The countdown to show time is on.

This year, Dorset County Show, to be held from September 1 to 2, at Dorchester showground, celebrates its 178th year.

It was formed in 1840, the year that Thomas Hardy was born, Cunard Ships launched a transatlantic Shipping Line and the Penny Black Stamp came out.

And the show is proof that from small beginnings come great things.

A group of local farmers advertised the first Annual Exhibition on August 6 1840; forming The Dorchester Agricultural Society.

The Dorchester Agricultural Society, which runs the show, is the oldest in the county. The first show took place in 1840 in Exhibition Field, Kingston Maurward, not far from the current showground.

Agriculture was very important in Dorset and around this time more than 300 people in the county town worked in farming. Competition from the northern mills amid the start of the Industrial Revolution was still only a threat for the county.

Newspapers from 1854 highlight advertisements showcasing the show. G. J. Andrews, then Hon Secretary, writes: “The annual exhibition of cattle and stock of this Society will take place at Dorchester on Thursday August 31 instant, on which day the annual dinner will be provided at the Antelope Hotel, Dorchester at 5 o’clock, where the premiums for stock, silver cups and other premiums awarded during the past year will be distributed.”

As the years went by, the show moved from a half day event on a Thursday afternoon to a one day and then more recently to a weekend show. As Weymouth Avenue in Dorchester developed, the show moved to Came Farm under the watchful eye of Major Martin.

His widow, Mrs Martin remembers her husband coming home to tell her the news: “He said, “Don’t worry, the show won’t last long – one bad day’s weather and it will be bankrupt.”

“But we never had a bad day in 25 years and I remember my husband presenting the long service awards in 1990.”

In 1968 Dorchester Show was held on a Saturday for the first time in 128 years - widening its appeal.

An article in the Bridport News on August 30 1968 said: "This break with tradition has come about as a result of a realisation on the part of society members that there must be a fusion of interest between town and country dwellers if the show is to be kept alive in these days of mounting costs.

"No longer can the show afford to be something which appeals particularly to the agricultural community. It must widen its interest to embrace the urban dwellers and this members have sought to do by providing a comprehensive range of attractions for family entertainment."

The report says 'an army of workmen has been engaged on erecting the miniature township in Major Nigel Martin's Came Park in readiness for the show'.

It adds: "There are semi-permanent buildings, giant marquees and the grandstands already up."

We also learn that the show made a small profit of £200 after 'two unfortunate losses' last year and it was hoped that year a profit of £2,000 would be made.

A new innovation for that year was ringside parking - members felt it would be welcomed by families who take their cars along to the show and wished to picnic near the ringside.

Today the show is still mainly run by farming families and those with an interest in farming, horticulture, food and the countryside. Competitions bring out the best from the area to challenge for the cups, trophies and awards.

Food and drink are abundant in all corners of the showground, entertainment is laid on and it becomes one big social event for Dorchester and Dorset; nothing really has changed!

Get in touch with your Dorchester Show memories.