Bad weather has washed away hopes across the county of agricultural, equestrian and other outdoor events taking place as planned.

It may not be a problem confined to Monmouthshire, but the poor summer is taking its toll on the county, with the cancellation of countless shows and summer events.

The most recent and biggest faller is the cancellation of Chepstow Show.

It was announced last Friday (13th July) after a meeting among committee members, that the show, due to be held in Crick on 11th August, should be abandoned this year.

"The crops on the fields have not been cut and the farmer doesn't foresee being able to do this in the near future. We had to think long term and under recommendation cancel the show," said show secretary Sarah Davies.

"Cancelling will hopefully mean that the 2013 show will go ahead. We have lost between £5,000 and £10,000 of gate money, but we could have been in more deficit if we had gone ahead and paid contracts."

Profit from the show would have gone into the running of next year's event.

"A lot of work has already gone into the day, but it is just another show having to cancel. It is happening all around the country, it seems that every day one is cancelled."

Commenting on the neighbouring town's predicament, Anna Williams, show secretary for the Monmouthshire Show, said: "We sympathise with Chepstow Show and others in this position but our show has plenty of fairly durable ground and we only foresee the show going ahead.

"The rain has dampened everyone's spirits but we intend to put on a full day of entertainment."

Comforting words for show-goers in Monmouth, a view shared by Usk and Trellech shows.

"We hope the weather will pick up by the time of the show [18th September]," said Trellech show secretary Ann Jones.

"Whether or not we are able to go ahead is governed by the weather, and if the farmer is able to get his crops up from the fields.

"We are hopeful for now and going ahead with preparations," she said.

Secretary for Usk show, Fiona Jackson, said: "We just hope the rain doesn't affect the show.

For the full story, see this week's Beacon (18th July).