial origins go back another 30 years. All those years yet today they cant make it pay ? I understand times change but this was once the largest agricultural show in England and today we have more technology and attractions to offer than previously… maybe one reason being because it cost to much on the gate ? Almost everyone i know never went because it was to expensive for a family – if families cant afford to get in they wont come even after 3pm the gates didnt drop their prices as they used to. Schools used to close for the day to allow local families to attend people want to take their kids. Affter the date being moved many stalls and exhibitors were lost, it will take time to get those people back one show isnt enough. The headlines for the Oxford Mail were this, 12,000 visitors put Thame Show back on county map … so what happened??? Another sad day for Thame
It sounds amazing Chris and Karoline – Let’s hope you get loads of support and engagement from local families.
The problem over the last few years is that the day changed and when changed back the schools no longer closed so less families from Thame and surrounding areas go to the show…. The price, especially when having to spend so much once in there also put people off… Especially the ‘on the day’ price. It’s a real shame it won’t be held this year.
Chris Parker & I Karoline Thorpe have put together an exciting Horse Show, Countryside Arena with “Champion Bull Whip Cracking Ben Hughes” plus Hounds and other Country attractions, we have other animals like Alpacas, and also a big dog show Scruffs that qualify for Crufts 2017,There will be plenty to see and do, so please put the date of Thursday 15th September in your diary
Also the price doesnt help when you have a family