The Garstang and District Agricultural and Horticultural society, the force behind the ever-popular Garstang Show, has two new faces at the helm.

Helen Smith has been appointed Chairman and Bernard Rimmer MBE has stepped up to the role of President.

A valuable member of the show team for the last 10 years, Helen has been heavily involved with the horticulture committee and became a director in 2015.

Despite the unfortunate cancellation of the 2020 show, Helen is keen to continue to develop and grow Garstang Show with a particular focus on education and membership.

Helen said: “The show has great history having been running for over 200 years. It has a super reputation and is one of the highlights of the local community calendar. I’m very honoured that I have been given the opportunity to hold the position.”

Helen lives in Garstang and spent much of her childhood helping out at her grandparents farm in Forton. She is currently Assistant Headteacher at a local primary school in Nateby.

Along with Helen’s appointment as chair comes a new Society President, Mr Bernard Rimmer MBE. Bernard has lived and worked in the area his whole life, recently retiring after fifty years of service at Myerscough College. He has been involved with the show for over 50 years and was awarded an MBE in 2019 for services to the Agricultural Community.

Bernard said: “I think the show is so important because it brings town and country together helping to showcase our industry. Garstang Show has such a good committee and members that work incredibly hard, so I know we are on the right track for continuing success.”