THE woman behind the popular Westmorland County Show is to stand down.

Christine Knipe, who has 'lived and breathed' the show for the past 18 years, has taken the decision to hand over the reins to a new Chief Executive.

During her time at the helm Mrs Knipe recalls many highlights, including six Royal visits, hosting the national Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations (ASAO), and the Westmorland County Show named Cumbria's Tourism Event of the Year twice.

Since her appointment in February 2005, the Westmorland Agricultural Society has seen incredible growth across all its activities, including the creation of an extra event, Country Fest, extended educational programme and the development of a two-day county show.

“I have loved every minute of my time with Westmorland," she said.

"It is now time to hand over the reins to a new Chief Executive who can take the Society forward into the next chapter. I feel immensely proud and privileged to have played such a part in the Society which has proved resilient in the face of challenge, innovative and relentlessly focussed on its charitable remit of promoting agriculture.”

Recognised as a Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies for outstanding contribution to agriculture she was also presented with the Food & Farming Champion Award for her work in bringing farming and consumers closer together.

Mrs Knipe is a trustee and former Chair of ASAO (Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations) the show industry’s national body, trustee of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth, chair of the national forum Access to Farms, secretary of the North West Federation of Show Societies and a trustee with the Francis Scott Trust.

She added: “It was always my aim to take the Westmorland County Show to a national level, to attract Royalty, industry leaders and a wider public audience to help promote the farming industry and celebrate the valuable contribution generated by our County’s farmers which I feel we have done in abundance.

"Every year is special and despite the challenges, witnessing the sea of smiling faces at our events makes all the hard work worthwhile.”

Mrs Knipe is particularly pleased to have developed the range and extent of the Society’s educational activities including introducing the Young Shepherd classes at Country Fest.

She said: “I have been fortunate to work with people of passion, commitment and talent who, along with the Society itself, have been at the core of my life for the last 18 years. I am confident that Westmorland Agricultural Society will continue to go from strength to strength and wish the Society and the team every success in the future.”

Chair Lisa Bennett said: “Christine has been a real asset to Westmorland, she is hugely respected in the industry and her leadership has taken the Society to the next level.

"She has lived and breathed the Westmorland County Show for such a long time and it must have been a hard decision for her to stand aside.

"Christine has enabled the Show to play a significant part in the food revolution in Cumbria which has transformed the quality and diversity of locally-produced food and drink, and with other WCAS members led the team of over 350 Society volunteers who received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service last year.

"On behalf of the members past and present I thank her for all her hard work, determination, and expertise.”