HECKINGTON AND DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY
153rd Heckington Show Annual Report 2021
Registered Charity No: 1108829 Company No: 5141838
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Heckington & District Agricultural Society
Registered Charity: 1108829
A Company Limited by Guarantee: 5141838
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CHAIRMAN’S REPORT FOR HECKINGTON & DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY FOR THE YEAR ENDING 30TH SEPTEMBER 2021
After a year when we had a digital-only show in 2020, 2021 was another different and challenging year. A year's meticulous planning and liaison with all the relevant authorities meant that there was a show, and the village could have something to enjoy together in a way that was safe and Covid compliant.
As the country began to emerge from the various lockdowns triggered by the Covid 19 pandemic, it was clear that there was the possibility of having a show this year, although there were risks to manage, and complex and changing regulations to navigate. As soon as the government announced the Road Map for release from lockdown on 22nd February, we began looking at what was possible for 2021. It was clear that there was a strong
As one of the only agricultural shows held in 2021, people vere very keen to attend and take part
desire from exhibitors and competitors for an event, and that it would be important as a focal point for the community, and particularly this year to address the issues of loneliness and isolation.
We also faced the additional challenges of a reduced field area for this year, and the decision by some members of the team not to participate this year, which we fully respected.
The cycling attracted many riders, being one of the few grass track cycling events held this year
The outcome was a one day show which whilst reduced in scope managed to include many of the regular activities and events. And it should not be forgotten that it actually took place when so many other events fell by the wayside. As ever the enthusiasm and determination of the Heckington team, linked with our rigorous approach to planning and safety saw us overcome obstacles and difficulties when so many others could not.
Total attendance was around 6,000 but more importantly in this very difficult year, there is no doubt that it kept the spirit of the show alive. As the first event after lockdown and the only show this year in Lincolnshire it was enormously well-
Even the Chairman managed to get some time to look around this year!
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received by our visitors and the community. It is worth remembering how far we have come in the last 25 years, in that our reduced one day show attracted a similar crowd to our normal two day shows in the early 1990's.
As ever, we have had our sadnesses, losing some
Families enjoyed being able to spend time together at the show.
of our longest serving supporters. Gwen Atkinson was for many years membership secretary and part of the horticulture committee, Cis Atkinson whose family ran the hospitality in the enclosure with such rigour and Dave Clark who was on the committee for many years. I hope their families
The firework concert with a Fleetwood Mac tribute band as the headline act was a great success, signifying the close of the one day show.
will forgive me if I particularly mention Simon Needham. Not only was he our showjumping secretary for almost 15 years, but he was one of those people who are always there to help and make things go that little bit better, and who are such a strength for the show team. Our deepest condolences go to all their families.
Whilst it is fair to say it was not one of our biggest shows, I think it is certainly one of our most important. It was undoubtedly a success and was the first event in the county taking place less than a week after Freedom Day. The response also showed just how much it is valued by the village
Our thoughts are with the family of Simon Needham, Showjumping Secretary for many years
and the wider community which we serve. That it took place at all is entirely due to the efforts of all the show's supporters, the committee, volunteers, members and sponsors and all who contribute in so many ways. On behalf of the Society and the community which we serve I offer our heartfelt thanks for all you have done to make this a reality.
Charles Pinchbeck
Chairman
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Acknowledgements
Heckington & District Agricultural Society is fortunate to have very generous support from the local community, businesses and organisations —without whom the show would be unable to go ahead
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Janet, John & Richard Harriss for providing pedestrian access to Showground via Hall Lawn
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A&T Greetham for their help
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The St John Ambulance Brigade for First Aid Services
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Messrs P Asher, & M Sardeson for loan of equipment
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J H Baxter & Son for transport services and loan of equipment
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The East of England & Deeping Shows for loan of equipment
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Turners Distribution and J L Priestley Ltd for providing trailers for the concert stage
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Mr & Mrs Graham Doughty and Mr & Mrs Lewin for the loan of caravans
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Lincoln Red Cattle Society, Lincoln Longwool Sheep Breeders Association & Lincoln Buff Poultry Society for their displays
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Mr & Mrs G Bolton for providing Lincoln Red Cattle Displays
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Pat Banister for preparing the field plans
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Donaldsons DIY and volunteers for advance ticket sales
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Nicky Bostrom for photography at the show
The many local land owners, including Messer Sharpe, Mesdames Denman & Mason and Mr & Mrs A Key
Thanks also to Heckington Parish Council & Heckington St Andrew’s School who help facilitate the show and its supporting activities
- And not forgetting the many families and friends of committee members who provide invaluable support through the year
“Even though it was only one day, so much was crammed in it was as if nothing had changed!“
Vintage tractors were popular with visitors young and old!
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Trustees Report
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the company for the year ended 30th September 2021.
Trustees who are the directors for the purpose of company law and served during the period and up to the date of their report were:
C A Pinchbeck, Mrs J A Wright , T M Atkinson, M A Sardeson, Mrs S E Grant
The directors held no beneficial interests in the company at any time during the period, since the company is limited by guarantee and holds no share capital.
The Memorandum and Articles of Association state that the number of members of the board shall never be less than three and that the subscribers to the memorandum and such other persons or organisations as are admitted to membership in accordance with the rules made under Article 61 shall be members of the Charity. No person shall be admitted a member of the Charity unless his application for membership is approved by the trustees.
All directors, being eligible, offer themselves for election at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.
Objectives and Activities
The objectives of the company are the advancement of agriculture, horticulture and rural crafts for the benefit of the public by the holding of an annual show.
Public Benefit Reporting The trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Trust's aims and objectives and planning future activities. All of the trustees give their time freely and no trustee remuneration was paid in the year.
Achievements and Performance
Incoming resources from generated funds and charitable activities continued to be healthy during the year. Interest and dividends contributed £36,228 to surplus funds.
The high level of reserves noted in the reserves policy below has arisen due to the hard work and dedication of many volunteers from Heckington and the surrounding area.
Financial Review
Investment Policy
Cash is held in interest earning deposits at banks and other institutions. Funds not required to be immediately accessed are held in high interest rate deposits at varying periods of notice relating to the likely timescale on which they would need to be accessed. This policy is reviewed annually, we currently have investments as well as cash holdings.
Reserves Policy At 30th September 2021 the charity had £608,397 in unrestricted reserves. The reserves are held at this level as a protective measure in case the costs incurred in preparation for a show are not met by income due to bad
The horticulture tent had a reduced schedule, but entries were still of a high standard
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weather or any other unfortunate event on the day. These reserves are proportionate to the recurring costs of staging a show. One of the principal risks is the future of the showground. Our policy is therefore to accumulate costs of acquiring and servicing a showground. These are estimated to be in the region of £500,000. The reserves policy is reviewed annually.
Due to the level of reserves held, the trustees have no concerns about the charity's ability to continue to operate in future years.
Structure, Governance and Management
The original society was founded in 1863.
The charitable company was incorporated 1st June 2004 and commenced trading on that date, acquiring all of the assets of Heckington and District Agricultural Society (an association) registered charity number 507328 on 1st October 2004. The company is limited by guarantee and has no share capital. The governing document of the charity is its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The charity is managed by the trustees who meet on a regular basis and decisions are made at these meetings. The trustees are elected at the AGM and receive no benefits. They are supported by a committee of 50 elected by the members.
Risk Policy Trustees have reviewed risk and undertake regular health and safety assessments.
Recruitment Policy The directors are committed to ensuring that their committee have the life and professional experiences essential to the growth of the charity. They are open to any opportunity to attract new committee members who will have typically demonstrated commitment to the show over a number of years or meet a paritcular area of expertise identified by the board. All new trustees and volunteers are given relevant induction training on their first day or as soon
after as it is possible. Training will be on an "on-thejob" basis as is necessary.
Plans for Future Periods
The charity plans to continue meeting their objectives by holding annual shows. In 2022, we will be continuing our policy of continuous review and improvement, which begins with our first committee meeting after the show. We have identified the following areas for specific focus in 2022-
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Work with the show ground owners to improve the weather-resistance of the show ground
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Work with suppliers, exhibitors and visitors to manage the environmental impact of the show
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Continue to enhance our admissions and gate management
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Support disabled visitors by providing admission for registered carers
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Re-establish the two-day event after a two year interval
This report has been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice Accounting and Reporting by Charities (2015) and in accordance with the special provisions of part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
The show is an integral part of village life with friends and family coming to join in with the events and competitions
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Financial Statements
Balance Sheet as at 30/09/2021
HECKINGTON AND DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2021
| 2021 Unrestricted fund £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 1,143 Charitable activities Heckington Show 68,163 Investment income 36,228 Total 105,534 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities Heckington Show 96,909 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) 8,625 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 599,772 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 608,397 |
2020 Total funds £ 57 (654) (3,270) (3,867) 15,903 (19,770) 619,542 599,772 |
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Traditional children’s races featured in the main ring on Saturday morning, allowing local children to participate
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Financial Statements
Income & Expenditure to 30/09/2021
| Income Donations Sponsorship Entry fees Advance ticket sales Membership Programme advertisements Programme sales Trade stands Miscellaneous income Deposit account interest Gains/(Losses) on investments Expenditure Advertising Accountancy Entertainment Badges and rosettes Catering and hospitality Insurance Stewards Gate expenditure Utilities Equipment hire Trophies Telephone Clothing and miscellaneous Printing, postage and stationery Honoraria and secretaries expenses Judges expenses Field licences Licences and subscriptions Prizes Contract work Security Ground preparation Signs Bank charges Depreciation Net (expenditure)/income for the year |
£ £ 10 1,133 4,584 41,804 977 250 659 19,886 3 5,251 30,977 105,534 - 1,235 10,894 2,381 1,211 3,308 405 10,712 708 13,871 3,033 458 1,332 2,935 2,720 120 6,300 465 7,198 15,191 5,878 1,123 2,214 1,088 2,128 96,909 8,625 2021 |
£ £ - 55 52 - 27 - - (1,246) 513 1,144 (4,414) (3,869) 490 1,722 454 96 - 4,070 - - 597 341 114 641 - 1,360 2,140 - - 821 - - 48 - 180 155 2,674 15,901 (19,770) 2020 |
£ £ - 55 52 - 27 - - (1,246) 513 1,144 (4,414) (3,869) 490 1,722 454 96 - 4,070 - - 597 341 114 641 - 1,360 2,140 - - 821 - - 48 - 180 155 2,674 15,901 (19,770) 2020 |
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| (19,770) |
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The 2021 Show in words & pictures
“Heckington Show back with a bang on first Freedom Weekend”
The Lincolnite
What an amazing show! People were happy to be out and about meeting friends and getting together after a difficult few months.
Live displays in the Heritage area drew people in to expereience how we lived and worked in the past
“Thank you to all who worked so hard to bring us the Show. The whole day felt “normal” and lifted the spirits. Lovely evening and beautiful fireworks.”
“Massive applause to all at heckington show , I was a trader and was looked after from the time I arrived to the time we left it was great to be back , customers were saying what a great day they were having so well done”
Support for local charities is an important part of the show and we were pleased to welcome 10 Charity stands this year
The Heavy Horse section is always well attended with crowds of people eager to see the spectacular displays
“I was one of the exhibitors today and can honestly say it was one of the best. Many thanks to the Heritage area team for such a sterling job, it was all superb“
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“It was amazing, first time here and has such an enjoyable day. Thanks to all for all your hard work in putting on this great show. We will be back at the next one!”
Chair of North Kesteven District Council visited the NKDC stand at the show which included a giant globe to highlight carbon reduction
“Such a fab day out with my family and friends. We thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. Massive pat on the back to the team behind the show. You didn't let showgoers down, despite what must have been a really testing year from a planning (and everything else) point of view)! We just felt so happy to be out and about doing something 'normal'. Hope the 2022 event is back with an even bigger bang! Wholesome, family fun!
The Heritage Area had a new location this year close to the Hall gardens
“Just what we needed to raise our spirits. Such a tonic. Show was good. Fireworks were fab . Well done to all those volunteers who work so hard for the benefit of others. I, like many others really appreciate it...”
Grass track cycling was a key feature in the main ring this year and had very competitive entry
“Thankyou for such a wonderful day! lt was just what we needed! I looked around at the crowd of people , watching and dancing away to 'Fleetwood Mac' & thought, how proud the organisers of this wonderful show should be !
The Lincoln Longwool Sheep competitions were very well attended and once again we hosted their largest event in the county, supporting this rare breed.
Photos by: John Aron, The Lincolnite Nicky Bostrom Andrew Gidney
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Trustees, Officers & Committee
Trustees :
Mr C A Pinchbeck, DL Mrs J A Wright Mrs S E Grant Mr T M Atkinson Mr M A Sardeson
Patron :
The Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Mr Toby Dennis
President :
Mr Alan Stennett, BEM
Vice Presidents :
Dr M J Elliott, Mr R C Musson
Life Members :
Dr M J Elliott, G Ireland, P Ireland, J D Kirk, R C Musson, R A Hipworth, D Nickols, D Simpson, T Atkinson, P Gash, G Wright, Mrs R Nickols, I Johnson, Mrs S Pinchbeck
Chairman : Mr Charles Pinchbeck,DL Vice Chairman : Mr Mark Sardeson Deputy Chairman : Mr Ian Johnson General Secretary : Mrs Sarah Grant Treasurer : Mrs Jo Lewin Chaplain : Rev Ann Lett
Committee Members :
Mrs Ann Beever Mrs Jane Harrison Mrs Tina Stankley Mr Peter Asher Mr Bill Rayner Mr Paul Elderkin Mr Charlie Harrison Mr Dave Kennedy Mr Simon Needham Mr Richard Pick Mr Daniel Tarry
Miss Jane Bowtell Mrs Sally Pinchbeck Mrs Linda Stanley Mr Terry Atkinson Mr Robin Bush Mr Paul Gash Mr Adrian Johnson Mr Richard Kinsey Mr David Nickols Mr James Pinchbeck Mr Tony White
Mrs Karen Clifton Mrs Elaine Sardeson Mrs Anne Watts Mr Glenn Albrighton Mr Matt Brown Mr Tim Grigg Mr Des Johnson Mr Mike Lock Mr Sean Oxby Mr Thomas Pinchbeck
Mrs Jackie Goodall Mrs Sue Spencer Mrs Jacki Wright Mr George Bell Mr Rolf Cinavas Mr Simon Hare Mr Dennis Johnson Mr Nick Needham Mr James Oxby Mr Tim Rogers
Society Members:
Mr & Mrs J Gaddes Mr W Cottis Mr & Mrs G Rogers Mr & Mrs G Gibson Mr & Mrs G Deakin Mr & Mrs A Thomas Mr & Mrs R Williamson Mr & Mrs J Morrissey
Mr & Mrs C Brummitt Mr & Mrs A Bealby Mr & Mrs G Barnett Mr M Hudson & Mrs P McBeath Mr & Mrs G Mountain Mr K Cinavas Mrs P Jones Mr R Ransom
Dr M Guess Mr W Berridge Mr & Mrs G Hopkins Mrs J Mathieson Mr & Mrs P Reid Mrs S Richardson Mr E Conlin
www.heckingtonshow.org.uk
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