Five long-serving stewards win awards as ‘cornerstones’ of success

The opening day of the show was used by the president-elect of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, Raymond Twiddle, to present five men with their awards.

Honoured were Tim Abbey, Geoff Brown, Frank Colquitt, Richard Head and Professor Donald Lee.

Mr Twiddle said: “To stage the Great Yorkshire Show is a huge undertaking and there are nearly 400 stewards who voluntarily made it happen.

“They are one of the cornerstones of our success and are known for both their professionalism and friendliness.”

Mr Twiddle added: “We are fortunate to have stewards who combine both attributes and it is important that we recognise them.”

Mr Abbey has been associated with the show for more than 35 years having shown in the cattle section as a boy. He was chief cattle steward in 2005.

Mr Brown has been involved with the show for four decades and is now managing director of Ripon Farm Services.

Mr Colquitt worked as cattle foreman at the show for 30 years as well as being employed by the now defunct Milk Marketing Board.

Mr Head was one of the show’s sponsor stewards for 13 years and continues to support the Yorkshire Agricultural Society as honorary scrutineer.

Finally, Prof Lee has enjoyed a prestigious career in academia, having been part of the biology department at the University of Leeds. He has worked as the chairman of the YAS’s research panel.