Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall pictured last week with Ashford Showground Trust members discussing the new funding, David Thompson (Chairman), left, Adam Marshall, Gilbert Fitzhannim and Bill Irwin.
THE Ashford Showground Trust will soon be installing more portable seating for spectators around the main arena after receiving a $12,380 grant from the NSW Government, according to Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall.
Mr Marshall visited the showground again last week to make the funding announcement and discuss future plans for the grounds with members of the Ashford Showground Trust.
He said the grant was part of more than $413,000 funding the Northern Tablelands had received under the latest round of the NSW Public Reserve Management Fund (PRMF).
“The grant for Ashford showground will be used by the Trust to purchase portable grandstands which will seat an extra 40 to 50 patrons,” Mr Marshall said.
“The Ashford Show is great community event and having been the last two years I can vouch for the fact it’s extremely well supported by locals and visitors alike.
“The Trust will also be replacing some of the old wooden arena fence with steel and wire fencing. This has been an ongoing project and they don’t have much more to go before the whole fence has been renewed.
Mr Marshall said that last year the Trust received funding from the government to erect shade sails over the stock holding yards and in other areas around the grounds.
“The Ashford Show is a great family event and I’m always pleased to be able to help secure funding for these small but very important community projects,” he said.
“Showgrounds are wonderful assets that are highly valued by local communities and it is vital the State Government continues to financially support the management boards that are entrusted with their maintenance.”
Ashford Showground Trust Chairman David Thompson welcomed the funding support and said the portable grandstands and fencing were essential improvements to the showground.
“We’ve wanting to provide more seating for our patrons for a while now, the show is well attended and these two new grandstands will be very welcome,” Mr Thompson said.
“We appreciate Mr Marshall’s support, we’ve received a few grants through the PRMF and it all goes a long way,” he said.