Who's Who

New Forest Agricultural Show Society Organisation - Chief Executive

Richard Cuzens (51) is the Chief Executive of the New Forest & Hampshire County Show, a 3 day County show on a permanent site within the New Forest National Park. He has a small farm in West Dorset and previously ran the Dorchester Show, now the Dorset County Show. He is believed to be the only 'show' organiser to have run a one, two and three day show! He is a Council Member of the ASAO and their current Chairman.

Hertfordshire Agricultural Society - General Manager

I joined the Hertfordshire County Show as General Manager and Show Secretary in 2003, after working over 30 years for a major international metals plc. My claim to fame is that my first Hertfordshire County Showwas the first ever Agricultural or County Show I had ever attended! Having now completed 5 Shows, I remain motivated by the enormous potential and challenges of raising the profile of our Agricultural and County Shows in the UK.

Mike started his role as Vice Chairman of the Association in Novemeber of 2009.

Royal Bath & West Show - Administrator

Paul Hooper Secretary of the Association and Administrator of The Royal Bath and West Of England Society. Paul is a well known figure in the industry having started his career in 1977. Paul has a great deal of experience in most aspects of the Agricultural and Show world at National level.

Paul is also a Justice of the Peace - for enjoyment he enjoys listening to Military Music

Edenbridge & Oxted Agricultural Society - Show Secretary

Jackie Shearman has worked for the ASAO since 2004 as Membership Secretary and Assistant Secretary. Jackie has worked in the Shows and Events industry since 1988 as Secretary for the Edenbridge and Oxted Agricultural Show (a large 2 day show in the South East). Jackie also runs the London Harness Horse Parade which takes place annually on Easter Monday.

Jackie has always loved the countryside and horses and recently she and her husband, Frank, have started breeding Shire Horses.

Royal Welsh Association

Barrie joined the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society as Company Secretary in 2006. Main duties include the running of the Royal Welsh Show, the Winter Fair and Smallholder & Garden Festival at the Showground.

As well as being a farmer's son, he is a qualified solicitor, having been in private practice during the 1980s and was subsequently legal adviser to the Farmer's Union of Wales.

Barrie is married to Heather and they have two children, both studying medicine. He enjoys music, especially singing, and he is also a qualified soccer referee.

Westmorland Agricultural Society - Chief Executive

Christine Knipe was appointed as Chief Executive of Westmorland County Agricultural Society in 2005.  Part of her role involves organising the Westmorland County Show, held in South Cumbria on the second Thursday in September.  She is also administration secretary of the North West Federation of Show Secretaries and has been the honorary secretary of the industrial section of Cartmel Show for 17 years. 

A farmer’s wife, Christine has had an interest in agriculture all her life and grew up helping her father exhibit sheep at many shows.  She has a genuine passion for agricultural shows and is not only keen to learn, but also to share, listen and help out when needed.

Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association - Secretary

Chris Riddle (45) has been Secretary to the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association since 1989 having taken over from his father who was Secretary from 1957.  Chris is only the Association's ninth Secretary since its formation back in 1793 and, at the time of his appointment was probably the youngest ever Secretary of a major three-day show in the UK.

Chris is married with two children and is involved with a number of other organisations including being a Trustee and County Chairman of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution, a Governor of Wadebridge CP School, Honorary Secretary & Past Chairman of the Huers Farming Club, Honorary Secretary & Past Chairman of the Ken Thomas Charitable Trust, Honorary Secretary of Wadebridge Prime Stock Show Association, Honorary Life Member of the Royal Smithfield Club and a County Vice President of the Cornwall Federation of YFCs.

Royal Highland - Show Manager

David Dunsmuir has been show manager at The Royal Highland Show for 10 years. From a non-farming background he believes that the industry has a great future provided it remains true to its core values. His previous events experience includes Airshow organiser and project manager of The Rotary International Convention - the 5th largest convention in the world.

Royal Norfolk Agricultural Society

John has been Chief Executive of the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association for 15 years and is married to Ena. They have 3 grown up children and his interests include music, golf, rugby and shooting. He enjoys visiting other agricultural shows and raising funds for RABI in Norfolk.

Around 6 million people in the UK visit agricultural and country shows annually – that’s about 10% of the population. John firmly believes in the power of agricultural shows as a shop window for marketing a diverse range of good and services right across the consumer spectrum. The ASAO is a great forum for bringing Show societies together and sharing ideas, contacts and best practice.

Cheshire Agricultural Society - Executive Director

I was appointed as the Cheshire Agricultural Society’s, Executive Director in August 2005 and was thrilled to have been given the fantastic opportunity to make a positive contribution to the continued success of both the Agricultural Society and the Cheshire County Show.

My first three years have included, in addition to the administration of 3 shows, the relocation of the show office, twice! The recruitment of a new team, due to retirements, the introduction of a new database programme – ShowBiz, a full and in depth review of show contracts, resulting in taking many of these out to tender and appointing new contractors as appropriate. A review of the business operation of the show, including the development of existing income streams, sponsorship and membership etc. and the introduction of new business opportunities for the Society e.g. Hire of Showground. 

I am a firm believer in the power of a good network of contacts, mutually beneficial partnerships and the sharing of best practice.