THE popular Northumberland County Show is setting the scene for a new era and a change of leadership.

With the former event organiser, Judy Willis, stepping down at the end of August, Kerry Robson, the Show’s Secretary, has embraced a bigger role and masterminded significant changes within the first month of her appointment.

Kerry said: “This is a fantastic opportunity, and I can’t wait to get stuck into the challenge! I love the show and have big ideas involving education for both children and adult visitors; I want to strengthen our commercial relationships and build on our infrastructure, while celebrating what is great about our region’s rural culture and heritage. It is time to look to the future and recognise the importance of our food and farming industries, and those who work in them!”

Kerry Robson lives near Snods Edge, next door to her parents with husband Carl, daughters Lauren (19) Ellie (17) and Gracie (15). They have a smallholding of ponies, dogs, sheep, pigs, turkeys and hens, which Kerry devotes her spare time to looking after.

Kerry joined the show in 2016 in a part time role spanning finance, administration, membership retention and customer service. She has been the driving force behind the successful Children’s Art Competition, the Creative North Marquee, which celebrates traditional countryside crafts; the Open Mic County Fest music arena; and this year, organised the Shopping Marquee too.

Educated at QEHS Hexham and Kirkley Hall, Kerry is a qualified Farm Secretary, starting her career at DEFRA as a Rural Development Scheme Officer. She has since held roles in wildlife and rural charities and industry training. Kerry said: “My most rewarding and hardest job was managing and running a livestock farm, to support my beloved brother Adam Forster, who sadly passed away in 2014 following a ten month battle with a brain tumour.”

Kerry and her family are passionate fundraisers for Brain Tumour Research, hosting a variety of annual events in Adam’s memory, including the upcoming Hallowe’en Ball. Since his death, they have generated over £20,000 in donations.

Kerry added: “Adam would be so proud of what I am doing at the show as he loved to socialise with the farming community and educate young people about country life. He loved to take my girls to the Show at Corbridge when they were little and spoil them. I think that is what is most important… making memories!”