A Shropshire volunteer has been presented with an Honorary Vice President badge to mark 25 years of service and dedication to the Shropshire and West Midlands Agricultural Society.
Nigel Hinton was busy doing what he does best, ensuring the smooth running of the day’s musical entertainment on The Village Green bandstand at this year’s Shropshire County Show in May when he was called upon to attend a presentation – for him!
The presentation by Neale Sadler, Chair of Trustees at the Society, rounded off another perfect event for Nigel who had once again put together a varied and exciting programme on the bandstand for the thousands of show visitors to enjoy.
“It was certainly a surprise and came completely out of the blue,” said Nigel. “Ian Bebbington, the society’s Chief Executive, told me about it minutes before and then Neale presented me with the Honorary Vice President’s badge – I was absolutely delighted.”
Mr Sadler said: “The presentation recognises Nigel’s long-standing dedication and support of both the charity itself and the show over the years
“Nigel has become an integral part of the show and is especially well known as the lead steward of our much-loved bandstand – an area enjoyed by thousands of visitors every year.
“This is a thoroughly deserved recognition for someone who has given so much time, energy and commitment to the show and everyone involved at the show and society are extremely grateful to him for his service.”
Nigel’s association with the show dates back to the 1990s and came about through two separate driving factors – Triumph sports cars and membership of the Shrewsbury Concert Band.
“I started restoring a Triumph TR2 and joined the TR Register of TR owners who supported an annual event at the showground run by The Mid-Shropshire Vintage Club. Here I met Lance Jackson,” said Nigel. “We worked well together and he invited me to a meeting of the Shropshire and West Midland Agricultural Society.
“I was able to assist with some admin matters but my real involvement with the administration of the show came later when I was pleased to combine my interest as a saxophone player with the organisation of the show music programme.
“By 2005 I had taken on the role of music co-ordinator and stage manager, which meant I was still able to play with Shrewsbury Concert Band, but also had to create a varied music programme.
“From a bandstand music programme point of view, we have adapted over the years and while we still have the traditional brass bands, wind bands and choirs, we have also incorporated performers like The Rock Choir, young musicians from Thomas Telford School and salsa dancing with Rohan Brown from Shrewsbury-based SalsaFever.
“My presentation at this year’s show doesn’t mean I will be stepping back and I have already spoken to a number of performers about the 2027 event. I like to get the programme arranged in detail by Christmas as most bands and artists get booked up quite early.”
Nigel served as a show council member in 2005/06 and as a member of the show committee. He was also an advocate of moving the Shrewsbury Folk Festivalto the Showground in 2006.
As a local historian, Nigel gave a few hints to Gordon Riley in the production of a history of the show booklet in 2000 – a publication that celebrated the 125th anniversary of the show.
“By attending meetings of the show committee, I got to know the library of agricultural books and the contents of the cupboards in the offices,” Nigel added. “These included the old accounting books, minutes and other ancient records of the Shropshire and West Midlands Agricultural Society going back to 1875.
“I was delighted to be able use some of them as references for a dissertation I wrote, Aspects of Agricultural Improvement in Shropshire (1813 -1914), as part of a Masters degree when I studied at the University of Birmingham, graduating in 2014 as a Master of Arts (with merit) in West Midlands History.
“Subsequently in 2018, following a meeting with Professor Richard Hoyle, a fellow director trustee of the Victoria County History Shropshire and Mary Mackenzie of Shropshire Archives, some of these records were transferred to the custody and security of Shropshire Archives on Castle Gates, Shrewsbury.
“Some work is still needed to catalogue these and further records have come to light to be secured in future, into the care of Shropshire Archives.”
The 2027 Shropshire County Show is due to take place on 22 May 2027, and tickets are set to go on sale in the coming months.
