Will you be attending the Ashover Show?
In the late 1980’s the late Mr Lance Waud prepared and published a booklet for Ashover Show entitled “Ashover Show – 50 years on”. Mr Waud had been a very well respected member of the agricultural community and an advisor for the “War-Ag” which had been tasked by the government during and immediately after the Second World War to advise farmers on how best to maximise farm production and reduce the risk to the British isles from any blockade of imported food. Much of this brief summary is derived from the information collected and recalled by Mr Waud and his copyright and that of his Estate is gratefully acknowledged. This years show will be on Wednesday 12th August 2026 at Rectory Fields, Ashover, Derbyshire, S45 0BA 2020 brings us to the 89th Annual Show, but the Ashover Agricultural and Horticultural Society in its present form can trace its origins back to 1924 when a meeting was held in Kelstedge to resurrect the agricultural events that had been held locally in both Ashover and Kelstedge in the form of small village shows and ploughing matches but which had been interrupted by the First World War. Some of those were recorded back into the 1880’s. Amongst the farmers taking part in that first gathering was Mr Paul Brailsford from Alton who became the first Secretary, Mr J Bassett who was elected Chairman, and Mr J E Toyne, the local school Headmaster who was vice-chairman and Treasurer. The inaugural President was Mr W W Chesterman of Eastwood Grange, whilst amongst the committee members were representatives of other notable farming families including Mr William Bradley and Mr Alan Prince both from Kelstedge, and the Rev J B Nodder who farmed and owned the Rectory Fields where the first Show was held on 16th September 1925. Also represented were the Beardow, Chappell, Jenkinson, Lomas, Nightingale and Tomlinson families, several of which are still represented on the Committee today, albeit in some cases 3 or even 4 generations down the family line. The continuous line of support and involvement from generation to generation is one of the main strengths of Ashover Show, and ensures its ongoing success. The first show had a good attendance with admission costing 1 shilling (5p in today’s money) and the Ashover Brass Band entertained the crowd. By 1926 the cost of entry had gone up to 1s2d (6p) and this helped to increase the reserves of the Society to £52.9s.5d. Funds were further helped by the transfer of the remaining funds form the old Kelstedge Show amounting to £11.7s.6d. The Show has remained on the Rectory Fields every year apart from 1927 when it moved to nearby Eastwood Hall Farm for one year, and it became so popular that the Ashover Light Railway ran special trains from Clay Cross as the Show was fixed to coincide with the Wakes Week Holiday. In more recent times special bus services were put on to bring visitors from both Clay Cross and Chesterfield, but in the past few years this facility has been withdrawn by the local bus companies, making the provision of additional car parking more and more important with each year that passes. There have been very few years when it has not been possible to hold a Show, principally during the Second World War, but also caused by outbreaks of Foot & Mouth Disease most recently in 2001, but in 2007 a disease outbreak in Surrey just a few days before the Show caused the cancellation of the cattle and sheep classes, but the Show went ahead without them. After the end of the war in 1945 the Show appointed it’s first Show Manager, Mr George Robinson, an auctioneer closely involved with Chesterfield Cattle Market, and upon his sudden death in 1968 that role was taken over by Mr Stanley Winnington, who held the post of either Show Manager or Show Marshall for over 50 years. Sadly Stanley passed away early in 2012 but the baton of Show Marshall is now in the very capable hands of Paul Shardlow who represents yet another of the local farming families who have several generations of service to the Show. The Show has enjoyed or endured all extremes of weather from blazing sun to torrential downpours, and even survived a tragic fire in one of the cattle marquees on the night before the Show in 1997. In spite of that an overnight clear up meant that very few people visiting the Show the next day would have been aware that anything untoward had happened. The Society has moved forward by becoming a Limited Company in 1998 and has appointed a Health & Safety Officer, a Biosecurity Officer and each year has to agree an action plan with the local Authority in case of a major incident or emergency. In spite of the necessary professionalism of this approach, the Show remains entirely dependant on a large number of volunteers who spend several days helping to set out the layout, put up the rings, pens and so on, and man most of the jobs during the course of Show day, take everything down afterwards and litter pick and clean down the fields, ready for the ground to revert to farmland by the Saturday after the Show. Attendances continue to increase, and now crowds of over 16,000 are expected, drawn by the deliberate policy of the Show Committee to preserve the essentially Agricultural and Horticultural nature of Ashover Show, augmented in the very recent past by the addition of the Craft Marquee, the food hall, known as Appetising Ashover, and most recently a poultry Show. As much as the world has progressed since 1924, Ashover Show remains as one of the most popular Agricultural Shows in the country, enjoys tremendous loyalty and support from its members, supporters and visitors, and intends to continue to offer outstanding value and a full day’s entertainment on the second Wednesday in August for very many years to come. For more information about
‘Derby Live’s – Romeo and Juliet
The popular Outdoor Theatre and Cinema Season will return to Markeaton Park this July and August. It will bring a fantastic selection of al fresco entertainment for all ages to enjoy, amid the beautiful surroundings of the park. Derby LIVE and Derby Parks will be bringing audiences two stirring Shakespeare plays, a fairytale-inspired puppet performance perfect for families, and showings of two classic films. Julius Caesar will be followed by Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy of all, Romeo and Juliet. Oddsocks Productions bring their new take on this well-loved classic, finding laughs and pathos in the dramatic tale of two star-crossed lovers. Oddsocks will create uplifting comedy from the depths of despair in a show that’s the perfect antidote to prejudice. Romeo and Juliet runs from Wednesday 22 to Friday 24 July at 7pm. Tickets are £18 or £16 for concessions. So gather your friends and family, pack up your chair and bring a picnic as you enjoy what the 2026 Outdoor Theatre and Cinema Season has to offer. Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, said: Derby’s favourite summer tradition is back! This year, we’re especially proud to spotlight three incredible local theatre companies, and I’m so excited to see two truly classic movies back on the big screen. Grab your friends, pack a picnic, and join us at Markeaton Park for an unforgettable night in the heart of one of the city’s most beautiful landscapes. Tickets for Outdoor Theatre and Cinema Season are now available from the Sales and Information Centre at 19 Chapel St, Derby, DE1 3GU, by phone on 01332 255800 or on the Derby LIVE website. 00
Ashbourne Summer Programme – Ashbourne Big Fashion Day Out
Ashbourne Big Fashion Day Out 6th September, following the huge success of last year’s inaugural event which attracted hundreds of visitors into the town and generated widespread positive publicity for Ashbourne businesses and the wider town centre. Anne Wright, Chair of Ashbourne Town Team, said: “These events are about far more than simply putting on entertainment. They are about creating pride, energy and confidence in Ashbourne and making full use of the fantastic new Market Place space that has been created through the regeneration programme. “We want Ashbourne to be known as a vibrant, welcoming and creative town which supports local businesses and gives people reasons to visit, stay longer and enjoy everything the town has to offer. “There has been a huge effort from local volunteers, businesses and organisations to help make these events happen and we are incredibly grateful for all the support being shown across the community.” Organisers are now encouraging local traders, hospitality businesses and community organisations to get involved, support the events and make the most of the increased visitor numbers expected throughout the summer. Sponsorship opportunities, stallholder enquiries and volunteer support are also being welcomed. Tickets for the Ashbourne Dog Day Out show classes will be available to purchase on the day, with advance tickets also available from Henmores in Ashbourne and Peak Village. Further details about all summer events can be found on the “What’s On” pages of the Discover Ashbourne website and through participating businesses’ social media channels over the coming weeks. 00
Explore Peak District and Derbyshire National Trust summer gardens
Early summer is the perfect time to reconnect with natures quiet rhythms. As borders burst into colour, National Trust gardens in summer invite visitors to slow down and linger a little longer. Take in the sights and scents of flowers in full bloom and pause for a moment finding a peaceful escape from the pace of everyday life. Visitors can while away hours in the sunshine meandering along tree-lined paths, through formal gardens and historic parterres, or basking in the warmth of walled kitchen gardens. Shady orchards are home to heritage varieties of fruit trees, and wildflower meadows buzz with life. Enjoy a solo stroll or share the moment with family and friends and pack a picnic for a full day out. Each garden is looked after by a team of the charity’s staff and volunteers and is planted to not only add colour and interest, but support wildlife and nature too. To celebrate the colourful, quiet days of early summer, the National Trust has pulled together a list of the best summer gardens to explore now in Peak District and Derbyshire. To find out more visit: Gardens in the Peak District and Derbyshire | National Trust Here are the details for the best summer gardens in Peak District and Derbyshire: Ilam Park, Peak District In summer, the Italianate Garden at Ilam Park provides a colourful focal point beneath the dramatic backdrop of Thorpe Cloud and the surrounding White Peak landscape. Formal planting, sweeping terraces and vibrant seasonal displays bring the historic garden to life, while the peaceful setting beside the River Manifold makes it an ideal place to pause, picnic and take in the views. Ilam Park is open daily, car park charges apply, free for National Trust members. Hardwick, Doe, Lea, Chesterfield As early summer arrives, the historic gardens of Hardwick are bursting with colour. From the vibrant floral borders to tranquil lawns, Hardwick is the perfect place to find a moment of calm and reconnect with nature. The herbaceous borders are coming into full bloom with displays of alliums, peonies and roses. The fragrant herb garden fills with summer colour and the orchards are a haven of tranquillity. Calke Abbey, Ticknall Calke’s extensive gardens are in full bloom, with the potted pelargoniums taking centre stage on the auricula theatre. The sweetpea arch in the physic garden provides a perfect photo opportunity, and the slip garden is a quiet place to take a seat and enjoy the quiet, awash with colour from the wildflower borders. Find shade under the trees in the Pleasure Grounds, and cool off in the garden tunnels. Kedleston Hall, near Quarndon, Derby As summer approaches and sunlight bathes Kedleston Hall’s historic garden, discover picturesque pot displays, scenic house viewpoints, and 18th century beds in full bloom. Across varied garden borders as the season develops, uncover vibrant varieties of echinacea, as well as colour pops of peonies, roses, and lobelia. Rooted in garden grounds for centuries, uncover mature tree species such as oak and flowering sweet chestnut – perfect for finding a shady corner to pause and admire Kedleston’s garden at its best. The Children’s Country House, Sudbury, Ashbourne, DE6 5HT Across The Children’s Country House as we head into summer, look out for early colour highlight in flowering alliums. As the season comes into its own, woodland geraniums blossom and terrace beds feature roses in full bloom. At the Sunken Garden, colour will continue to build with clusters of peonies and heuchera. A garden season highlight, don’t miss flowering tree canopies of pink horse chestnut and scented lime trees – ideal for a peaceful spot to rest at out of the summer sun. 00
