One of the organisers of the first Roxeth show says the event is a 'chance for the community to come together'.

Ian Jones was chairman of the South Harrow and Roxeth Ratepayers Association in 1979 and helped organise the first show, which took place on June 16 that year.

Mr Jones spoke to the Harrow Times ahead of this year’s show, which will be taking place on July 13 and 14 at Roxeth Recreation Ground in South Harrow.

Mr Jones said: “The Roxeth Show really does show the best of Harrow and it is important for the borough that something organised from a grass roots level has continued for all these years.

“After the first show people were coming up to me asking when the next one would be because they enjoyed it so much.

“All of them were very successful but they took a lot of work. As soon as we finished one we had to start planning for the next.

“I think the show is important for everyone and is a chance for the community to come together.

“One thing which was always important to us when we were first organising the shows was to make sure voluntary organisations could have a stall as cheaply as possible and that it was always free to enter.”

The first show was organised as a celebration of the Ratepayers Association’s 50th anniversary and included a shop window display competition of traders in South Harrow, tug-of-war competition and six-a-side football game.

The programme also included a parade with floats, HM Prison dog display, children’s fancy dress competition and a hot air balloon.

Afterwards the Roxeth Show and Carnival Association continued to run the show for 20 years.

But due to falling numbers, in 1999 the association decided to pass organisation of the show to Harrow and Pinner Lions to keep it running.

This year’s event, run by the Harrow and Pinner Lions in partnership with the Harrow Times, will include a schools carnival, a mix of charity, local community and trade stalls and a funfair throughout the weekend .

On the Sunday there will be the annual dog show, with organisers calling for entries for the Best Rescue Dog category.

Those interested in holding a stall at this year’s show or performing can find out more information by emailing organisers at info@roxethshow.co.uk or by visiting www.roxethshow.co.uk