THE Cricklade Show will go ahead this year after last-ditch attempts saved the day.

Two meetings have been held in the town this month to help ensure the show goes ahead this August Bank Holiday after 80 years of attracting thousands of people through the gates.

It was in need of help from the community as the committee’s resources were being stretched to the limit with just eight members.

The first meeting had a disappointing turn-out and although the second meeting did not attract huge amounts of interest, the event will now go ahead.

Jo Howse, who stepped down from her 10-year position as chairman last year, said: “Although there were not hundreds of people beating down the door, Mark Clarke from Cricklade Town Council came again and new person, Neil Walker.

“Neil is new to Cricklade and had seen an article – he thought the show must be a big part of the community.

“Being new, he wanted to give his support to keep the show going – he was surprised to see he was only one of two non-committee members to turn up.”

Mark will now take on the role of chairperson to ensure this year’s event is a success. Jo, who originally joined the committee to run the horse section, made the decision to step down so she could further develop this part of the show.

She said: “Mark has had previous experience having been treasurer for Stroud Show and felt strongly enough that the show should continue to take on the role.

“Although it is now March, so behind schedule – the committee all agreed to continue under Mark’s leadership; there will be a 2012 show. Everyone is now all systems go to get everything booked up.”

However, the committee still need people to help out, especially to ensure the dog section of the show can go ahead.

“We are still in need of people to help both on the committee and over the show weekend,” said Jo.

For further details visit www.crickladeshow.co.uk.