Northumberland-born Sally Brewis joins one of the UK's most progressive agricultural societies as it continues to further develop its work in agriculture, education and rural life.

Established in 1897, the Glendale Agricultural Society is one of the smallest agricultural societies in the UK but also one of the most progressive. Best known for staging the annual Glendale Show in Wooler, it has become recognised for championing agriculture, rural life and helping young people better understand where their food comes from.

A proud Northumbrian who lives in Howick, Sally brings extensive experience in project management, public engagement and event delivery. Her career has included roles in human resources and recruitment with Diageo and Womble Bond Dickinson before establishing her own business supporting small rural businesses and sole traders.

More recently, Sally led the "Out of Town Museum" project for Bailiffgate Museum & Gallery, capturing and preserving stories and memories from communities across Coquetdale. She has also worked on the Holy Island 2050 project, helping to deliver engagement activities and navigate a wide range of views and aspirations for the island's future.

As Secretary, Sally will work closely with the Society's trustees, committee members and volunteers as preparations continue for the annual Glendale Show and an expanding programme of educational and membership activities. She is particularly keen to build on the success of Children's Countryside Day, explore further opportunities to work with schools and strengthen engagement with members and sponsors through events such as farm visits and talks.

Sally said: "I've been hugely impressed by the enthusiasm and commitment of everyone involved. Many people have dedicated years of their time to the Society and its events, and their hard work is the reason it continues to thrive.

"The Glendale Show has a fantastic reputation and plays an important role in celebrating agriculture and rural life in this part of the country. I'm looking forward to working with everyone involved and helping to ensure it continues to go from strength to strength.

"The move to Bank Holiday Saturday is particularly exciting and I hope it will encourage even more visitors, exhibitors, traders and competitors to attend, while also making it easier for our Scottish neighbours to take part."

Although one of the smallest agricultural societies in the UK, Glendale is widely regarded as a role model for other societies. Long before agricultural education became a national priority, it was helping young people understand the connection between farming, food and the countryside.

Today, Children's Countryside Day welcomes more than 1,600 schoolchildren from across the North East each year, while the Society's active committee and volunteers continue to deliver a programme of events that support agriculture and the wider rural economy.

Nick Hargreaves, Chairman of the Glendale Agricultural Society, welcomed Sally's appointment.

He said: "We are delighted to welcome Sally to the Society. She brings a wealth of experience in project delivery, public engagement and event management, together with a genuine passion for the rural communities of Northumberland.

"The Society has always benefited from people who are prepared to give their time, energy and expertise for the benefit of others. As we look ahead to our 138^th show, I am confident Sally will help us continue to evolve while remaining true to the values that have made GAS such a success for generations."

The 2026 Glendale Show will take place on its new date of Bank Holiday Saturday, 29 August, in Wooler.