Young member gifted with Life Membership to LAS 18 Apr

Contributed by Grace Warwick

On the morning of my 13th birthday, after opening my gifts, my dad handed me a manilla A4 envelope with a card attached to it. I thought I had received all my gifts, so this seemed a bit odd. My dad said, as it was a special birthday - 13 and officially a teenager - he wanted to give me something that would last a lifetime. I thought, what could possibly last a lifetime that came in a manilla envelope?!

When opening the card I quickly scan-read the birthday message, which read: "Your mother and I don't want to see you in the member's bar until you are 21!" Now very excited, I opened the envelope and all became clear... a beautiful certificate with my name, date of my birthday and emblazoned across the front, 'A Life Membership to the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society' - what a wonderful present!

My lifetime membership means that I will receive a member's badge and guest pass for the Lincolnshire Show every year for the rest of my life. I will also receive entry and discounts to other events held at the Lincolnshire Showground and, much to my dad's dismay, notification of discount clothing events, also held in the Epic Centre and Exhibition Hall.

I attend the Lincolnshire Show every year - it's classed as a big deal in our family! Similar to Christmas, the family calendar is marked in the same way (in red pen) for the annual Lincolnshire Show. It's the same for my siblings and grandparents' calendars too! Everybody goes, and everybody has always gone.

My mum was made a life member by her grandfather, Archie Needham, when she was born. This is one of the reasons why my mum and dad decided I should also enjoy the benefits of becoming a young lifetime member.

My family enjoy attending the Lincolnshire Show and other Showground events because we are a farming family and interested in all rural affairs - however the LAS caters for everyone. For example, I like the bee tent, rural crafts and farm machinery stands. My sisters love to shop, Granny the friend-spotting, mum the fly fishing, dad the horses and events in the rings, Grandpa enjoys 'doing that tractor deal' and, lastly, my brother Henry seems to like that member's bar that I'm not allowed in until I reach 21... I might just have to take a peek!

Becoming a member of the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society means that you'll not only be helping to support good causes in agriculture and education across the county, but you will also enjoy a whole host of benefits throughout the year, including entry and exclusive access to the Member's Lawn at the Lincolnshire Show - plus lots more!