The Glendale Agricultural Society has announced the appointment of Gemma Douglas as their new Events Manager, and Sophia Tirelli-Hurst as Administration Assistant, to drive the Society’s development forward.

A charity established to advance education and skills in agriculture and the environment, the Society has staged the Glendale Show for over 125 years, attracting more than 10,000 visitors annually to this August Bank Holiday celebration of agricultural and country life. In more recent years, the Society has also developed a growing education programme that delivers an annual Children’s Countryside Day attended by over 1,500 children from schools across the north east.

Gemma Douglas joined the Society last year, and now steps up to take the lead role in the management of these major events, and the growing programme of membership activities that support the rural and agricultural communities in the Wooler area and beyond.

Born and brought up in Rothbury, Gemma is married to an arable farmer and is deeply committed to the future of farming and rural life in North Northumberland. She has a passion for the countryside and rural issues, and a clear understanding of the challenges currently facing farming and rural business that the Society can help address.

“I have been attending the Glendale Show for many years and seen it grow into a vital showcase for agriculture and rural life in our beautiful countryside. The Show has established a wonderful reputation as the county show for North Northumberland in all but name, and it will be a great pleasure to help Society continue to expand and develop it in the years to come.

“Agriculture is the backbone of our rural economy in this area, and farming and related businesses are facing a serious challenge to their future viability. The Society and its membership represent the farming community here and we will do everything we can to promote awareness and provide activities that attract a growing membership and help share ideas and experience that enable our farming and rural communities to adapt and thrive.”

With two daughters of her own, Gemma is particularly keen to increase the Society’s interaction with and support for the younger generation through schools, colleges and Young Farmers’ clubs.

“It is absolutely vital to involve the next generation in the Society and our activities wherever possible. They are at the heart of our rural economy and our local businesses, and they are the Society’s future. The Society is fully committed to helping the younger generation to tackle the challenges and grasp the opportunities with both hands so that more of our young people can build a future here in the countryside.”

Administration Assistant Sophia Tirelli-Hurst also comes from a rural and agricultural background. Married to farming consultant David and with a three-year-old daughter, she moved to Northumberland in 2021 and is raring to take on her role supporting Gemma in the organisation and delivery of the Society’s growing range of activities.

“Having supported the running of an arable and livestock farm, I understand the issues facing farmers and rural businesses, and we have loved living in this beautiful countryside and becoming part of such a vibrant, friendly and supportive rural community. I am looking forward very much indeed to being part of the Society and helping to achieve all its exciting plans for supporting the agricultural community and economy.”

Although one of the smallest agricultural societies in the UK, the Glendale Agricultural Society is also one of the most progressive, winning many awards over the years, and continuing to evolve and grow to reflect the ever-changing rural environment, with farming at its core. Society Chair, Ian Murray, says the two appointments mark the beginning of a new phase in the Society’s development.

“Agriculture will always be the backbone of our Society and our local economy, and we will continue to support the future success of farming and farmers in every way we can. The fact that our Show keeps growing in entries and attendance is a very encouraging demonstration of the health of our farming community, and with Gemma and Sophie adding their experience and enthusiasm to our team, I am very confident that we can achieve our goal to help our rural community go on growing and enhancing our unique environment for another 125 years.”