Meet The Children's Section Secretary

Hannah Rourke,

Hannah Rourke is the newest and youngest recruit to our Slaley Show Committee and has taken on the Children’s Section of Competitive Classes which attract ages to 16 and under.Hannah, from Prudhoe, has always attended shows like Slaley as a competitor…but not in the children’s sections, she’s been far too busy competing with her pony/ponies from the age of 4 and still competes every now and then.Sadly, she’ll have to miss any early morning pony classes this year as she accepts entries within the industrial tent from 8am onwards which range from the traditional handwriting competitions to the more complex models and pieces of craft work. There will always be the popular animals made of vegetables and miniature model classes; they originated decades ago, but being only 17 years old herself she has a unique chance to evolve the section further and appealing to new entrants whose influences change faster than a speeding bullet! She’s also empathetic to the competitive nature of this section particularly in the young classes. “Older children understand friendly competition but judging in the 7 years and under section must be sensitive to little one’s feelings” she says.A children’s section judge is still to be appointed, and classes will be revealed at the launch of the schedule at the end of May but Hannah gives a heads-up on some exciting new classes “start saving yoghurt pots and ice lolly sticks now!” she says. She’s happy to share a few teasers to get the ball rolling – painted wellington boots for 8-11 yrs; portraits of parents for up to 7 years and for the 12-16 year olds a poster to celebrate VE day.Entry is free to all children’s classes and entry forms are to be submitted to Hannah Rourke at childrens.slaleyshow@gmail.com by Friday 1st August. Also on display… a closed section of classes for pupils who attend Slaley and Whitley Chapel First Schools.