Events, recipes & behind the scenes gossip from the Showground

Back to blog

Filter News

New President for Lincolnshire Agricultural Society 15 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.

Starting his career at Witham Oil & Grease Ltd at just 16, Geoff developed through a variety of roles to become Managing Director, and his two sons are still involved in the privately-owned business today. From a young age, Geoff became involved with agriculture including becoming the first non-farming Chairman of Collingham Young Farmer’s Club and a vital spokesman in the establishing of LAMMA, whilst still serving on the committee until recently.

During his 40 years of service, Geoff saw the business, now known collectively as the Witham Group, honoured with one of only 850 worldwide Royal Warrant’s for supplying lubricants and paints to Her Majesty the Queen. Geoff was awarded the President’s Award from the UK Lubricants Association (UKLA) in 2012 for services to the industry, and although he is now retired, is still involved with various local and parish committees, as well as his new role as President of the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society.

Supporting the local agricultural community has always been important to the Witham Group, and through the business, Geoff has exhibited at the Lincolnshire Show for over 30 years and also provides sponsorship to demonstrate their ongoing support of the Lincolnshire Showground.

On his appointment, Geoff said, “I am extremely proud to become president of the LAS for 2016. After many years of involvement with the Lincolnshire Show, I will hopefully be able to share a broad spectrum of people what a wonderful, informative occasion it is. It’s a showcase of what the county is all about.”

On his plans during presidency, “I will use my term to work with the local education authorities, schools and colleges to ensure local children are encouraged to attend the Lincolnshire Show. I have always maintained that one structured day at the Show will create more interest for a child than a day at school. It’s important for the Society to work closely with schools, organisations and businesses who common vision is to promote the agricultural industry and pursue activities that have a positive effect on our environment and community.”


Geoff at the Lincolnshire Show with Witham Oil and Grease in the 1960's


Geoff at the winning stand at the 2014 Lincolnshire Show

More from this category

Back to blog
The Witham Group helps restore Lancaster bomber
The Witham Group helps restore Lancaster bomber

Work on 'Just Jane', the Avro Lancaster NX611, has been ongoing for several years as part of a £3.5m restoration project with the aim of getting her flying again after 50 years..

05 May
Lincoln to host city-centre half marathon
Lincoln to host city-centre half marathon

The Lincolnshire Showground will set the pace for the city's first half marathon event on 2 October as the race hub, start and finish point.

21 Apr
Lincolnshire Agricultural Society toasts to 150 years
Lincolnshire Agricultural Society toasts to 150 years

More than 250 past, present and future Lincolnshire farmers raised a glass to mark 150 years of the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society last week (7 January) at a celebratory farmers’ lunch, hosted at the Showground.

17 Jan
The Perfect Family-Friendly Sunday! - Countryside Lincs returns this April!
The Perfect Family-Friendly Sunday! - Countryside Lincs returns this April!

Hosted by the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society whose objectives are to educate the County about food, farming, and a sustainable environment. Countryside Lincs does just that with an action-packed day filled with interactive learning experiences, exciting displays, and demonstrations. This memorable and immersive day is a great opportunity to get the whole family together, get outside and celebrate the arrival of spring.

17 Feb
Phase 2 of Woodlands Edge will start early 2018
Phase 2 of Woodlands Edge will start early 2018

Award winning developers Gusto Homes are making preparations to start phase two of their unique development on the edge of the Lincolnshire Showground.

17 Oct
Sunday Funday - all you need to know!
Sunday Funday - all you need to know!

Families can expect a fun-filled day out at Sunday Funday on Sunday 20 September.

08 Sep
Acts of kindness from friends of the Showground
Acts of kindness from friends of the Showground

We've seen so many amazing acts of kindness in the last few weeks to help the current Coronavirus situation, and no matter how big or small, anything helps!

27 Mar

Get the latest from The Showground