ONE of Gwent’s biggest annual shows celebrates its 70th anniversary tomorrow.
Machen Show takes place at Mill Farm and draws thousands of visitors each year to see dog shows, crafts stalls, and a host of competitions.
Machen ShowSociety president, Roland John, 81, is the son of founding member the late Henry John, and attended the first show in 1941 which began as a gymkhana and horse showto raise funds for the Home Service Comforts Fund, a charity which helped troops serving abroad.
The retired dairy farmer remembers going to the show’s original venue at the village’s recreational ground with his father and childhood friend Howard Jones and has not missed one since.
He said: “It’s a friendly event and appeals to everyone with competitions, demonstrations, and entertainment.”
Three generations of the John family have supported the event, with Mr John’s nephew Peter John the society’s current treasurer.
Howard Jones, 82, who attended Bassaleg Secondary School with Mr John has fond memories of the show’s early years as his father Arthur Baylis Jones was also a founding member.
Mr Jones, a retired master blacksmith, has never missed a show and is helped by daughter Sherri Church, 55, who is the society’s secretary.
“In those days it was more of an agricultural show but now with cattle moving regulations this has declined and we’ve had to diversify,” he said.
“It’s as magical as ever and we have more on show from displays to crafts, vintage machinery, a knockout tractor pull and a children’s section.”
Machen Showtakes place at Mill Farm, Machen tomorrow from 8am. Entry is £5 for adults and £2 children.
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