Devon’s ‘BIG day out’ is one of the highlights of our year! We’ve supplied temporary structures for as long as we can remember; and we also have a great working relationship with their staff. That said, we (along with many others across the industry) are extremely sad to hear of the departure of Show Secretary Ollie Allen after 21 years at the helm of Devon Show’s ship. As a well-known figure head in the county show world, we couldn’t let her leave that quietly!

We had the pleasure of speaking with Ollie to find out about her best moments at Devon County Show and what her future holds…

WHAT LED YOU TO BEGIN YOUR CAREER WITH DEVON COUNTY SHOW?

I started in ‘Show business’ at the Bath and West as a humble telephone operator and worked my way up to Show Manager.   In 1996 I happened to see that the Devon County Agricultural Association was looking for an Assistant Association Secretary which was very timely because I was beginning to think that it was time to move on!  However, I applied more for the experience of going for an interview and never thought for one moment I would be offered the job!

WHAT’S YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT FROM DEVON COUNTY SHOW?

Welcoming the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to the Show not once, but twice!  Looking after them was very pleasant!  Also welcoming The King’s Troop to the Show, again they were lovely as well.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT WITH DEVON COUNTY SHOW? 

Our stewards from 2016 and 2017 being awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service which is the equivalent to an individual being awarded an MBE.

WHAT ASPECT OF YOUR JOB WILL YOU MISS MOST? 

The people who put the Show together, the staff, the contractors and the stewards.   I have always worked to the principle that we are one big team, no matter what we do.  We laugh and cry together, we play jokes on each other, no matter what happens the work gets done but it must be in a happy working atmosphere.  Of course my favourite people in the whole wide world are my ‘7 Danco dwarfs’!

WHAT DO YOU HAVE PLANNED NEXT?  

A few months off and then see what is out there on the employment front.  Mind you, I might not be employable but I will do my best.  I would love to stay associated with the event world if possible.

ANY LAST WORDS?

Like on the High Street, I believe events in general and especially multi day Shows will be going through a slight evolution over the next few years.   On line shopping, the economy, the change from generation to generation of exhibitors, will all have an affect but organisers must embrace change not fear it.    I would also like to thank all the people I have met or worked with in the Show world, every day we learn something new.   Finally a huge, massive, heartfelt thank you to Adrian D (God!!), Les, Cheryl, Bev, Danco Dan, ‘Mash’, Ed, Wayne and the ‘seven dwarfs’ and the whole team for putting up with me and my ‘demands’, I am going to miss you all soooooooooooo much and I STILL haven’t made it to Badminton!

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The team at Danco want to thank Ollie for making work with Devon County Show so enjoyable over the years. We wish her all the best for the future and we’ll certainly miss you too!

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