Society elects new chairman and president

Alan Pooles and Malcolm Bull have taken over the roles with the Newbury and District Agricultural Society for 2011

THE NEWBURY and District Agricultural Society has elected a new chairman and president ahead of its 2011 Royal County of Berkshire Show.

Alan Pooles (pictured above left), who has lived in Lambourn for more than 30 years, will succeed Mick Crockford as the society's chairman in its 102nd year, while managing director of Newbury-based developers Rivar Ltd, Malcolm Bull, will take over as president from Sarah Scrope.

Mr Pooles' adopted theme for the year is ‘Year of the Horse' and he said he is looking forward to the Royal County of Berkshire Show's headline act, The Devil's Horseman - a stunt riding and Cossack themed act which sees riders vaulting onto horses at the gallop.

He said: “I am really looking forward to working with the society's talented team on all our events for 2011.

“This year is going to be challenging for everyone, but I never cease to be amazed at the generosity of everyone involved with the society who so freely give their time to help make the society and the show what it is today.

“I know that with their support, 2011 is going to be another highly successful and great year.”

Meanwhile, Mr Bull, of Kingsclere, has chosen the Berkshire County Blind Society as the show's official charity for 2011.

The show will take place over the weekend of September 17/18.