A word from the President

From the Gazette & Herald, first published Thursday 27th Jul 2006.

THE president of Malton Show this year, John Cundall, is one of the best known and respected figures in Ryedale's farming industry.

He founded the leading auctioneering firm of Wells Cundall and has been farming in his home village of Sherburn for almost 60 years.

Mr Cundall says he has seen many changes in farming and agricultural shows over the years, not least due to the decline in the number of farms and those employed in agriculture.

"The emphasis on the shows has changed from them being predominantly focussing on agriculture to having a more general appeal," says Mr Cundall.

"All shows are having a struggle to survive in the present economic situation in farming so they have had to widen their appeal to attract a bigger audience."

He has acted as a steward at Malton Show and has taken a keen interest in its affairs over the years.

This year with the show being held on a Sunday, Mr Cundall believes the show has the potential to give farming and the rural scene in the Malton area a new focus.

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