New President and Charities of the Year 16 Jan

The LAS was formed in 1869, and as a charitable organisation its objectives are to promote and support education, food and farming within the local community. Most well-known for organising the popular Lincolnshire Show, the Society have significantly grown their events calendar since purchasing the land which has become the Lincolnshire Showground over fifty years ago.

Growing up in a long-standing Lincolnshire farming family, Robin's career has been played out as a partner at Jas. Martin & Co, with much involvement in the family business based at Potterhanworth.

Robin has been involved in the Society for over 50 years, originally as a steward from the late 1960's. Later, he became a council member, and more recently acted as Honorary Treasurer from 1995 - 2001, and as Chairman from 2002 - 2004. In the year 2011 - 2012, Robin was also elected as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire.

Discussing his appointment, Robin said: "Having been a part of the Society for so long, it is a huge privilege to be elected President. The Society has gone from strength to strength in recent years and the development of a really successful events business has ensured the future of the Lincolnshire Show, perhaps the best of the traditional agricultural shows, to continue to thrive."

Commenting on the Lincolnshire Show, he added: "The show is a wonderful meeting point for the wide farming community in the county, both socially and for business. It also provides an opportunity for the general public, who come to the show in their thousands, to learn more about the industry."

The 2017 Lincolnshire Agricultural Society's AGM also saw two new Charities of the Year nominated - The Jon Egging Trust (JET), and the RAF Charitable Trust (RAFCT)

As part of the partnership between the Society and its chosen charities, The Jon Egging Trust and RAF Charitable Trust will promote its work at events taking place at the Lincolnshire Showground throughout the year, including at the 2017 Lincolnshire Show on 21 and 22 June.

The Jon Egging Trust was set up in memory of Flt Lt Jon Egging, who lost his life in 2011 during a display with the world-famous Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team 'The Red Arrows', flying in the position of Red 4. The charity recognises Jon's dream of inspiring young people through his love of aviation, teamwork and leadership in all of its work, and delivers accredited learning programmes to increase young people's self-confidence, self-esteem and other vital life and work skills by providing access to inspirational role models and life-changing opportunities linked to aviation, engineering and science.

Sarah Cross, Fundraising Officer at The Jon Egging Trust, said: "The Jon Egging Trust (JET) is delighted to have been selected as Charity of the Year for the Lincolnshire Showground for 2017/18 and look forward to being a part of the prestigious Lincolnshire Show and the Lincolnshire Food and Gift Fair.

"JET's work would not be possible without partnerships such as this, and with the help of the community that surrounds we can support and inspire more young people across Lincolnshire and beyond to be the best they can be."

RAF Charitable Trust Chairman, Air Marshal Sir Kevin Leeson, said: "We're immensely grateful to the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society for nominating us as one of its Charities of the Year. Across the UK and abroad, the trust is making a big difference to the lives of serving personnel and young people, supporting both personal growth and professional development.

"This includes initiatives and projects taking place at RAF stations and Air Cadet squadrons around the county.

"LAS's nomination, together with our plans to stage a new airshow at RAF Scampton in September, ensures that Lincolnshire's links with the Royal Air Force continue to go from strength to strength."