SHOW STORIES & NEWS

On behalf of the Nidderdale Agricultural Society, President David Smith presented a cheque for £400 to Macmillan Cancer Support to be used in the Harrogate area. The donation was made in memory of John Drewery, a Horse Steward at the Nidderdale Show. John, a cancer sufferer, died recently at his home in Dacre. His widow, Elaine was also at the presentation and said that the generous donation was not just for John, but for all past and present cancer sufferers who benefit from Macmillan Cancer Support.

The presentation took place at a fund raising event organised by Bilton and Knox WI in the foyer of the hospital. (First left Elaine Drewery, Fourth left David Smith (President) with WI members and Macmillan Support staff).

OBITUARY
JOHN DREWERY

1951 – 2008
Died 16^th February 2008

Nidderdale pays tribute to Dacre man

A service of thanksgiving for the life of John Drewery was held at Holy Trinity Church, Dacre Banks.  The service was led by Rev. Matthew Evans, a tribute was given by John Spencer and a reading by Nevin Ward. The packed church, with standing room only, was evidence of how much he was loved, respected and missed.  The function after the service was splendid with wonderful food and wine, surrounded with photographs of John’s active life.  There was laughter and a few tears; how much John would have approved!  

John and his sister Jean were born at Dacre Top, the children of Gladys and the late Doug Drewery. He was educated at Upper Nidderdale School where he was Head Boy, a well kept secret by John.  In 1971 he married Elaine and they had two sons, Jason and Jonty; fine boys who grew into fine men.  With their partners Sharon and Jayne they provided John and Elaine with grandchildren, Oliver, Callum and Jack; the pride of grandad’s life.  

He had a immense passion for sport, football, tennis, golf and particularly cricket and rugby, all of which he played with great skill and enthusiasm.  He had many jobs in his life from butcher, aerial rigger, cable layer and to taxi driver.  He brought hard work and good humour to whatever he turned hid hand to. On one particular day, he had to take some lambs to Weatherheads, collect a customer with a selection of pets and his final job was with a client of celebrity status.  When Jason asked him how things had gone John said it had been a strange day, “I started off with six lambs, followed by two very large dogs, a cockatoo and a tortoise and finally Janet Street Porter!”   

John also found time to be a Horse Steward at Pateley Show for many years.  He was down on the showground as usual in 2007. He said he didn’t last long as he tired easily, but it was typical John that he turned up.   As well as living his life to the full it was how he coped with his terminal illness that made this ordinary man so extraordinary.  He was diagnosed as terminally ill in November 2004 and with the help of his wife and his family and friends he lived every moment to the hilt.  John and Elaine saw the Pyramids, sailed up the Red Sea, soared in a hot air balloon over the Masai Mara at sunrise and cruised the Adriatic. He had a life of warmth and love woven with friendship and sport.  He had a smile for everyone and everyone smiled in return.  His was a life well lived.  He was a indeed a man well loved.

LIFE MEMBERSHIP PRESENTATION

At the recent AGM of the Nidderdale Agricultural Society Keith Hardcastle of Darley and Arthur Iveson of Ripley were elected as Life Members of the society. Arthur received his badge at his home from David Smith, the President of the society. Arthur said, “It is a great honour to be given this Life Membership and it means a great deal to me.”

Arthur was elected to the committee 50 years ago by the late Ned Simpson. He was a cattle steward until he was elected as Chairman in the 1980’s and then became Public Relations Steward. In 2003 he and his wife Nora acted as hosts to Sir Kenneth and Lady Morrison who were Special Guests alongside HRH The Prince of Wales at the ‘Royal’ Show. “It was a most enjoyable experience for us both.” At the 2007 show Arthur, now a recovering stroke victim, was at his post as usual in the Sponsors’ Tent, meeting and thanking judges and sponsors.

President David Smith said, “We are very fortunate at Nidderdale Show in having such a dedicated band of volunteers and I am delighted to present this Life Membership badge to Arthur as a small reward for a lifetime’s service.”

Nidderdale Agricultural Society
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Thursday, 7th February 2008 7.30pm
Auction Mart Rooms, Pateley Bridge

Over 70 people attended the Annual General Meeting of the Nidderdale Agricultural Society. The President, David Smith opened the meeting and asked everyone to observe one minutes silence in memory of life member, Robbie Heaton, who died recently aged 100.

It was reported that the 2007 show, having gone ahead without livestock and also had to cope with the inclement weather, it still was able to produce a profit. “We really did make the best of a bad job.” said David Smith who went on to congratulate everyone for all their hard work and good humour in rearranging the show at the last minute.

One new committee member, Michael Petyt of Scotton, was elected. Keith Hardcastle of Darley and Arthur Iveson of Ripley were made life members of the society, in recognition of their many years of sterling service. At the suggestion of Chief Ground Steward Pat Gratton a new post of Assistant Chief Ground Steward was created and the post was accepted by Peter Gratton. The rest of the committee were re-elected en bloc.

The AGM was followed by the first committee meeting of the year. This meeting discussed plans and suggestions for this year’s show which is on Monday, 22nd September 2008. The meeting closed at 8.45pm.