His father H D Higgins was president of the Gloucester AH and P (Agricultural Horticultural and Pastoral) Society for 20 years while his brother Jim was also a long-time committee member.

John, who will officially open the 100th Gloucester Show, is the AH and P Society’s longest serving member. He retired last year after what he thinks was 63 years as a member of the committee.

“I’m fairly certain I joined in 1950. I used to keep a diary and I’ve found back to 1952, but haven’t been able to find 1950 or 1951,” John said.

In his time on the committee John has seen sweeping changes to the showground.

“Almost everything at the showground has been rebuilt during my time on the committee,” he said.

“I remember the years before we put lights up at the showground. The show used to end as soon as it was dark.”

Mr Higgins said the show had moved with the times and now offered a broader program that included a demolition derby, fireworks and freestyle motocross exhibitions.

“I think we’ve still maintained those things that made it such a great show, but certainly from an entertainment 

perspective we’ve tried to move with the times,” he said.

“In days gone by the show was the number one event in the district. It may not be number one today, but it’s still a big event.”

Mr Higgins said 100 shows was a major achievement for all those that had been involved.

“I’m proud we’ve managed to run 100 shows,” he said.

“It’s a great testament to the committee and the community. We’ve endeavoured to make it as attractive an event as possible and the people are still coming.”