THE new president of the Murwillumbah Show Society, Phil Keevers, says he will be focusing on encouraging more members and volunteer workers to make this year's 111th annual Tweed Show the best yet.

Mr Keevers, who was previously president in 1999, 2000 and 2001, heads up a changing of the guard at the show society after the outgoing president Jenny Glasby and a range of other long- term members retired last week.

Among others to call it a day was the only paid executive, show secretary Liz Chauvier, whose job has been taken over by long-time horse exhibitor Sally Halliday.

Mr Keevers, a businessman who lives at Mt Burrell west of Murwillumbah, said yesterday he took on the role simply because no-one else had nominated and he knew he had the experience for the challenges ahead.

“I suppose you could say I've got the experience to put it together,” he said.

“Les Gallard (vice president) is the only person from the old executive still there.”

Mr Keevers praised the work of Mrs Glasby and her husband, Barry, who took on the role of maintaining the showgrounds, mowing the grass for about 400 hours a year as a volunteer.

However he said he doubted he would be “as hands-on” as the Glasbys.

He said the priority of the new executive, which held its first meeting at 6am yesterday, would be to encourage new members.

“One of the things is to create more member benefits,” he said, adding that with free admission members even found it hard to get a car park because of the crowds.

The retirement of the Glasbys last week coincided with other changes, including the decision by farmer Geoff Crosthwaite not to stand again after 34 years.

“It will be the end of an era,” said outgoing secretary Liz Chauvier.