She says that if she could have created her ideal job, it would be the one she has. Karen Dent meets Northumberland County Show secretary Gaynor Shotton and talks apprenticeships, Canadian religious sects and why the one-day show is 11 months in the planning.

CV

1985-90: Kirkley Hall Agri College – farm secretarial course

I was then very lucky to be taken on as a trainee at Egger UK, which sent me to Newcastle College part-time for five years, three years to study business and finance and two years to study Association of Accounting Technicians III, while also working four days per week in various departments gaining valuable experience. (1985 – 1990).

1990-91: year out – travelling around Canada with Young Farmers.

1991-94: Logic Manufacturing – sales and marketing administrator

While working for Logic I also did a year-long, part-time course in farm business management at Kirkley Hall.

1994-98: Newcastle Airport – secretary to the head of air traffic services.

1998-2004: Avantium Technologies – financial administrator.

2004-06 - Links Housing – Financial administrator for youth charity.

2006-present: Tynedale Agricultural Society Secretary. I have done six shows for the society.