VOLUNTEERS and staff from The Three Counties Agricultural Society were honoured when HRH The Princess Royal attended a special gala dinner.
HRH Princess Anne was the guest of honour at the Three Counties Agricultural Society Dinner held at the Malvern showground on Friday (May 29).
More than 300 volunteers and staff joined together to celebrate the history and the future of the show, which takes place between Friday 12 June and Sunday 14 June.
During her address, Princess Anne, who is a patron of The Royal Three Counties Show, paid tribute to their work.
“These shows have become more important as time has gone by,” she said.
“What you do is an enormous boost to the sector and is really important for everybody else as well.
“It’s a privilege to be asked to become a patron of Three Counties and to see the good that you do. I can only wish you good weather.”
Among those to be recognised were shows manager Doreen Smillie-Gray who has held a various positions since getting involved with the society 40 years ago.
The Princess Royal presented her with a Three Counties Agricultural Society Long Service Medal.
Ken Nottage, chief executive of The Three Counties Showground, said: “Doreen has devoted a lifetime career to our society and achieved so much.
“The Royal Three Counties Show has her influence all over it. Our society wouldn’t be what it is today without people like Doreen who work tirelessly to deliver our shows.”
He added: “Over the years, there have been so many achievements.
“These include the acquisition of our recent Royal title and the Princess Royal becoming our patron.
“Her patronage has elevated our status within the industry and we are ever grateful for her support.”
