Jo Sutton’s first experience of Tockwith Agricultural Show was competing as a 12-year-old girl in the pony class. Now she has just been chosen to be the Show's President for 2025.
Jo is the owner of Joywyns Pet and Country food store - previously called Discount Foods - just outside Wetherby, and her company is also the main sponsor for the show, which is one of the largest of its type in the region.
She said:
“The offer of becoming President came totally out of the blue, but I had absolutely no hesitation in accepting it.
“Tockwith Show has always had a real sense of community. I remember how excited I was when I competed as a child, so this is a real honour.”
The show wasn’t held this year because of a shortage of helpers, but following a successful appeal for new volunteers it will be returning in August next year.
Jo added:
“I’m delighted to see that the show is going ahead once again, particularly at a time when so many similar shows in the region are being forced to close.
"It really highlights the importance of the farming community to this region, and it’s also a really fun day out for thousands of people.”
As President, Jo has chosen to support two local charity organisations during her year in office: Saint Michael’s Hospice in Harrogate, where her father was cared for before he died, and the Yorkshire Childrens’ Charity which was set up in 2022 to help children who need help because of disability, ill health or financial circumstances.
The show Chair, Georgina Watson said she was delighted that Jo had agreed to be President.
She said:
“Jo is passionate about the show and has been a real supporter of ours for decades, so I can’t think of anyone more suited to take on this role in our come-back year.”
Appeal to fund job coach for people experiencing homelessness in Harrogate
Popular floral trail to return to Harrogate next month
Badly parked cars which block narrow roads should be towed, says councillor
Harrogate sisters reach national business awards finals
Harrogate school shares details of King Charles visit
Sir Gareth Southgate cuts ribbon of £21.9m build at Martin House
Harrogate woman is seventh winner to scoop full tank of free fuel
Gyles Brandreth officially reopens historic rock garden at Newby Hall
National finals success for Ripon netball star
Plan to improve maintenance of Knaresborough Castle amid claims of neglect
Hampsthwaite garage recognised at national awards
Harrogate firm's electric buses exceed 5 million kilometres
Brick sculpture trail to be installed at RHS Harlow Carr
New student leaders announced at top-performing Ripon school
Harrogate Town Council calls for changes to community funding process
Grantley Hall to extend estate after 44-acre acquisition
Former rugby player to pass through Harrogate as part of record 200 marathons in 100 days
Harrogate dancer talks 'crazy' Britain's Got Talent journey as group places eighth
Free train tickets to help families beat the 'back to school' squeeze
New golf performance venue set to open in Harrogate
