Lord Joicey and Ronald Barber aim to carry on the good work

The Glendale Agricultural Society (GAS) has welcomed a new President and Chairman this year. Lord Joicey has been elected as President and Ronald Barber of Melkington as Chairman.

Local rural stalwarts Lord Joicey and Ronald Barber of Melkington have taken on the respective roles.

The pair have been involved with the Glendale Show for most of their lives, both first visiting the show as children.

James Joicey, of Ford and Etal Estates, has been involved with the show for many years and has been a great supporter and a highly active member. He was elected vice president in 1994.

As president he is keen to increase the interaction the society has with the younger generation of Glendale, through schools, colleges and local young farmers’ clubs.

Commenting on his new role, he said: “Agriculture really is the backbone of the society. After all, what is Glendale without the countryside?

“I feel it is important to involve the next generation where possible. They are at the heart of our rural economy, as well as local businesses; they are the society’s future.

“I am honoured to have been elected president and I am very much looking forward to doing what I can to help the committee and members in the years to come.”

Having been the commentator at the show for a long time Ronald Barber is, quite literally, the ‘voice of Glendale Show’.

The Barber family have been cemented into the foundations of the show since the birth of the society 124 years ago when Ronald’s grandfather was one of the founding members.

Ronald said: “My family’s history is steeped in the GAS and I am delighted to be able to continue this through my role as chairman.

“My aim is to see the society continue to grow.”

Lord Joicey takes on the role of president from Michael Walton, and Ronald takes on the role of chairman from Nick Hargreave, both of whom have been instrumental in Glendale’s recent successes.