PLANNING is now well underway for this year's Orsett Show - the 115th in its long and illustrious history and possibly one of the most pivotal.

After a two year break because of Covid, the show returned last year and though the sun shone and a great day was had by all who attended, it was a loss-making event.

So it is vitally important that this year's event turns a corner and a committee which has several new faces is already forging ahead with plans - and some changes are planned.

However, all the traditional attractions including livestock categories, horses, trade stands and a range of marquee events featuring education, crafts and education will be back.

The main showground attraction - apart from the ever popular vintage steam engines - will be the Imps motorcyle display team.

The Imps motorcycle display team

This year's show will be on Saturday, 2 September when presidents Robert and Cynthia Folkard will be welcoming one and all.

The couple were both born in East Tilbury Village and Rob started his farm working when he went to work on the Osborne's Farm back in the mid 1950s.

Rob worked firstly for Lou Osborne and then Ray Osborne who was a stalwart of the Orsett Show for many, many years.

It was while working for the Osborne's that Rob became involved with the Orsett Show, initially helping on the agricultural side but, as is inevitable, we both became involved in many different and varied ways over the years.

Rob eventually took on the role of ground gontroller which entailed many hours ordering fencing, marquees and getting the site ready for Show Day.

Rob says: "We both understand how many hours of planning and effort it takes to get to Show Day and just how many people give so freely of their time to ensure all the visitors have a great experience.

"Orsett Show will always be special to us.

"It is a mixture of historical traditions and 21st century life. It is so good to be able to offer visitors the opportunity to browse round the various marquees – Horticulture, Agriculture, Hobbies and Handicrafts and Schools to name just a few and is a great day for families.

"We are so pleased that our son shares our love of the Show and has followed in his father's footsteps and delighted to say that our son and granddaughter have never missed a show.

"We both wish everyone who attends a very enjoyable day at the Show."