A GROUP of people at the North Show yesterday were enjoying the organisers’ lunchtime hospitality and what is shaping up to be an excellent event and Battle of Flowers today. Perhaps inevitably, the future of the island’s three country shows was discussed and how that lies in attracting new supporters and helpers.

One, whose background and training encourages soul-searching, wondered whether the key to a successful future lay in unravelling the purpose of the shows. What, he asked, are they for?

It was a challenging question, but in a non-critical or judgmental manner.

After all, for tens of thousands of islanders over the decades, the South, West and North have simply been there and been a welcome part of the summer calendar. They just are.

But as times change and the challenges of putting them on – just ask the South about that, happily having a renaissance in a different guise – the point about purpose is a valid one.

The shows grew out of different days, when Guernsey was still essentially an agrarian society, with the merchant and entrepot classes largely confined to Town. People lived and worked on the land and there were still hundreds of farmers able to make a living.

Even a generation or so ago, the dominance of horticulture meant growers were able to release a lorry and men to help out at the show because the economy remained rooted in the soil and the rhythms of commerce were not 9 to 5.

While there were many reasons why the shows sprang up, including a desire to show off livestock and produce and to have a good time, the underlying stimulus was simply one of pride.

Three identifiable districts of the island separately decided to invest a lot of time and energy into their home events because they were proud of who they were and what they did. As much as anything, it was a celebration of community and of belonging.

And while the founding fathers of the shows would not recognise Guernsey today, they would still be able to detect that sense of underlying unity  that continues to drive them.

Long may it continue. It’s why the island remains a special place to live.