JOURNAL 2015/16 Front Cover Pre-Show Press Day 2015.
David Mouland and his single trade turnout.
Welcome to the Journal
here is a real energy around the Society at the moment and I believe that you Twill find the Journal an invaluable document to keep you up to date with all the exciting developments and positive changes that are cementing our reputation as England’s leading agricultural show and events organiser. We are continuing to issue the Journal in the depths of winter so that you can reflect on all those glorious summer images from 2015 and have time to absorb news about what you can expect at next year’s Royal Bath & West Show. We like to hear from members and readers, so please do email me with short anecdotes or interesting stories about your experiences at any of the events on the showground at [email protected] Rupert Uloth Hon. Editor
Hon. Editor: Rupert Uloth Managing Editor: Paul Hooper OBE Co-ordinating Editor: Julie Kitching Designed by: Fielder Design Printed by: Philtone Litho Limited Contents President 2015/16 2 Regenerations & Development 36
Chairman’s review 3 The Hills to Levels Project 37
Chief Executive’s report 6 B&W Enterprises 38
Royal Bath & West Show 2015 10 The Society Board of Trustees 40
2015 entries 13 President, Chairman, Vice-Presidents, The Bath & West Showground, Showing sheep… a judge’s view 14 Members of Council 41 Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 6QN Champions of the RB&W show 17 Trustees, Other Officials, Charity Number: 1039397 Permanent Staff, Life Governors 42 Draining the Levels 20 Company Number: 02931640 Royal Bath & West of England Show Grassland UK 2015 22 Stewards 43 Bath & West food and drink 2016 26 Royal Bath & West of England Society Stewards Q&A 28 Standing Committees, Show Committees 44
South Devon National Show 2015 31 Royal Bath & West of England Society The Society’s Bristol Show of 1931 32 Specialist Committees/Boards 46
The Dairy Show 2015 34 Acknowledgments 47
BCA Judges.
The Wessex RFCA and their guests enjoy superb views of the show jumping in the main ring. Floral art display.
www.bathandwest.com Journal 2016 1 President 2015/16 Michael Eavis CBE
ichael Eavis, the founder of MGlastonbury Festival and Gold Cup Winning Dairy Farmer, is the new President of the Royal Bath & West of England Society.
It has been a great privilege to be part of the team for a year…
He took over the reins from Joint Presidents Lord and Lady Fellowes of West Stafford at the Society’s Council meeting at the Bath & West showground on Thursday 16 July 2015. Handing over their presidential badge of office, Lord and Lady Fellowes commented: “It has been a great privilege to be part of the team for a year, which has been an enormous pleasure. We have met wonderful people and have viewed the very best of great British agriculture and food. We wish this, one of the oldest agricultural societies in Britain, the very best for the future and we know that, with Michael at the helm, we leave it in safe hands.” Michael Eavis said “I am very much looking forward to the next year as President of The Royal Bath & West Society. I have fond memories of coming to the Blues Festival at the Showground and also the Bath & West Show. Being a dairy farmer I am looking forward to the Dairy Show in October”.
Michael Eavis receives his badge of office from Lord and Lady Fellowes, the outgoing Presidents..
2 Journal 2016 www.bathandwest.com Robert Drewett DL, Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Chairman’s review
hen you received last year’s Rupert has been quick to focus on the four key Review we were getting ready to areas of the Society’s operations – its shows, its W Sheep shearing in full flow. welcome Rupert Cox as our new Chief trading activities, its development plans and its charitable activities and to align resources to Executive. A year on I am glad to report these areas. that we have had no reason to regret busy year our decision – under the onslaught of 2015 was a busy year for the Shows team, Rupert’s unabated enthusiasm and drive since we staged Grassland UK in May. This the Society already feels a very different event only occurs every third year but is organisation to that he joined. an opportunity to show the best of grass management machinery and techniques in operation. Alan Lyons and Rachael …this has resulted in Hann worked hard with the Grassland UK Committee, led by Richard Calver and David A prize winning egg exhibit. some significant changes Sedgman, to lay on a first class event. A wet day the day before did not help preparations having been detained in London, and she took and innovation during but the day itself dawned bright and sunny, great interest in all the demonstrations and and continued to improve. A good crowd exhibits. As ever, such an event would not be the year. attended what is, effectively, a trade fair possible without the support of neighbouring and the traders and manufacturers were all farmers, and a particular thank you to Carrie Rupert has taken to the position like a positive. Amongst those attending was one of Dunford, on whose farm the bulk of the event duck to water. He feels a genuine passion our Presidents, Emma Fellowes, Julian sadly takes place. for the Society and, when coupled with first big test his background of farming and business The highlight of the Society’s year remains leadership, this has resulted in some the four days at the end of May. This was significant changes and innovation during Rupert’s first big test and he and the team did the year. So please forgive me if I spend some not disappoint. Between them they laid on a time to focus on Rupert – but I think that first class show with a large number of people is appropriate as I look back at his first year commenting on the quality way in which the in office. showground was presented. This attention to Rupert’s first task was to get to know his staff. detail was matched elsewhere in the content He spent time learning the role of each staff of the Show, where Alan Lyons and his team member. On the back of this he has re-defined delivered some first class competitions and many of the roles so that there is greater logic exhibits. It was pleasing that their hard work to them and a greater focus. This has meant was rewarded with good crowds. The Show some re-distribution of activities, where this year was celebrating 50 years at Shepton historic anomalies had arisen, but these have and was also the start of a trend to revitalise been achieved with the full support of the the showground and the activities carried staff and it is clear to me, on my visits to the out on it. I am very aware that what might Society’s offices, that there is a renewed spring have served in 1965 may no longer be so in the steps of all of the members of the team. relevant and hence why we have started a It was Rupert and the staff who planned the programme of reviewing and re-planning makeover of the offices, so that these are parts of the showground. In some cases these now much lighter and more airy than before, moves are quite radical, but after 50 years helped in part by the dictate that accumulated some refreshing is needed. We are mindful of paperwork should either be binned or sent the adage of not fixing those things that are not to the attic. This has meant some desk tops broke, but equally we believe that the time is have seen the light of day for the first time in right for a full review of the way in which we many years. run our Show. continued overleaf
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HRH The Countess of Wessex with the hamper presented to her, to mark her 50th Birthday.
The Presidents open the show. And, as ever, the year culminated with them, with new roofs being fitted to both another successful Dairy Show. As well as the Mendip and Sedgemoor buildings. I can being attended by ever more trade stands and remember these buildings being erected soon visitors, one highlight is the Dairy Industry after the Society moved to Shepton Mallet Dinner, which takes place on the eve of the and so they have given good service. The Show. This year it was marvellous that a group new roofs will ensure that those renting the of local producers and processors should have buildings can enjoy a dry space – not an overly joined together to sponsor the evening – now demanding requirement but one that has been one of the highlights of the dairy industry. We challenging for the last few years. At the same are extremely grateful to them for taking the time the electrical substation has been over lead in this way. hauled and new boilers have been installed development programme in the Showering Pavilion to complement the existing bio mass boilers, so that in colder One of the reasons for this review is because months we can offer a building that is warm. we have, this year, seen the first step in the development programme materialise. This These improvements in infrastructure have has been on the cards for some time, but this been matched by a much greater focus on year the first 5 acre plot has been let on a long marketing of the facilities. Our new Chief lease, for the creation of a new free school. Executive is a natural marketer and he has Combined with a renewed and healthy been driving this initiative, alongside a team interest in commercial enquiries there is a real from within the office who share these skills possibility of further development occurring and aspirations. The showground remains a New Chief Executive Rupert Cox finds the music and this has necessitated the re-planning of the unique facility within the South West and we on the main square irresistible. equine area. I have been cheered by just how are confident that ample opportunities exist, enthusiastic individual committees have been but these need to be correctly targeted. in tackling this project and would thank all of charitable activities them for the open minded and positive way in The final quartile has been the charitable which they have approached the changes that activities of the Society. To date these have will inevitably occur. been slightly disparate and these have now all In terms of the Society’s out of show activities, been drawn together into a single committee, run by our Enterprises Board, there has long under the chairmanship of David Wills. This been a recognition that our buildings were will help pull together much of the excellent becoming old and in need of attention. This work that has been done in the past. A good year the nettle has been grasped to improve example is the work of the Somerset Levels Society and Company Secretary Paul Hooper receiving a memento from the joint Presidents following his award of the OBE in HM the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
4 Journal 2016 www.bathandwest.com Development Fund, under the chairmanship of Edwin White. As the work of this fund draws to a natural conclusion it is hoped that the Committee will find other areas on which to focus, where we can provide levels of thought and leadership akin to those espoused by the founders of the Society some 238 years ago. The drive to raise funds for the SLDF culminated at a reception in London at which we were honoured to be joined by our Vice Patron. As ever it was a great pleasure to see Her Royal Highness and she wasted no time in bringing herself up to date on the activities of the SLDF and in meeting the many representatives of the Show jumping in the main arena. organisations supporting us on the project who I have talked much about Rupert in this article in seeing as many of the activities taking place were present. The reception took place at the – indeed probably too much. The reality is on the showground and meeting as many London Museum of Water and Steam at Kew that, as ever, none of these achievements and people as possible whilst, in Emma’s case, – not perhaps an obvious tourist destination activities would be possible without the hard never passing by the opportunity for a little but a monument to the incredible engineering work both of the permanent staff and the vast retail therapy. There was universal agreement talent of the Victorians and well worth a visit team of volunteers. Each is equally important that they were a memorable combination and if you should ever find yourself in that part of and thanks are due in equal measure to all a great credit to the Society, and we are very London with time on your hands. who contribute to the success of the Society. grateful to them for all that they did during thought provoking At risk, therefore, of singling any individuals their year in office. That was, in fact, the second time that we saw out, there are a couple of mentions that are Lastly, we were sorry to say goodbye to two our Vice Patron this year. I was invited to take needed. members of the Board during the year. Firstly Rupert up to Bagshot for a briefing meeting The first is of our Society Secretary, Paul Annie Maw, who as she took up the post of relatively soon after he joined. As ever this was Hooper. We were all absolutely delighted Lord Lieutenant of Somerset – an appointment a lively and thought provoking experience and to read of the award to Paul of the OBE in that we were delighted to see – decided that helped our new Chief Executive to appreciate the Queen’s Birthday Honours list, a great she needed to step back from some of her that we are fortunate in having a Vice Patron other commitments; and secondly Ewen that takes a keen and perceptive interest in our testament to his long years of tireless service affairs. He came away with plenty of matters both to the Society and the ASAO, and the Cameron, who, after many years of service, is to consider. opportunity was taken at our Council meeting in the process of starting to wind down and in July to celebrate his achievement. to reduce some of his many commitments. Our trip coincided with our Vice Patron In both cases we have been very lucky to celebrating her 50th birthday and we were able worked tirelessly benefit from their wise advice over the years to deliver a hamper filled with West Country The second is to our Presidents last year, Julian and are grateful to them for all that they have produce in order to mark the occasion, all and Emma Fellowes. Both worked tirelessly contributed to the society’s affairs. generously provided by our many friends throughout the year and injected enormous and supporters within the region. Her Royal enthusiasm, wit and style into everything that So, looking back, 2015 has been an exciting Highness was absolutely delighted to have they did. This came to the fore during the four year. Much has happened and I hope that it such a tangible link to Wessex to celebrate her days of the Show, when they appeared never heralds the start of a new and exciting phase birthday, as shown by the photo that appears to stop. As well as introducing a string of in the history of the Society. Thank you for your elsewhere in this Journal. celebrities to the Society they were assiduous continued support.
www.bathandwest.com Journal 2016 5 Rupert Cox, Chief Executive
Chief Executive’s report The chance of a lifetime t hardly seems possible, but my first Iyear as the Chief Executive of the Royal Bath & West of England Society has now concluded – where has the time gone, as it seems only yesterday when I bounded into the offices and thought I could “change” a 238 year organisation overnight! I could not have been more proud when our Chairman, Robert Drewett, offered me the chance of a lifetime to lead such an iconic institution, and I hope that in my first year I have been able to demonstrate what a good decision it was for both of us! Winners of the inaugural Mendip Business Awards. pew at Church, or the same seat at the rugby; good progress …to evolve this great and we know where everything is at the In his report elsewhere in the Journal, the Show. However, if you always do what you’ve Chairman sets out a number of areas where organisation into a well always done, you will only ever have what we have made good progress, so I will just you’ve got, but in business, that will result in set out my philosophy for how I think our managed, financially stagnation. During the interviewing process charitable Society should do business. By for the role in October 2014, I suggested simplifying our thinking we have instantly that to move the Society forward we needed viable charity… become more focussed and as the 2015 evolution, not revolution, and while at accounts will demonstrate, financially more times it might have seemed like the latter to If we are honest, none of us likes “change”: successful. some, for me it is trying to evolve this great we all have the same thing for breakfast, organisation into a well managed, financially usually at the same time; we sit in the same Our Society has 4 strings to its bow – its viable charity that delivers its charitable charitable activities, its wonderful Shows, its objectives with confidence and pride. I think Showground and the opportunities brought we have made a good start. about by the Development Plan. Simply put, the net trading surpluses from our Shows and Showground should feed the charity so that it, in turn, can invest in projects that deliver the charitable objectives – the encouragement of Agriculture, Manufacture, Commerce and Rural Crafts through education and knowledge transfer. The capital released by selling land for commercial development will provide investment to improve the infrastructure and building stock on the Showground. Let’s keep life as simple as possible. Many of the highlights this year have revolved around our people and how proud we should be of them. Paul Hooper collects his OBE. Hands on at Farming for the Family.
6 Journal 2016 www.bathandwest.com The sheep dog trial in the main ring. Orchards and Cider exhibits. career imagine which culminated in them agreeing him to become the Head of Shows. Paul has The staff, Trustees and company Directors and core values for the Society being: Honesty been with the Society “man and boy” starting our wonderful throng of volunteers make our and Integrity; Loyalty and Respect; Excellence in 1977 in the accounts team and working Society what it is today. I make no apology and Pride; Creativity and Innovation. himself up to the role of administrator, although I could not quite work out what for placing the staff at the front of the list as While it is never great to see people leave an that meant, so I asked him to become Society they live and breathe the Society, the Shows organisation, it has been a joy to welcome Secretary. As with the Head of Shows, this and the Showground every day of their lives some new faces who I know will add great gives due respect to the skills and experience and for them it is their career, not their hobby. skill, experience and enthusiasm to our that Paul brings to our Society, and I was so working environment. We all gathered on a dark February winter’s proud when his “services to the agricultural day for a typical “away day” of team bonding, promotions show” were rewarded with the OBE. I but in just four hours we all got to know one I was particularly pleased to give promotions would not want to move on from the Senior another in more detail than they could ever to both Alan Lyons and Paul Hooper. Management without noting the contribution of our Financial Controller, Dave Stitch. Alan has been our show manager for a Being a naturally cautious accountant, he has number of years, but I felt that this title did been the perfect foil for my over enthusiasm not do his experience, knowledge and and we could not have achieved much of responsibility justice which is why I asked what we have done without his steady hand on the budgetary tiller and his beady eyes on the bank accounts. continued overleaf
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Bronze exhibit from the Art Section.
Sports Village. Farming for the Family. patience and realism • staying focussed on the business plan; Village, the highly popular Imagineering and Our Trustees and company Directors have • putting the expectations of our customers the re-emergence of both Horticulture and the responsibility for running our businesses first; more farm machinery made the Show one to (Society, Bath & West Shows Ltd and Bath & • being robust on how we do business remember – especially with our effervescent West Enterprises Ltd) and this year they have particularly cost management; and engaging Joint-Presidents, Lord and Lady been mentally taxed more than might have • considering where the income will come Fellowes leading the way down every avenue. from to justify expenditure; happened in the past. I know that I have “bull Our 2016 Show will feature some layout in a china shop” tendencies, so I have really • recruiting the correct skills and experience to deliver our aspirations. changes, a new emphasis on local food, an appreciated not just their support, but also increase in street theatre and entertainment, their patience and realism. These volunteers, Our volunteers are the key to our success. and for the first time in 50 years, a full led by the three respective Chairmen, Robert Working with over 500 of them from girl programme of livestock showing classes on Drewett, John Alvis and Richard Calver have guides running around with bits of paper, all 4 days, culminating in the Grand Parade all been hugely supportive of what I am trying through to stewards at the Shows maintaining on the Saturday afternoon. We hope that it to achieve through the new business plan. order, through to the sage-like Council, will epitomise the character of our President, Entitled “Building for a Sustainable Future” we are a diverse flock all of whom make a Michael Eavis CBE – great at farming with a the plan is all about consolidating what we fantastic contribution to the Society’s success, penchant for the festival atmosphere. have, getting our buildings and infrastructure and even when the heat is turned up high, we up to standard, growing our commercial all get stuck in together. Finally, there are two projects that have gained some momentum in the last few months of activities including our Shows and making innovative features the business more resilient. 2015 that I believe will put the Society on the Naturally, the highlight of my year was to map for different reasons. We can achieve this by: lead the 2015 Royal Bath & West Show. Just • valuing and respecting our volunteers; under 10,000 competitive entries admired stimulate debate • maintaining our “Royal” status; by some 132,000 visitors together with Firstly, I am very keen that we refer back to • doing what we do best even better; innovative features such as the new Sports the thoughts of our founders back in 1777
8 Journal 2016 www.bathandwest.com Go away, I am having a snooze! Farm Woman of the Year Lesley Bowes is presented with her award by Lady Fellowes. and consider how we can demonstrate to solve mutual problems through research affection innovation in how we encourage agriculture and development. I am very clear however, that I will not take and food production. On the back of DEFRA Secondly, I am conscious that while we the Society in a direction that puts it at either identifying our showground as a Food have a number of buildings, none of them financial or reputational risk, as we all hold Enterprise Area I am keen to bring forward offer a quality environment for conferences, the Society in such affection that it would be an Agri-tech and Food Innovation Centre exhibitions, award ceremonies, weddings folly to prejudice its future. where we can support individuals into land- or “black tie” dinners. With this in mind we In closing, I would like to thank everyone based careers, small food businesses develop are undertaking feasibility work to assess the who has welcomed and supported me during their products for larger markets and stimulate justification for such an investment before we 2015 and I look forward to us working debate for farmers to work collectively consider how to fund such a project. together in 2016 and beyond.
Lord Fellowes addresses the society reception on the Wednesday evening of the show.
www.bathandwest.com Journal 2016 9 Alan Lyons, Head of Shows.
Royal Bath & West Show 2015
he 2015 Royal Bath & West TShow lived up to its billing of showcasing Great British Agriculture, Entertainment, Food and Drink.
…record advance ticket sales with bumper crowds each day.
England’s only four day agricultural Show had entries from around the country for its cattle, cider and cheese classes. In fact, not only were there high numbers of entries with record breaking figures for the Poultry section, but also there were more trade stands than previous years plus record advance ticket sales with bumper crowds each day. Shepton Mallet The 152nd Show marked 50 years at the Shepton Mallet Showground which became Mrs & Mrs Alford’s British Limousin, Foxhillfarm Jasper. a permanent base for the Society in 1965 has been a true showcase of Great British after being a touring Show. Agriculture, Entertainment, Food and Drink. It was the first as Chief Executive for Rupert “It embraced our heritage as well as looking Cox, who said: “I am immensely proud of all forward to the future and I was delighted to that has been achieved at the 2015 Show; it have the opportunity to speak to so many of our visitors and members and discuss ideas for continuing to make this the best possible Show of its kind. “I must pay tribute to the staff, the volunteers, the exhibitors and sponsors whose hard work and dedication have made the Show such a success.” good formula Alan Lyons, Head of Shows, said: “It has been fantastic and I am pleased that everybody bought into the concept of the change in layout, reduced ticket prices and working hard on the trade stands. It seems to have been a good formula and there has been a tremendous atmosphere over the four days. “The areas we opened up for people to sit in, The Ladies’ Day winner Pam Norris, Shoeing in progress. judged by Miss Bristol.
10 Journal 2016 www.bathandwest.com eat and relax have been so well used that it would seem people have found new areas of the Show to visit.” thousands of hands Joint presidents for this year were Lord and Lady Fellowes who shook hundreds, if not thousands of hands, as they toured trade stands, cattle lines, attended receptions and presented awards across all four days of the Show. Lord Fellowes said: “The Show was a celebration of country life for which we feel immensely privileged to have played a part.” Lady Fellowes added: “We have had such a wonderful time and met so many lovely people both visiting and trading or involved Pig judging. in displays at the Show. It is difficult to identify a favourite but I particularly enjoyed Farmer’s wife Lesley Bowes scooped the the falconry and sheep shearing.” Show’s Farm Woman of the Year Award. Lesley, from Chewton Keynsham in There were awards aplenty as Long Service Somerset, was nominated by 17 different was recognised as well as special ones people which joint judge Lady Fellowes Lady Fellowes admires the Floral Art exhibits. this year for those who have played a part in said was an indication of the high esteem in the Show since it moved to Shepton Mallet which she was held. Next year’s show takes place – in 1965. 1-4 June 2016 Meanwhile the Ladies’ Day winner for best dressed was named as Pam Norris, from Frome, whose practical yet stylish outfit was praised by judge Miss Bristol, Meg Abernethy-Hope. continued overleaf
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The 2015 show. breed history A Murray Grey cow made breed history by winning a British interbreed beef championship for only the second time on record. The cow, Ashrose Rita, comes from the Ashrose Herd, owned by the late Michael Rosenberg CBE. The herd manager at Pencoed Farm, Carmarthenshire is Wendy Finucane. Reserve was Laity Farms champion South Devon bull, Z Polkinghorne Indiana, who also beat off competition from 112 other South Devon cattle to win the Herd Book Society’s National Show. Muscovy duck More than 550 birds competed for the prestigious Poultry Club Royal Championship Show with a chocolate and white Muscovy duck taking the honours. Owned by Michael Jackson from St Austell, Cornwall, he also won the championship and reserve championship prizes. 1965 the first show on the permanent showground at Shepton Mallet.
12 Journal 2016 www.bathandwest.com Victoria and Simon Baxter, who grow apples and make cider at Longburton, near Sherborne, were the surprise winners of 2015 entries the British Cider Championship with their dry bottled cider. They beat more than 600 other ciders to the blue riband of cider competitions at Orchard and Cider. 774 394 Farmhouse Cider The Champion British Farmhouse Cider was Cattle Pigs also made in the West Country with the title won by Denis France, of Handmade Cider, who has been making cider commercially at 1,730 Slaughterford, near Chippenham for just five 1,306 years. The Red Devils drop in. The Coopers’ Trophy for Craftsmanship in the Cider industry went to the writer and Horse & Ponies Sheep cider historian, James Crowden, for what Orchards and Cider Chairman, Anthony Gibson, described as his “craftsmanship with words”. 181 1,164 And the British Cheese Awards featured an array of cheese from across the country with the Supreme Champion named as Barkham Goat Poultry & Eggs Blue Two Hoots Cheese from Berkshire and Ferret racing. the Reserve White Lake Cheese from Somerset. 401 981
Bees & Honey Cheese
276 180
Show Jumping Shoeing & Iron
570 341
Cider Art
he sheer number and the variety Tof competitive entries are what makes the Royal Bath & West Show so special. As these figures demonstrate there is no shortage of produce and animals of all shapes and sizes vying for glory over the Alice Newth – with her Supreme Champion pig. four days. Elaborately feathered cockerels have their place, alpacas are now established and horses have their own area but it is the traditional farm animals that are still out in force and maintain the show’s reputation as the centre of agricultural excellence. www.bathandwest.com Journal 2016 13 Ever wondered what the judge is thinking when he looks at a sheep? Experienced show judge Richard Weir spills the beans… Showing sheep… ou can’t all be champions but Yyour turn may come. The Sheep world awaits for you to produce that product which will hit the headlines – can you produce it?
… each judge has different priorities as to their perfect animal.
The summer show season produces many winners and champions hoping to impress potential customers to purchase their stock whether it be other breeders or the actual housewife. Having judged in seven different countries I am always amazed how the standard of stock and preparation varies from country to country. In the UK hours are spent preparing the sheep, but in New Zealand the sheep come straight out of the field, not even halter broken. There the exhibitors are not allowed near the sheep when the judging is in progress – the steward just opens and shuts the gate.
2006 Champion Animal All Livestock – National Rare Breeds Survival Trust Show – Malvern. great pride I try to examine each sheep with the same There is no doubt that the UK exhibitors amount of time. Each exhibitor has paid take great pride in the preparation and their entry fee and expects to be properly presentation of their stock as a result of inspected. I then assess each sheep’s breed which we have to thoroughly inspect and characteristics and handle them thoroughly handle each entry. Inevitably each judge has throughout. Each sheep is then walked 3-5 different ideas as to what makes the perfect yards away from me and then back to their animal. original position. What the judges look for… The thorough handling and inspection of the Myself I pay great importance to the walking sheep needs to be the same for each exhibit. ability of each exhibit. Upon entering the I start with the head – inspect for breed judging ring I ask for each animal to be walked character, then the teeth and feel whether towards me and away from me individually. they are correctly positioned onto the upper I then line them up approximately 2-3 feet jaw – they definitely must not protrude past apart, facing up hill if possible. the pad and not more than ¼ inch back from Richard Weir and his wife with their 1st Prize Lamb 1963.
14 Journal 2016 www.bathandwest.com a judge’s view the edge. This is very essential because if the Richard Weir judging grazing is short in a dry time the animal will at the Melbourne have to spend more time to obtain enough Show, Australia 2006. fodder for its daily needs. Note the short tails! winner I then select what I consider to be the most suitable winner and send it forward approximately 3-5 yards to the top left hand side of the judging ring – I then send forward the 2nd and 3rd and then 4th and 5th. I never change my mind once they are pulled forward, first will stay first and the other exhibitors still in the line up always seem quite happy, as no one is last in the class and they come into the next class eager to get into the final line up. The steward takes your exhibitor number and awards you the prize card, rosette and in some cases a voucher for your prize money. horns or buds I generally feel in the polled and hornless breed to check whether there are any small horns or buds – this is not always successful, as the older exhibitors will remove them before the show with a pair of pliers!
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outline breeds at least ten crimps per inch. The wool Coming to the shoulders they must be neatly structure must be the same throughout and set in and not protruding from the general definitely not curly on the outside of the outline of the body. Heavy shoulders usually hind legs. lead to a more difficult lambing and I was each corner once told by an old shepherd, now long When standing behind the sheep the four gone, that a leg back at lambing means legs must be on each corner of the body, that the lamb is too big in the shoulders or being straight down and the hock joints must the ewe is lacking in minerals. Going back not be pointing inwards and the feet must through the body, the top line must be level, be directly under the leg and must not be with the ribs well sprung so that the adult too long in the fetlock joint – in other words sheep has plenty of capacity for her daily the leg, fetlock joint and feet should be near food needs. enough in a straight line when viewed from the side. Coming to the rear end there must be plenty of length and width from the hip bones to With correct leg and feet structure there will the tail head and it must not slope from the be less foot trimming for the owner and the hip. Quite obviously the more area here, the sheep should be more likely to last more easier it should be for the ewe to deliver her years before culling. lamb. The wool is still important – it must be first show 1985 Royal Bath & West Show. the same length throughout – the more fibres After having inspected all the sheep I then awarded. Whilst the judging is in progress per inch the better and in the shortwool ask the steward how many prizes are to be make your sheep stand square and watch the judge – do not talk to the other exhibitors or wave to someone who is watching from outside of the ring. For your first show, I suggest you enter at a one day show to get to know the procedures and to be able to compare your sheep against other exhibitors. It is the usual practice for the judge to walk around the lines afterwards, so don’t be afraid to ask him how you can improve your sheep for the next show.
Richard Weir’s father judging in 1953. Richard Weir winning Reserve All Breeds, 1973.
16 Journal 2016 www.bathandwest.com A selection of many of the Championship awards at the 2015 Royal Bath & West Show.
of the Champions Royal Bath & West Show Continental Pairs Championship Exhibitor: JN & LP Dun
How long have you been showing? 8 years. Why do you do it? We use it as a form of advertising, to let people see the type of animals we are producing to sell. Explain what it takes to prepare for a show. A lot of time, care and attention to detail. Washing, grooming, clipping, handling, maintaining high standards of health/bio security. Can you share any secrets or tips? Dedication, care and kindness and to put your animals first. Describe what it felt like to win. It’s a great feeling to win, a huge amount of satisfaction knowing that all our hard work has paid off, and to see that the animals we believe in and love are showing the qualities not only to us but to the judges as well.
Gold Award – Maddens Mellow Cider Exhibitor: Armagh Cider Company
How long have you been showing? We have key as we like to keep our customers fully been displaying at the Bath & West Show for up to date with what we are doing, what three years. products are coming out to the market and Why do you do it? Bath & West Show is what awards we have won. England’s biggest celebration of rural life Can you share any secrets or tips? so there is no better place to showcase As Northern Ireland’s longest established our product range. It’s an impressive cider producer we tend to keep the tricks show at Shepton Mallet and we thrive on of our trade under wraps. We have been showcasing our products among the 500+ producing ciders, apple juices and vinegars other cider producers who participate. The from our County Armagh farm for 10 West Country is renowned for being cider years now and we are proud to have our country so we are honoured to showcase own bottling facility. Our experience in what County Armagh orchards can produce. the production of well presented County Explain what it takes to prepare for a show. Armagh ciders and juices continues to Ensuring we as a family choose the right strengthen. ciders, juices and vinegars to showcase. A Describe what it felt like to win. lot of thought goes into which ciders we This Gold award for Maddens Mellow put in for an award. As a small family run Cider reflects the success of our growth and team we not only bottle for ourselves – we popularity among cider drinkers who want bottle for other companies too so planning something artisan and totally unique. Our for show means we must plan resources team were delighted to have won this year carefully. Marketing, branding and PR is also and we look forward to next year. continued overleaf
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Supreme Championship Beef Exhibitor: Otter & Co
How long have you been showing? We have been showing Murray Greys since 1992. Why do you do it? Ultimately as a shop window for our stock and to promote the breed. But we absolutely love the whole experience of showing and everything it involves. Explain what it takes to prepare for a show. Lots of hard work! You tend to pick out the show team in January and the preparation begins then. But training of yearling cattle starts at weaning in November. Many hours of hard work are involved in producing a show team – we bring 9 animals out to most shows. Can you share any secrets or tips? Not really a secret but it is attention to detail and turning out your team to the highest standard you can. Put the work in at home before the show and all will go a lot more smoothly on the day when it counts. Describe what it felt like to win. The feeling of winning a Supreme Championship is awesome! My daughter and I were over the moon and we remained on a high for weeks. It was fantastic and so wonderful for a minority breed to win at such a great agricultural show. Waterfowl & Eggs Champion Exhibitor: Sue Black
How long have you been showing? About 10 years. Why do you do it? You get hooked! Also you get to make so many friends all over the country and it’s great to catch up at the shows. Explain what it takes to prepare for a show. You pick your best bird (or eggs) and enter them, then hope by the time it’s the show they are still in good feather. Then you wash them with great care! Can you share any secrets or tips? Start with good stock that you can breed from. Then try and hatch early. It’s always more fun to show a bird that you have hatched rather than one you have bought in. Describe what it felt like to win. It’s a great feeling. Obviously you can’t always win, but you can still enjoy the show. Having a bird in the Championship Row gives you the chance to be the Champion though – which is great fun!
18 Journal 2016 www.bathandwest.com Fine Art Champion Supreme Dairy Champion Exhibitor: Tessa McIntyre Peachy Ava Tyrol Exhibitor: Peachy Holsteins
How long have you been showing? How long have you been showing? We have I trained at Bournemouth Municipal College been involved with showing all our lives of Art and taught full time. Since retiring I and showing our own animals for the last have worked for myself and try to show on a 7 years. regular basis. Why do you do it? It’s firstly a hobby for How do you do it? ourselves and our children. It’s also a good The work has to begin with observational way to show off your stock. drawing, on site, in pen and ink with notes on Explain what it takes to prepare for a show. colour. From this, I allow the piece to dictate. The preparation for a milking cow for a Explain what it takes to prepare for a show. show starts the day she has her calf. As for To produce enough work that I am pleased our young stock that starts as soon as we can with for a show. For instance, to prepare for after they are born: getting used to being Dorset Arts Week, it takes a year and is about handled, putting a halter on and any other 30 new pieces. thing they may encounter whilst showing. So Can you share any secrets or tips? come show day they are ready for anything! I have always found landscape to be a great Can you share any secrets or tips? inspiration, but I need to be “in” it. I never use a camera. There are no secrets or tips – it all comes Describe what it felt like to win. down to hard work and commitment. I know it sounds very boring, but it’s very true. Floral Art Champion Overwhelming! It took a while for it to sink Describe what it felt like to win. Exhibitor: Janet Jones in. I’ve been able to buy myself a new plan chest with the prize money. It was a very proud moment for us all. How long have you been showing? Second time at the Royal Bath & West. Previously I have exhibited at the Bath Spring Flower Show. Why do you do it? Royal Bath & West is an excellent show for all those interested in floral art and the South West area of NAFAS actively encourage all members to compete in shows. It is a wonderful opportunity to display all spheres of our art, linking conservation and education with fun and friendship through flowers. Explain what it takes to prepare for a show. A lot of thought, time and dedication. Good planning and preparation are paramount. Mock up at least 2 weeks before the show, ensure you have a well stocked work box and your chosen plant material is well conditioned and will last the duration of the show. Can you share any secrets or tips? Read the schedule and read it again! Check space allowed per exhibit. No matter how good the exhibit – if it is oversize it will not be judged. Describe what it felt like to win. Unbelievable and thrilling and at the same time I was pleased for my mentors who have encouraged and helped me over the years.
www.bathandwest.com Journal 2016 19 For the last three years, the Royal Bath & West of England Society has been leading the way in addressing the problems of the Somerset Levels. But this is by no means the first time that the Society has intervened to shape the future of the Levels for the better, as Anthony Gibson explains…
The role of the Bath & West in… Draining the Levels he first 30 years or so of the Bath Billingsley and Locke were very different T& West’s existence was arguably …a passionate desire men, from very different backgrounds: the the most influential period in its former, a hugely successful industrialist turned to see the agricultural farmer, who didn’t bother to hide his disdain history. In that time, the Society, in the for the prevailing standard of farming in persons of two of its most distinguished potential of most of Somerset; the latter, a self-regarding, members, Richard Locke of Burnham if philanthropic, surveyor and farmer, who and John Billingsley of Ashwick Grove, Somerset realised… had been preaching the gospel of drainage was instrumental in creating two of and enclosure since the middle years of the John Billingsley was a remarkable man. “He eighteenth century. Somerset’s most distinctive landscapes: drained Sedgemoor; he inclosed Mendip; he potential of Somerset the drystone walls and four-square wrote the Agricultural Survey of Somerset!” What they had in common, and what the farmhouses of the Mendips and the declared Sir Benjamin Hobhouse, in delivering foundation of the Bath & West Society in Billingsley’s eulogy at the Annual Meeting of green grid-iron of the Somerset Levels. 1777 enabled them to channel, legitimise and the Bath & West Society in 1812. And if you publicise, was a passionate desire to see the couple his name with that of Richard Locke in agricultural potential of Somerset realised, at a the ‘Sedgemoor’ context – by which was meant time when, thanks to a fast-growing population what we would now regard as the entirety of at home, and war with France abroad, Britain the Levels and Moors – you wouldn’t be far needed every ounce of food it could produce. from the truth.
20 Journal 2016 www.bathandwest.com If we focus for the purposes of this article This latter scheme – designed by Locke, on the Levels and Moors, the history was a engineered by Billingsley – was a particularly discouraging one. The two great marshes – bold initiative, involving as it did cutting a Brent Marsh to the north of the Polden ridge deep channel through the belt of clay which and South Marsh to the south of it – were separates the peat moors from the coast. All effectively commons, and the small-holders sorts of problems presented themselves – the who held the common rights had proved sill of the sluice was too high; the weight of the extraordinarily resistant to the prospect of spoil on the banks of the new cut forced peat up losing their fishing, wild-fowling, turf-cutting through the base of the channel, which meant and summer grazing to grandiose drainage it had to be timbered, at vast expense; and so schemes – especially as they knew they would on. But it was correct in its basic conception end up paying for them! James 1, Charles 1 and – witness the key role, almost two centuries Oliver Cromwell had all been sent packing. on from its construction, that it played in the Even Richard Locke had been given, quite evacuation of the floods in the winter of 2014, literally, a bloody nose, after being set upon albeit reinforced by the presence of high- and stoned by the locals whilst attempting to powered mobile Dutch pumps. Photo courtesy of: www.bathintime.co.uk survey King’s Sedgemoor in 1769. By 1770 – John Billingsley. ‘rhynes’ more than a century and a half on from when It was not to be. The farmers of the Levels Vermuyden and co had transformed the East The main river improvements in turn cleared were either dairymen (to the north and east) or Anglian fens – two-thirds of the floodable land the way for field drainage, with Billingsley cattlemen (in the west and south). They knew in Somerset remained un-reclaimed. once again providing the blueprint. Open little of arable farming, and probably cared ditches, or ‘rhynes’ as we call them in In his Agricultural Survey of Somerset, less. Besides, there were flaws in some of the Somerset, were preferred to hedges for sub- Billingsley was scathing: “The possession of major drainage schemes which, coupled with dividing the new pastures because they were a cow or two, with a hog and a few geese, a lack of funds for proper maintenance and an cheaper – 2s per 20 feet, compared with 4s 9d naturally exalts the peasant in his own increased flow of water thanks to drainage in for quickset hedges – they provided water for conception. In sauntering after his cattle, he the upper catchment, meant that flooding was stock in the summer and they didn’t harbour acquires a habit of indolence. Day-labour still an all too frequent occurrence, even in the becomes disgusting; the aversion increases by the flies which farmers suspected annoyed summer months. the cattle and slowed their weight gain. In an indulgence; and at length the sale of a half- But still, large parts of Somerset had been article for the Bath & West Journal, Billingsley fed cow, or hog, furnishes the means of adding transformed. Where thousands of geese once set out his specification for the ideal rhyne: 8 intemperance to idleness.” grazed, now there were hundreds of ruby feet wide at the top, 3 and a half feet wide at red Devon cattle; the marshes had become prominent public platform the bottom and 5 feet deep. Couple that with pastures; the commoners – some of them But times were changing. Food prices his engineer’s preference for straight lines, and anyway – had progressed to the status of were high, land values were rising fast, the the landscape of the newly reclaimed moors Enclosures legislation provided a much simpler small-holders, without ever quite losing their became one of quite remarkable uniformity. fondness for a spot of wild-fowling, fishing method for promoting drainage schemes than Thus was the green grid-iron created. the old “Courts of Sewers” and, crucially, there and a glass of cider! In an extended ‘letter’ Billingsley put his stamp on the landscape as to the Bath & West Society in 1796, harking was the newly formed Bath & West Society, to few men have ever done. give Billingsley and Locke a prominent public back to the time when he was stoned on King’s platform and to epitomise the improving consequences Sedgemoor, Richard Locke was able to boast spirit of the age. In article after article in the The agricultural consequences of this “that the neighbourhood is two millions the Society’s Journal, Billingsley and Locke made remarkable burst of drainage activity were richer for the shedding of my blood”. the case for drainage and reclamation. Local dramatic. Land values increased by anything So what are the lessons in all of this for the resistance gradually crumbled, funds were up to tenfold. King’s Sedgemoor, ‘a boggy flat present situation on the Levels, where Somerset raised and major scheme after major scheme of insignificant value’ rose from 2s 6d/acre to County Council is leading the implementation went ahead, each time with the Bath & West’s 34s in the space of a few years, with some of of a 20 year Flood Action Plan? Two main influential support. Between 1770 and 1840, the best land, further north, commanding rents ones, I think. The first is that no matter how all of the main rivers – barring, fatefully, the of close on £10/acre (the equivalent of £970 in well thought out a scheme may be, its value Parrett – had a clyse, or tidal sluice, installed today’s money – that’s how profitable farming will rapidly fade if it is not maintained. And or renewed at their mouths to prevent the was during the Napoleonic wars!). Pastures the second is that you not only need to show high tides from pushing up river, and a new were improved by paring, burning, claying leadership, but also to carry the farmers of the channel, the King’s Sedgemoor Drain, was cut and sometimes warping (deliberate winter Levels with you, to achieve lasting change. The to take the troublesome river Cary to a new flooding) and Billingsley’s hopes were high Bath & West is as uniquely well placed to do outlet at Dunball. that arable farming might become the norm. that now, as it was 240 years ago.
www.bathandwest.com Journal 2016 21 Rachael Hann, Show Organiser. Grassland UK 2015 rassland UK 2015 took place on G7th May welcoming over 7,500 visitors returning to the fields adjacent to the showground with working grass machinery, muck demonstrations and handlers in the grass clamp.
A great day of trading, talking and activity took place…
The site spanned over 100 acres with static trade stands sited in the red car park area of the showground, with great proximity to Working grass plot. the other car parks enabling the use of the The British Grassland Society and DairyCo preparing the farm showground’s permanent infrastructure. hosted a programme of seminars which Adams & Dunford worked alongside the proved popular and topical with a good Show Team preparing the farm for the Show. A attendance of visitors. reseed and overseed took place in September The Show welcomed Lady Fellowes, Joint 2014 which offered plenty of challenges with President of Royal Bath & West of England the unusually dry September which followed. Society, who met farmers and talked to many Luckily the spring brought better growing exhibitors whilst touring the entire Show site. conditions and by the 7th May the sward was The Award for the Best Trade Stand, The Mark a good crop of grass. Dunford Memorial Trophy, was presented to The previous day’s rain provided a few Oliver Seeds. challenges with muddy ground conditions
Crowds watch clamp demos in action. Over 180 exhibitors attended the Show, the majority reporting a fantastic day of trading and seeing quality customers. sponsors and supporters Our major sponsors were Agrii and Origin Fertilisers and the media campaign was in association with Farmers Weekly. Other sponsors and supporters included Galebreaker, Ecosyl, BPI Visqueen, Santander, Secure Covers, Trident Feeds, Cannington Centre Bridgwater College, Wiltshire College Lackham, John Deere Limited, Massey Ferguson (Highwood), Same Deutz Fahr, Farmlink and North Somerset Agricultural Society. Latest machinery being showcased.
22 Journal 2016 www.bathandwest.com Mowing.
Clamp demo. during set up but the day of the Show was drier bulker – a conveyor system designed to move and saw crowds of farmers stream through or load large quantities of forage easily and Tedder on show. the gates. A great day of trading, talking Cordex’s ID bale wrap, which uses barcoding and activity took place with much to see and a virtual identity card for complete and discover. traceability of silage bales. demonstrations Grassland UK was again a successful Show Crowds gathered in the farmyard to watch made possible by tremendous support the clamp demonstrations, which were from our exhibitors and sponsors, Adams well attended all day. Out in the fields, new machinery and equipment was demonstrated & Dunford – our tenant farm business, such as Hi-Spec Engineering’s Kompactor neighbouring landowners, our hard working trailer, which compacts forage loads by up volunteer stewards, competent contractors to 40%; JW Fabrication’s standalone silage and the fantastic team of staff. Bale wrapping.
Collecting grass. Viewing the latest machinery.
www.bathandwest.com Journal 2016 23 24 Journal 2016 www.bathandwest.com www.bathandwest.com Journal 2016 25 Never has it been so important to emphasise the link between farming and food, as the 2016 show will reflect, explains George Streatfeild. Bath & West food and drink 2016
n the post war years of the Royal Bath I& West Show (RBWS), the emphasis was on helping farmers feed the nation. “Never again will this Country be held to ransom” was the political message. The Show responded to this message by developing the Agricultural demonstrations Committee to help educate farmers and support them in increasing agricultural production including milk, corn, beef and sheep from the West Country.
Quality, provenance and uniqueness are features which have been encouraged.
As British Agriculture became more successful in its task and food more plentiful, and as consumers became more affluent, better travelled and discerning in Handmade artisan Sausage Rolls. their choice of food, there became a need to individual products. Adding Value and The area given to the Food Hall grew as differentiate between producers and brand diversification became the watch-words of demand increased. In the early 1990s the 1980s (it still is!) As before, the RBWS Taste of the West took its own marquee to led from the front; this time by creating the promote only West Country food and drink. opportunity for farmers and food producers A second Hall opened up at the bottom of to sell directly to consumers by initiating the Exmoor Hall in what had previously been British Farm Food Fair. the Carcass Competition building. Then in uniqueness 2014 on another side of the main hall, the Small Producers market opened; the RBWS The last 25 years have seen the Food Hall was working to encourage and enable small offering at the RBWS grow and change. producers, who often find a 4 day show very Quality, provenance and uniqueness are demanding to come and show their wares. features which have been encouraged. When the British Farm Food Fair was where it comes from created, there was no meat or bread sold. As generations pass, consumers have Great efforts were required to find a butcher become increasingly divorced from their who would promote and sell British meat. source of food and drink; they do not know This hard work paid off and now meat who grows it, how it is grown or from where products are a major part of the Food Hall. it comes. There is little understanding of Smoked fish from Chesil Smokery.
26 Journal 2016 www.bathandwest.com Bath & West food and drink 2016
Everyone loves pancakes! food chain story In the RBWS’s drive to improve the food chain story, the Food Halls need to further develop. Therefore 2016 will witness a dramatic change in location, layout and emphasis but still with the high quality food and drink which our visitors rightly expect, in line with the quality of the rest of their day Fresh pies and pastries from Rose Cottage Pantry. out. The Food Halls will move right into the heart of the showground and onto the Village soil, water or the environment and their and demonstrations but it is not until they Green site. In the centre of the green will be a importance to crops and animals. The visit the Food Halls that they can make the tented area with seating and music allowing RBWS’s Food Hall provides the link between connection between the pig being shown show visitors to relax and enjoy their meal farming and the consumers. Visitors come to further down the site with the bacon or and drink in a great atmosphere. This will the show, see the animals, farm machinery sausage they taste. be the hub and the spokes will be food-to- go stalls radiating out from the centre. To one side will be a large wooden floored marquee with food and drink producers selling products to take home alongside a number of Food-to-go stalls as well. The entire area’s emphasis will be on quality and provenance and focus where possible, but not exclusively, on West Country. British will be a strong theme as well. Using large signs and banners at each entrance to the area and more of the feather flags used in the last 2 years, it will be branded as “Bath & West Food and Drink”. By way of reinforcing the relationship between the food and drink which we eat and where it comes from, how it is produced and grown, we shall link with both Farming for the Family, which is below us, and the Horticultural section, which is above us. We shall exploit the synergies between us all. West Country traditional cheesemaker Westcombe Dairy.
www.bathandwest.com Journal 2016 27 Clive Ross. Stewards Q&A tewards form the backbone of the main show and some have been coming Sfor several decades to give freely of their time. We have asked some of them to explain what they do.
Anthea Derby. What is the most enjoyable aspect? The comradeship within the Horse Section and the B&W Staff, and the opportunity of seeing CLIVE ROSS so many top quality horses and ponies year Chief Steward of Main Ring after year. Length of Service at the show Approx 20 years Why do you do it? I often ask myself that question, but I suspect it is because I love it. Profession when not at the show Farmer and Garden Designer How did you become involved? Initially as Where do you live? Child Okeford in North an exhibitor, then because of my husband, Dorset Richard Derby, who was a Chief Horse Steward and briefly became Chairman of What does your stewarding job entail both Horses before he died in 1999. before and during the show? As a Steward of the Main Ring before the Show I check the What is the most amusing thing to happen to Main Ring timetable which is arranged by the you while stewarding at the show? The senior office, and if necessary suggest any changes. Judges and Stewards panicking when they The day before the show opens there are several thought all the Dartmoor ponies were too rehearsals in the main ring ensuring that myself, small in height only to discover that they were ANTHEA DERBY my stewards and the arena party are fully Shetland ponies instead. Chief Steward of Horses aware of everything that is required allowing Length of Service at the show First competed In addition, early one morning, one of the the whole programme to run smoothly. During (on a Welsh pony) at the Show in 1958 Birdman’s Cranes landed beside the horses the show most of my time is spent with my eye lined up in Ring 2; it paused long enough for Profession when not at the show Officially I on the clock and keeping everyone involved in the Judge to award marks for Type, but left the am retired, after 30 years in computers, but the main ring informed in case there are any ring as the Movement marks were allocated, currently active as a Granny etc. changes in timings or conditions of the surface. causing instant disqualification. The Chief Where do you live? 8 miles from the What is the most challenging aspect of it? Horse Steward then had to contact the Chief Timings. It is always very difficult to judge how Showground, I rode here on a Show Hunter Main Ring Steward to inform him, before his long some show classes or jumping classes are once when the lorry would not start, (and he breakfast, that one of his Display items had won a prize). going to take, as you never know exactly how gone AWOL and the reply was memorable. many are going to come forward. A jumping What does your stewarding job entail both What are the show highlights for you? The class may have 25 forward and you could well before and during the show? A very good day before the Show starts and you think that have up to ten clear rounds going forward to question, but it starts immediately, when one everything is ready and seeing in the distance the jump off. The course has to be changed and show ends and the preparation for the next some of the iconic features on the showground, then the arena cleared before the next act can show begins. During the show itself, the Horse Main ring with Show Jumps, the Helter-skelter start in the ring. It is very easy for the timetable Stewards’ Hut endeavours to present a serene and the buildings over by Livestock displaying to slip back which then involves informing all atmosphere to the world when actually it may the Royal Bath & West Banners. When I retire, I the following performances of the changes to be a little different. am looking forward to listening to the music on timings. It is impossible to hold back 150 cattle What is the most challenging aspect of it? the Bandstand and having the time to ride on once they leave the cattle lines for the Grand Survival! the Carousel and the Steam Railway. Parade! Similarly, I hate to see an empty ring. If
28 Journal 2016 www.bathandwest.com a class finishes early we have to then try to spin Marie Handel.. things out for a bit longer. Pony Club Games MARIE HANDEL and the Hound Parade always oblige. Chief Steward of the Sheep Section My other big worry is the condition of the Length of Service at the show I first started as ground. If we have a wet show and some of a sheep steward in 1994 after leaving college the Main Ring demonstrations involve wheeled and starting my first job in Somerset. I became vehicles, the ground can cut up badly. If it Chief Steward in 2004 (I think?). gets damaged early in the show it is virtually Profession when not at the show Chartered impossible to repair it. I have to bear in mind Surveyor, Agricultural Valuer and a Director of the fact that the course builders have to have Humberts based in Taunton. enough good ground to build several courses Where do you live? Near Membury, Axminster for the remaining days. What does your stewarding job entail both What is the most enjoyable aspect? Without a doubt it is meeting the people who are before and during the show? When one show involved both within the Society and those finishes the preparation for the next show who participate in the Main ring, whether it is begins with the selection of our sheep judges. competitors, performers, commentators and the We have to find 40 capable and competent for our section, with all of the best sheep in general public. judges to judge our 28 sheep breed classes each breed being judged against each other and other classes such as the Interbreed Why do you do it? Whilst I spend most of the to find the best sheep in the show. On Friday Championships, Young Handler Competitions, four days on my feet and walk miles. I have the morning it is also the turn of the youngsters to fleece competitions etc which are judged over most wonderful time at the show. It is without a show off their skills in the Young Handler and doubt the best Agricultural Show in the country the 4 days. During the Autumn the schedule of Stockmaster competitions. Both afternoons and I am very proud to play a small part in it. judging is fine tuned with over 230 classes. involve the Grand Parade of livestock in which How did you become involved? I met Michael The sheep entries close during the middle of all champion and first prize winners are paraded Barnes after Church on Christmas Day in April and, based on our 2015 entries, we would around the main ring. Sturminster Newton and got talking to him. expect to receive almost 1,300 individual entries From 1600 on Friday evening the majority of Before I knew it I had a letter from the Society involving over 1,000 sheep and 140 different these sheep leave the showground and then asking me if I would become a Steward. exhibitors. Once the entries have been collated the preparation for a new lot of sheep to arrive What is the most amusing thing to happen to you by the office, the final judging programme is set for the Saturday show begins. Pens have to while stewarding at the show? I think that the and a penning layout is produced, squeezing be cleaned out, re bedded and re labelled for Thursday evening of the 2008 Show when the all of the sheep into the 700 available pens. Saturday morning ready for another 160 sheep heavens opened and the showground became A day is spent boxing up the judging books, to arrive which follows another morning of a lake. Whilst the powers that be struggled rosettes, trophies and prize money. judging and an afternoon parade. to make decisions about the continuation of After all the pens have been labelled with the It has to be said that none of this would happen the show, I and several hundred others stood names of the exhibitors occupying them, the without the hard work carried out by the show in the Cider and Orchards tent in wellington exhibitors and their sheep start arriving on office and the help of my fellow stewards boots with a river running through the middle the Monday and throughout the Monday and What is the most challenging aspect of it? drinking cider as though nothing was wrong! Tuesday the sheep are unloaded and penned up Initially fitting all the sheep into pens in the Because the Council tent was also under water with all their feed and kit. the only place serving food that evening was sheep marquees and setting a judging timetable A full day of judging takes place on the the Westex Restaurant and everyone staying involving 140 exhibitors, many with multiple Wednesday with 3 judging times (0900, 1130 on site congregated there. In true British spirit breeds, so that they aren’t expected to show they managed to produce over nine hundred and 1400) and 8 judging rings. During this time more than one breed at any one time in a meals. Performing that night were a band called the judges and stewards have to be met and different ring. Some exhibitors also show cattle the Somerset Paddies and I can well recall briefed, girl guides distributed to collect results or pigs which also has to be factored in. Once several stewards up on the stage singing Irish and, thanks to our commentator, the passing the show begins you have to try to keep the 140 Rebel songs well into the early hours! A truly crowds are entertained with what is going exhibitors happy and the timetable of events memorable night never to be repeated. And the on. Like many jobs these days, the paperwork flowing. following morning the Show opened on time! is endless, from collecting and handing out What is the most enjoyable aspect? Watching movement forms to collating the results and What are the show highlights for you? When the sheep judging on the Wednesday. You can the sun shines for four days, the crowds flock in, class winners ready for the following days’ stand at the top of the sheep section and watch everyone is happy and has a smile on their face judging. all 8 judging rings full of sheep being judged in and the Show goes off with a bang, that makes Both Thursday and Friday mornings involve their immaculately prepared grass judging rings. it all worthwhile. the Interbreed judging. This is a big showcase All the preparation work has then been worth it.
continued overleaf
www.bathandwest.com Journal 2016 29 continued from previous page
Then watching the Interbeed judging on the Patrick Palmer. Paul Meatyead. Thursday and Friday when the best sheep of each breed is judged against each other to find the best sheep in the show. Why do you do it? The lead up to the show is always very busy at a time when my day job is also busy and at that time I do wonder why I do it. But ultimately the challenge of running a successful section and making the week enjoyable for the sheep competitors is always rewarding, once the initial sigh of relief that everything has gone ok and the exhaustion by the end of the week has passed. How did you become involved? My parents have always shown Dorset Down sheep. With the Bath & West Show taking place during the half term showing at the Bath & West was with plenty of camaraderie and feeling that they must come back next year. PAUL MEATYARD always regarded as a holiday. Therefore since Chief Steward of Poultry & Small Animals a very early age we have always shown and What is the most enjoyable aspect? Meeting Length of Service at the show 20 years. stayed at the show. Then, when I left college I everyone connected with my section whom I was persuaded by the Chief Steward, Anthony only see once a year and the warm welcome Profession when not at the show Leisure Industry Lang, to help as a steward. they give me, thus making me feel that all the Where do you live? Cornwall. hard work put in for the rest of the year to What is the most amusing thing to happen to What does your stewarding job entail both prepare for the show is really worthwhile. you while stewarding at the show? – in 2008 before and during the show? Source Judges, the sheep section flooded. We had water Why do you do it? I enjoy the challenge of Draw up schedules, Check entries, order everywhere. But despite the chaos everyone running my section including making sure penning, stage pens, work out penning staging worked together to get sheep moved and the parades are on time, the public including etc. pens re bedded with dry straw. During all the children are enjoying a safe environment whilst What is the most challenging aspect of it? commotion one exhibitor was seen sat on a being educated on the important history of farm Organizing stewards, exhibitors problems. machinery. bale of straw, in his shorts, in the middle of the What is the most enjoyable aspect? When How did you become involved? In 1979 I was sheep marquee surrounded by a lake of water, exhibitors and public say how wonderful, well elected County Chairman of Somerset and drinking from a bottle of port. He wasn’t worried organized and how successful the show was. about all that was going on around him. South Avon NFU and was invited to join the Bath & West Council for that year, the then Chief Why do you do it? I enjoy the show and I enjoy What are the show highlights for you? Seeing promoting the poultry, also meeting old friends. the Grand Parade of livestock in the main ring Executive James Myatt asked me to join what showcasing the quality and quantity of livestock was then the Machinery and Demonstrations How did you become involved? I started at the show, watched by a packed ringside and Committee, becoming Chief Steward some 13 exhibiting back in 1979, and over the years I grandstand. years ago. got more involved with the society and realized What is the most amusing thing to happen to that I could be an asset to the section. I was PATRICK PALMER you while stewarding at the show? Seeing the invited to join the committee twenty years ago, Chief Steward of Power of the Past sheer amazement, shock and wonder of around and six years ago I joined the Council and was 40,00 people looking up at Concorde which elected to Chief Steward three years ago. Length of Service at the show 36 years. circumnavigated the show twice escorted by What is the most amusing thing to happen Profession when not at the show Farmer (semi- a Harrier after I, together with the late Jock to you while stewarding at the show? I was retired). Cunningham, had fixed it but were sworn to taking Adam Henson (Countryfile) around the Where do you live? Martock, Somerset. secrecy. No one, not even the Chairman or Poultry Breed Club stands, when a little boy What does your stewarding job entail both Chief Executive, knew it was coming except he approached Adam and said “are you the man before and during the show? Chairing Power of and I. That I will never forget! off the tele?” Adam replied “yes, I am Adam and the Past meetings. Making sure that my stewards Also observing Peter Bishop of Bath and Wells your name is?” and he replied “William” and are carrying out their responsibilities both in dressed in his regalia attempting to drive a the little boy then said “does this mean I am on and out of show to ensure that we have the right steam engine! the tele?” and Adam said “no, but I think you number and type of steam engines, vintage What are the show highlights for you? Seeing might be in the paper as that man is taking a lot tractors, vintage agricultural lorries and static the owners and drivers of the machines all of photos”. stands to present a safe demonstration of past getting together and enjoying each others What are the show highlights for you? Seeing agricultural machines to the paying public. company, mostly only meeting once a year at the build up of the show, receiving of exhibits, What is the most challenging aspect of it? the Bath & West Show. Also seeing our paying meeting the Judges and then setting them on Making sure that both our valued exhibitors and public getting good value for their ticket money their way for their task and seeing the winners visitors have a happy, fulfilled and safe show in our section. enjoying themselves celebrating their success.
30 Journal 2016 www.bathandwest.com Alan Lyons, Head of Shows.
Judging. South Devon National Show 2015
s a past Breed Secretary to the Montague which was ASouth Devon Herd Book Society I very kindly hosted by Mr was delighted when Caroline Poultney and Mrs Robert Dimond. the current Breed Secretary approached Young Handler Competition me to ask if we would host the National On the third day of Show in 2015. the show, highlights included a Young …the Royal Bath & West Handler Competition for 11-15 year olds which Show has pulled out all was won by Oliver Laity; and a parade of some the stops to welcome us. 40 South Devons which provided a tremendous spectacle for the crowd. Grand parade of prize winning South Devons. Society President Mrs Bath & West Show has pulled out all the stops Diana Rusher, the Burrow herd, Minehead, to welcome us.” Somerset, congratulated all the exhibitors, build on this and said that she had attended all of the This has been the second National Beef National Shows and that the standard of cattle breed show we have hosted and the common had risen at each and every one of them. reaction from both breeds is how welcome excellent condition they were made to feel by staff and stewards, Breed Secretary Caroline Poultney and how we made the event “special” for their commented, “It is a great credit to breeders exhibitors and members. We hope to build to bring their cattle to our National Show on this and actively work with other breeds Cow with calf at foot. in such excellent condition and displaying to give them the same warm “West Country” great job tremendous breed character, and the Royal welcome in the future. The Herd Book Society did a great job in promoting the event; and at the Showground we used South Devon images in all the marketing of the Show. The result was tremendous with 25 exhibitors exhibiting 95 cattle in the breed classes. Once the breed classes were completed the South Devons took centre stage within the Interbreed Championships. In the interbreed classes the crowd was delighted to applaud Laity Farm’s Z Polkinghorne Indiana as Reserve Supreme Champion. Welland Valley Claudia 12 was Reserve Champion Junior Beef Heifer. Plus South Devons led the Grand Parade in the Main Ring each day. Awards Dinner The South Devon Society held a number of activities during the Show, including an Awards Dinner on the Showground; and an evening barbecue at Higher Farm, Shepton Reserve Champion Female, A&C Farms.
www.bathandwest.com Journal 2016 31 Colin Johnston, our archivist, takes another nugget from the archive.
Judging Hampshire Down shearlings. Looking back… the Society’s Bristol Show of 1931 n the midst of the great financial Idepression of the early 1930s the Society’s Secretary F.H. Storr had reason to be cheerful in presenting his annual report. Decisions taken that year to reduce Show days from five to four, and offer cheap entry at one shilling to afternoon visitors, had averted financial The Show Works team 1931. disaster but still achieved a successful Show Director to co-ordinate the work of the standardization and marketing of British Show. Visitor admissions at 59,976 Show Stewards. Lord Radnor was appointed, agricultural produce, to raise awareness of were up 20% on the previous two and found time to address visitors on the “the value of a national brand” and to “create years, even if ticket income was down benefits of electricity to rural populations for a definitive bias towards home produce”. 10% at £6,480. agricultural as well as domestic use. He stated The exhibition was designed to encourage that he had seen more electricity in use at this shoppers to purchase Home or Empire Show than at any other, and the quantity of foodstuffs, and also to stimulate suppliers and …the Showground electrically run machinery was the finest he packers to sign up to the scheme as further had ever seen. He conceded that electricity categories of foods such as cheese and honey offered exhibitors and suppliers could not “reduce charges to the were added to the scheme. competitors a record level of the oil-lamp, but electricity should be made so attractive that the cottager could not amount of space… fail to realize the true economy of electricity.” National Mark “It can be claimed unhesitatingly as another Innovation was also strongly promoted at of the long line of successful Shows held the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries’ in Bristol. When it is remembered through stand, where the government’s National what a serious depression the country was Mark scheme was displayed. The National passing, and how badly many Agricultural Mark was a newly introduced route to better Cattle judging at the 1931 Show. Societies fared in the course of the season, it is remarkable that not only the quality of the exhibits was so universally high, but that the financial results were distinctly good.” record amount of space At the Ashton Court site, the Showground offered exhibitors and competitors a record amount of space for Implements and Machinery, a record number of entries in the Horse Section, and the highest amount of prize-money ever provided. The Society demonstrated its own innovation with the appointment for the first time of a VIP guests at the Opening ceremony.
32 Journal 2016 www.bathandwest.com The Forestry Section display could Extensive coverage of the Show by the undoubtedly claim the oldest exhibit with Western Daily Press has provided us with a 4,000 year-old piece of wood from Egypt most of our insight into the attractions on and 700 year-old wood from West Pennard. offer. It is of equal interest to us today as it The newly-formed British Wood Preserving was in 1931 to learn that Messrs. Smith & Co. Association used these museum items to of Wells Road in Bristol exhibited at Stand explain that unless wood formed its own 101 their steel hay-barns, one measuring 45 preservation in natural conditions (such as feet long with a 20 feet span priced at £41. these exhibits) then artificial preservation with gold fittings methods were necessary, such as creosote. The domestic plumbers Arthur Scull & Sons Under the caption How Wood Preserves of Bristol exhibited at Stand 167 “a complete Wood the use of coal-based products were bathroom suite in all black vitreous ware with demonstrated, with the prediction “It may gold fittings.” The press report adds “The use Judging line for goats. mean the salvation of the mining industry in of chromium plating is another step forward this country and at any rate the distillation adopted by this firm, who specialise in every assisting the urbanite of wood preservatives opens up a well-nigh way to reduce the amount of labour in the The impact on Bristol of the Show’s visit was unlimited field.” house to a minimum.” recognised by the local press in a fitting tribute A stark reminder of the times, and the high Somerset schools displayed and competed in to the work of the Society, still valid today: “It unemployment of the great depression, rural crafts, but the children of Bedminster, deserves to be remembered that agriculture is the Ministry of Labour’s stand offering Bristol, turned up en masse at the Show to is not one industry, but many industries. By employment possibilities to those in need, demonstrate modern physical training in assisting the urbanite to comprehend the and boasting that Show exhibitors and dance, exercises, and games with 2,500 countryside, to appreciate its achievements, caterers had given temporary work to 300 performers in the Horse Ring. Press reports the Bath & West is assisting towards a closer local people as salesmen, demonstrators, announced that all this was achieved “without and more sympathetic relationship between handymen, barmen, and waitresses. ground markings and without rehearsal.” town and country.”
If members have items of relevance to the history of The Royal Bath & West of England Society, which they are willing to share, either by providing a copy to the Archive or donating the original, the Honorary Archivist will be pleased to hear. Email: [email protected]
www.bathandwest.com Journal 2016 33 Alan Lyons, Head of Shows. The Dairy Show 2015 Jersey scoops the Supreme for second year running
ersey Jubilee Excitation Ceres J2, owned by Mr and Mrs Dawe, scooped the coveted Supreme Championship for the second year running and the winner proved to a popular one with the crowd packed around the judging ring. The Award was presented by The Royal Bath & West of England Society President Michael Eavis. Reserve Champion went to the Holstein Davlea Goldwyn Pledge 2 exhibited by BL Davies & Son from Ilminster.
the place to be if you’re Cattle judging at the show. The Dairy Show sponsored by Micron Bio- involved within the Systems, Pearce Seeds Ltd and British Solar Renewables was the place to be if you’re dairy industry involved within the dairy industry, which was held at the Bath & West Showground on Wednesday 7 October. The Show attracted over 6,500 visitors on the day and displayed the very latest in technology and services to the finest dairy cattle in the country. milk prices The drop in milk prices was the heated topic of the day and the much anticipated Speakers Corner held by Farmers Guardian proved to be a popular venue for farmers to voice their concerns. Waiting for the result. Lyndon Edwards receiving the award on behalf of Nicholas Saphir from Adrian Crane of Yeo Valley.
34 Journal 2016 www.bathandwest.com Supreme Champion Jersey ‘Jubilee Excitation Ceres 2’, owned by Mr & Mrs Dawe. The Dairy Industry Dinner was once again Dairy Vet of the Future held on the eve of the show with 400 The Dairy Vet of the Future Award, guests from across the dairy industry. We sponsored by ForFarmers was awarded to welcomed new sponsors Yeo Valley, Barbers, Samuel Bowker who studied at Cambridge Godminster, Rodda’s, Wyke Farms, Lye Cross University. Farm, and Crediton Dairy – all seven West Over 310 Trade exhibitors from across the Country family dairy businesses working country attended the ever popular Dairy together. The reception was sponsored by Show and it was a tight contest for the trade Burges Salmon. The Dairy Industry Award, stand awards. Lely scooped the Gold award this year went to Nicholas Saphir, Executive for the best External stand. The Internal stand Chairman of OMSCo (Organic Milk Suppliers award went to Sealed Air-Deosan. Co-operative).
The next Dairy Show takes place – 5th October 2016. Lilly Dimond taking part in her first show.
Trade stands doing business at the show. Getting advice. Speakers Corner in full flow.
www.bathandwest.com Journal 2016 35 Rupert Cox, Chief Executive
Regeneration & Development
t is now approaching ten years Isince the Society first discussed the development potential on our Showground and in the intervening years many have felt that the whole idea was a mere pipedream, while some have questioned the decision. However, the need to release capital for improving facilities on our Showground were, and remain, the key driver for a decision that I know has a level of contention associated New horse area being prepared for the 2017 Show. with it.
…2015 being a distinct watershed year for the future of the Society and its Showground.
In February 2012 the Society entered into a fifteen year Development Agreement with a New school project underway. joint venture between Sir Robert McAlpine 3 Mendip District Council has allocated some 6 We have started to re-invest some of Enterprises Ltd and London & Wharfdale Ltd of the Showground “Local Development the proceeds from the first project into called “Red Kite Securities Ltd”. Since then Order” status which simply means that realigning where the equine activities will our development partner has been building companies wishing to invest in that part take place from 2017 onwards. From 2017 the case for commercial development on of the Showground have a fast track into all equine related traffic will enter the allocated areas of the Showground with 2015 the planning process, and will receive Showground via the A37, parking in what being a distinct watershed year for the future huge discounts on their business rates for we call Green Car Park, with the equine of the Society and its Showground. a set period. This makes the Showground a activities taking pride of place on entry Successes in 2015 included: competitive site to invest. at the Green Entrance covering nearly 20 1 The construction of our first investment, 4 DEFRA have recognised the Showground acres of the Showground. The Mendip Free School (MFS), was started as a Food Enterprise Zone, and while it is momentum with an anticipated opening of September unclear what this means in practice, it has The momentum built up during the year we 2016. The school, sited on five acres of opened doors for us to approach food and hope will feed into 2016 with the Society’s 4 land to the north of the Showground, will drink related businesses who want to be year business plan estimating the release of 5 host up to 150 young people with autistic part of our evolution and access funding acres per year for a variety of investments for learning difficulties. that could support such investments onto long term lease or rental. This will have an 2 The MFS has necessitated road the Showground. effect on the layout of the Showground, but improvements to the Purple Entrance 5 Two more strong investment enquiries are it will not affect the future of our Shows as that will improve access to the top of the being worked up during the end of 2015 we try to build a business model that keeps Showground and the remainder of the in the hope that they will come forward the Society at the Showground for the next development area. during 2016. 50 years.
36 Journal 2016 www.bathandwest.com Rupert Cox, Chief Executive
The Hills to Levels Project funded by players of People’s Postcode Lottery
he Society was very influential in Working in partnership with the Farm Wildlife by the project, with £25,000 in capital grants Tsupporting farmers affected by the Advisory Group South West (FWAG SW), being allocated, so while it is early days, we flooding across the Somerset Levels Somerset Wildlife Trust and the RSPB, the see 2016 being the year when the project can Society set about raising funds for a project really make a difference in supporting the during the winters of both 2013 and that supported farmers to manage their land newly formed Somerset Rivers Authority to 2014. Over £333,000 was distributed differently in an effort to prevent possible deliver the Land Management strand of their to farmers facing hardship at that future flooding. 20-year Flood Action Plan. difficult time, but when the floods community land trusts influence subsided and normality resumed, the Funded by players of People’s Postcode The Society continues to influence the Society continued to show leadership Lottery, the two-year £750,000 Hills to strategic agenda associated with the Flood in trying to mitigate against similar Levels project provides advice on natural Action Plan, by working toward creating an events. flood management, as well as small capital informal Land Management Advisory Group, grants to invest in land management and under the Chairmanship of Edwin White, flood mitigation measures, such as silt traps with the purpose of reviewing, scrutinising …set about raising funds and leaky ponds. In addition, the project is and advising on policy development for land researching into the feasibility of the creation management in the hope that in future years to create a project that of a community land trust to manage less we are better equipped to cope with the supported farmers… commercially viable land on the Levels. unmanageable flooding that the county has During 2015, over 290 farm visits were made endured in recent years.
The support of The Prince’s Countryside Fund was also an integral part of the project. £50,000 was donated to support mapping of the optimum sites in the upper catchments of the Somerset Levels and Moors where local flooding caused by run-off can be reduced. This enabled the targeting of potential sites for installing natural flood management features. The mapping data has provided an opportunity to engage with landowners on the factors that contribute to run-off and develop ownership of the “catchment based approach” to dealing with water management. This targeting and scoping work will provide the evidence base for this ongoing delivery work in the upper catchment, helping to reduce the occurrence of long-term flooding on the Somerset Levels, and the amount of sediment transported from the upper catchment into the rivers. L-R: Edwin White (SLDF Chairman), Bryony Sadler, community flood campaigner; and members of the Hills to Levels partnership project: Catherine Page, Hills to Levels Co-ordinator at Bath & West; Catherine Mowat, Somerset Wildlife Trust; Ben Thorne, FWAG SouthWest; Phil Brewin, Flood campaigner and IDB ecologist; Tony Whitehead, RSPB; Richard Bradford, RSPB.
www.bathandwest.com Journal 2016 37 Richard Calver, Bath & West Enterprises Board Chairman. B&W Enterprises
015 has been, as always an Spring Carole Nash Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show. 2extremely busy year for Bath & VMCC A quote from the Soul Survivor events team… West Enterprises. We have played Wedding Daze “The Showground Staff were host to back to back events that have Antique Fair attracted over 750,000 people to the West Country Game Fair most helpful in the successful Showground. Flea Market execution of our events and Motor Caravan Show they were, as always, a pleasure Charterhouse Auction to work with. There are, as with …we have already seen Toy Fair anything, lessons to learn, but an increase in bookings Creative Crafts we look forward to doing that Model Show together in the coming years” for these rooms. Antique Fair Royal Bath & West Show Autumn There has been a significant increase in Summer Motor Caravan Show midweek lettings due to an increased effort to try and host several events at the same time. Toy Fair Charter House Auction This year has seen the refurbishment of the Classic Car Show Antique Fair new ‘Wessex Suite’, the new ‘Art Gallery ’ and Color Me Rad/ Slide the City VMCC the completion of the Lounge refurbishment Glastonbury Coaches Flea Market allowing us a fantastic range of rooms and Antique Fair Dairy Show facilities to offer to current or new clients that NASS Toy Fair can cater for an eclectic mix of purposes. As a Flea Market Wedding Daze result of these changes, we have already seen New Wine Somerset Food & Drink Fest and an increase in bookings for these rooms. Soul Survivor Somerset Art Fair
Soul Survivor. Color Me Rad.
38 Journal 2016 www.bathandwest.com Westfest Classic Vehicle Restoration Show Antique Fair Homebuilding Show Regency Rally
‘We come to many fantastic shows on the Showground throughout the year and find that you always have something to suit one of us’ (Antique Fair customer, 2015)
Winter Flea Market Toy Fair Wincanton Flyers Antique Fair Flea Market Vintage Tractor Show Toy Fair Wincanton Flyers New Wine Festival. Classic Bike Show Our Estates Team have worked extremely hard throughout the year to enable all of the events F J Autojumble to run so closely to each other and through a very rainy outdoor event season. We have seen Festival of Cards members of our core team leave us during the year and with new positions being appointed, to Flea Market be taken up in the new year, we are ready for the next season of events.
NASS. www.bathandwest.com Journal 2016 39 The Society Board of Trustees
Robert Drewett DL (Chairman). John Alvis MBE (Vice Chairman). Dr Lance Moir (Hon. Treasurer).
Richard Ash. Richard Calver. Mike Felton MFH. Anthony Gibson OBE.
Eleanor Matheson Martin Thatcher. Sir David Wills Bt. Angela Yeoman OBE DL. of Matheson DL.
40 Journal 2016 www.bathandwest.com Patron Honorary Chaplain 2010 POW, Mrs R. Her Majesty The Queen Rt Rev’d, Peter Hancock – 2007 PULLIN, M. Bishop of Bath and Wells 2007 RAWLINGS C. Vice Patron 2007 ROSS, C.P. HRH The Countess of Wessex GCVO Members of Council 2009 SAGE, Ms R. Ex-officio Members of Council 2004 SEDGMAN, D.N. President 2013 SEYMOUR, Mrs A.C. Michael Eavis CBE Presidents: Vice Presidents 1999 SNELL, C. Honorary Treasurer: 1995 SNELL, M.C. Chairman of the Board of Trustees 2009 STAIB, Mrs M. (& Honorary Show Director) Moir, Dr L. 1994 STREATFEILD, G. 2014 THATCHER, M Robert Drewett DL Lord Warden of the Stanneries: 2001 TIDMARSH Sir James, MBE, KCVO BACON OBE, Sir Nicholas 2014 TROTT, MRS M.E. Vice Presidents Secretary & Keeper of the Records 2001 ULOTH, A.M.C. Elected Elected 2001 ULOTH, R.W. to Council Vice President of the Duchy of Cornwall: 1987 WALFORD, T.R.N., MIEE, CEng 1982 HRH Prince Philip, MARTIN, Alastair 2007 WHARTON, R., TD Duke of Edinburgh, KG, KT 2012 WHITE-SPUNNER Lt. Gen. Sir Barney, CBE 1978 HRH The Prince of Wales, KG, KT Receiver General of the Duchy 2009 WILCOX, A.H. 2014 HRH The Duchess of Cornwall GCVO of Cornwall: 1982 WILLS, Sir David, Bt 1987 HRH The Princess Royal GCVO 2007 WOOD Mrs F. 2003 HRH The Duke of Gloucester, PEMBERTON, The Hon. James Leigh KG, GCVO 1998 ARMSTRONG, The Lord, Members’ Representation on Council: of Ilminster, GCB CVO Members of Council: Elected Elected 2010 ALLAN, Mr N., 1 Faraday House, 2000 ARRAN, The Countess of, MBE, DL 1987 ALEXANDER, A.F., BSc, FRICS High Street, Rochester, Kent ME1 1EZ 1988 2002 BARNES, H.E.M., FCA 2009 ALLEN, E.J., DL Tel: 01634 831191 1998 2007 CAMERON of Dillington, Lord 1999 ALVIS, J., MBE 2008 NOBLE, Mr R., Meadow Croft, Top Street, 2001 CAIRNS, The Rt. Hon. The Earl, CBE 1990 ASH, R. Pilton, Somerset BA4 4DF 2014 CAMPBELL, A. (ex-officio) 2009 ATKIN, D. Tel: 01749 890614 1984 2009 COTTON, A.W., OBE 2007 BAKER, J.,FICFor,CEnv.M.Arbor.A. 2008 STONE, Mr A., Old Mill Accountancy 1991 2007 DARE, M.H. 2007 BARTLETT, S. LLP, Maltravers House, Petters Way,Yeovil 1963 1996 DAVIES, A.R., TD 1987 BATTEN, D.H.C. Somerset BA20 1SH 1976 DIGBY, The Lord 2002 BEST, R. DL,RN Tel: 01935 709353 2001 2013 ELWES Sir Henry, KCVO 2009 BISS, P. 2002 FIRTH, Brigadier, S.D.A., CBE 2002 BOUGOURD, W.R. Co-Opted Members to Council 1974 2011 FRANKLIN, D.A.S. 1987 CALVER, R.T. 2001 GASS, Lady, DCVO for 2014 2007 CHAMBERLAIN, O., QVRM,TD, DL Elected 2007 2014 HUTCHEN, N.G.K. 2013 CHAPLIN, B. KING, The Rt Honourable The Lord, CH 2005 2014 COOPER, Miss J 1998 SQUIRES, Mrs M., MBE, Regional 2003 2007 LANG BROWN J. MA, FICFor 2002 COTTON, D. Director, National Farmers’ Union – 1993 2003 McNAB, I., BVMS, MRCVS 2011 DAVIES, J., MBE South West Region 2009 2015 MAW, Mrs A.R. (ex-officio) 2007 DERBY, Mrs A. 1998 MORTIMER, J., Regional Director Dorset/ 1987 2002 PITT-RIVERS, G.A., OBE, DL 2014 DERRYMAN, A. Som./Wilts., Country Landowners’ 1989 2002 POOLE, Lt. Col. W.D.A. 2002 de PELET, Mrs I., BEM Association 1984 2013 POW, Mrs N.E. 1984 DREWETT, R.N.F., DL Representing County Branches of the 2007 PRIOR, Mrs M. (ex-officio) 2003 DREWETT, Mrs C. National Farmers’ Union 2013 PRICE, Rt Rev’d Peter B. 2002 FELTON, M., MFH Dorset GOULD, P. 1994 2013 REDWOOD, Sir Peter, Bt 1989 FITZGERALD, A.F. Gloucestershire GUEST, A. 2004 2014 RUNDLE, A.G. 2009 GIBSON, A., OBE Somerset BRAGG, N. 2004 2013 RUSSELL, I. C. 2009 GROVES, C. Wiltshire SHEPPARD,J. 2002 SALISBURY, The Marquess of, PC, DL 2004 HANDEL, Mrs M. 1996 SELBORNE, The Earl of, KBE, FRS Representing County Branches of the 1994 HEMSLEY, Brigadier J.,OBE,FRGS 1999 2003 SIMS, G. Country Landowners’ Association 1980 HINKS, G. 1988 2009 SHELDON, Mrs J. Dorset: WELD, J. 2008 JAMES, Mrs M., MBE 1988 1999 SOMERSET, His Grace The Duke of Gloucestershire BIDDULP, J. 1994 LANE, Major General B.M., CB, OBE 1996 2005 SPEID-SOOTE, J.R. Somerset: HIGNETT, C. 2003 LAW, J. 1991 2007 STREATFEILD, Mrs A. Wiltshire: WHEATLEY-HUBBARD, Mrs C. 2015 LOOK Mrs C. 2011 TROTTER Dame Janet (ex-officio) 1984 LYONS, M.R. Representing the County Federations 2012 TROUGHTON Mrs C. (ex-officio) 1999 MacDONALD, Mrs E. of Young Farmers’ Clubs 1993 ULOTH, Col. A.C. 2001 MacDONALD, N.C. Dorset: CROAD, I. 1995 VESTEY, The Lord 2007 McKAIG M. Somerset: WILLS, Mrs P. 1997 2007 VINTCENT, J. 1987 MATHESON OF MATHESON, Miss E., DL Wiltshire: POTTOW, Mrs K. 1977 2005 WAITE, M.A. 2011 MEATYARD, P. Representing Somerset Federations 2007 WALDEGRAVE, The Rt. Hon. 2014 MOIR, Dr L. of Women’s Institutes Lord of North Hill, PC 2007 MONTGOMERY, A.J. Somerset: SMITH, Mrs C., OBE 1984 2013 WHITE, E., FRAgS 2007 MOORE, A. 1967 1969 WIGRAM, Lt. Col. The Lord, MC, DL Representing Agricultural Colleges 2011 MUIR MACKENZIE, Sir Alexander, Bt 1998 2009 YEOMAN, Mrs A.B., OBE, DL Dorset: DAVISDON, Mrs C., 2004 PALMER, P.J. Kingston Maurward College 2013 PETHER, LT Col, M., MBE Wiltshire: DALE, Mrs D., Principal, 2008 PLUMMER, Mrs D. Wiltshire College
www.bathandwest.com Journal 2016 41 Honorary Council Members Society’s Representatives on Life Governors of the 2006 BUSH, J., OBE CVO Governing Bodies and Committees 1988 CLOTHIER, L.O. Association of Show & Agricultural Organisations: Royal Bath & West of 1984 COOK, A.E. HOOPER, P.J. OBE 2007 CHRISTENSEN, F. Golden Shears World Council: England Society 1993 EDDY, R.G., BVETMED FRCVS, DERRYMAN, A. 2007 FISHER, G. RUNDLE, A.G. Mr A.P. Baker 2001 FULFORD-DOBSON, M., CVO KSTJ JP RN National Blacksmiths Competitions Committee: Mrs C.M. Barrett 1994 GAMMON, R.D., MBE (*) Mr B.R. Bicknell 1994 GIBSON, MRS W.J. BENT, R. STAPLES, L.R. Mrs E.C. Bullivant 1995 JOLLIFE, THE HON. JOHN Mrs S.P. Burke 1989 LAWRENCE, MRS P. British Isles Shearing Competitions Association: Mrs R. Burns 1997 LOCK, RN, J.C.W., CAPTAIN RUNDLE, A.G. Mr J. Carter 2008 MALTBY, MRS S. Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust: (*) Mr P. Clark B. Vet. Med., Cert BR, MRCVS 2007 PITT-RIVERS, MRS V., CVO ALVIS, J. MBE Mr M J.L. Cobb Bsc CEng MIEE 2004 ROPER, M. Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth: (*) The Reverend Canon R. Davis 1993 SKIDMORE, D.M. WHITE, E., FRAgS (*) Mrs R. de Pelet, BEM 1994 WARMAN, J.H. FITZGERALD, A. Rt. Hon. The Lord Digby 2001 WHITE, J.S.B. (*) Mrs E.E. Drewett 1996 WILSEY, GENERAL SIR JOHN, GCB CBE DL Somerset Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs: SNELL, M.C. (*) Mr M. Duffin Mr C.A. Egremont Trustees of the Society Mrs G. Eyre Permanent Staff (*) The Reverend Farmiloe Chairman: DREWETT, R.N.F., DL (*) Mr G. Fisher Main Office: Vice Chairman: ALVIS, J., MBE (*) Mr A. Gibson OBE Chief Executive: Rupert Cox Honorary Treasurer: MOIR, DR. L. Mr J.R. Gibson-Fleming DL Society & Company Secretary: Paul Hooper OBE ASH, R. Mr D.R. Grandfield Financial Controller: David Stitch CALVER, R.T Mr J.C. Grandfield Head of Shows: Alan Lyons FELTON, M.J., MFH (*) Mrs J. Hobhouse PA to Senior Management Team: Mary Holmes GIBSON, A., OBE Mr St John Hooper Senior Trade Stands Officer: Sandra Collishaw MATHESON OF MATHESON, Miss E., DL (*) Mrs P.M. Lawrence Trade Stands & Sponsorship: James Cox THATCHER, M. Mrs C. Look Senior Entries Officer: Sarah-Jane Chick WILLS, SIR DAVID, Bt Mr H. Mackenzie-Green Entries Assistant: Erin Clothier YEOMAN, Mrs A.B., OBE, DL (*) Mrs G. Matthews MBE Marketing & Communications Manager: Mrs J.E. Merry Jonathan Hall, from January 2016 (*) Mr B.M. Mills, BVSC, MRCVS Shows Marketing Manager: Julie Kitching Other Officials Mr J.H. Ogborne Special Events Organiser: Rachael Hann Auditors: FRANCIS CLARK Mrs J. Osborne Show Promotions Secretary: Sophia Orttewell Bankers: HANDELSBANKEN (*) Miss V. Ovens Assistant Accountant: Colleen Frisby (*) Miss E.D. Overend Fire Safety Advisor: WESSEX FIRE & Hospitality Co-ordinator: Kim Lester Mr J.N. Peters RESCUE SERVICES IT Manager: Matt Johnson Mrs J. Pimblett Health & Safety Consultant: MENTOR Accounts Assistant, Catering Supervisor (*) Mr M. Pow & Membership Sec: Alison Fox Honorary Archivist: JOHNSTON, C.A., Mr T.J. Priscott Show Features Co-ordinator: Josie Weller City Archivist, Bath City Council Dr D.T. Protheroe Charity Project Co-ordinator: Catherine Page Honorary Editor of The Journal: ULOTH, R.W. (*)Mr R.A. Quantrill Estates Team: Mr W.S.C. Richards OBE DL Honorary Librarian: JORDAN, Miss K. Estates Foreman: Trevor Sellick from January 2016 Mr M. Rutherford Honorary Tree Conservator: Estates Administrator: Kim Limb Mrs J.M. Rutherford LANG BROWN, J.R., MA FICFor Events Co-ordinator: Emma Anderson Mr D.J. Saunders AYERS, Mr B., MICFor Showground Account Manager,Venue & Mr P. Saunders Honorary Warden of Waterfowl: Events Co-ordinator: Sarah Case (*) Mrs M. Shaw LAWRENCE, Mrs P.M. Estates Team: Barry James, Mr F.K. Showering John Harris Mrs R. Showering Assistant Bio-Security Officer: Jan Krajewski (*) Mr L.R. Staples CLARK, P.J., BVetMed, CertBr, MRCVS Barry McDonald from January 2016 Lady Tidmarsh Veterinary Officers: (*) Mrs J.M. Tilley GORDON P. MA VetMB CertCHP MRCVS Mr C.G. Turner KENWARD, P., CertBr, MRCVS (*) Mr A. Vaughan-France PERKINS, N., BVSC, CertCHP, MRCVS The Society would like to record Mr T.J. Vaux ROBERTSON, N. BVetMed MRCVS, with sadness the following deaths (*) Mrs S. Whittaker The Stables Equine Practice Major The Hon. Andrew Wigram, MVO over the past year: Mr F.J. Williams The Earl of Devon (President 2009) (*) Lady Wills Brigadier Christopher Wolverson OBE DL The Duke of Wellington MVO, OBE, (*) Mrs S. Wrixon MC, DL (President 1978) (*) Honorary
42 Journal 2016 www.bathandwest.com Heavy Horses POULTRY & SMALL ANIMALS Stewards Mr B. Honeywill Mr P. Meatyard (Chief Steward) Members of Council are shown in Bold type. Mrs D. Honeywill Mrs D. Bourne Mr N. Collins ART Show Jumping Mrs F. Doble Mrs F. Wood (Chief Steward) Mrs M. Errington Mr J. Merchant Ms J. Hooper Miss J. Maslin Mr R Parsons Lady Redwood Mrs V. Thomas Mr F. Smith BEES, HONEY LIVESTOCK Mrs M. Tite Mr C. Rawlings (Chief Steward) Mr M.R. Lyons (Chief Steward) Mr D. Vaughan Mr B. Perkins Mr A. Cotton OBE Mr P Wilson Mr K. Tredgett Mrs A. Groves VINTAGE VEHICLES FOOD & DRINK Mr G. Groves Mr P.J. Palmer (Chief Steward) Mr G. Streatfeild (Chief Steward) Bio-Security Mr A. Bishop Mrs E.C. Kingston Mr P.J. Clark BVetMed CertBR MRCVS Mr L.O. Clothier Mr J. Coakes BRITISH FARMING FOR THE FAMILY Cattle Mrs J. Coakes Mr D.N. Sedgman (Chief Steward) Mr P.D. Biss (Chief Steward) Mrs J. Inge Ms R. Sage Mr D.M. Barker Mr A.G. Sugg CATERING Mrs J. Biss Mr A.M.C. Uloth (Chief Steward) Mrs F. Britten RECEPTION Mrs K. Bradley-Hudson Mr R.B. Cotes-James Mr J. Alvis MBE (Chief Steward) Mr J. Burrough Mr H.G. Dart Major General B.M. Lane CB OBE (Chief Steward) Mrs I. Craven Mrs J. Dart Rt Rev’d Peter B. Price Mrs F. De Fonblanque Mr R. Dimond Col. Sir P. Redwood Bt (Chief Steward) Mrs M. Reed Mr C. Groves Sir James Tidmarsh KCVO MBE Miss C. Rice Mrs A. House Mr J. Vintcent (Chief Steward) Mr D. Speed Miss B. Leyman Grandstand, Cups & Trophies Mr R.A Quantrill Mr R.W. Uloth (Chief Steward) COMMUNICATION/ Mr O. Simon MEMBERSHIP PROMOTION Mr S. Briston Miss H. Roe Mr W. Southcombe Mrs M. James MBE (Chief Steward) Mrs M. Trott Mr N. Allan Mr J. Thomas Mr G. Twinberrow Mr P. Thompson DAIRY PRODUCE Mr M. Yeandle Mr M.J. Pullin (Chief Steward) Mrs S. A. Yeandle Sponsors Lounge Mrs A. Streatfeild Mr M. Yeandle Commodore G. Billson Mrs R. Billson ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH AWARD Goats Mr N. Evelyn (Head Steward) Brigadier J. Hemsley OBE, FRGS (Chief Steward) Mrs W.E. Webster Mrs S. Evelyn Mr L. Davies MBE Pigs Lady Stewart-Wilson Mr P. Hillard Mr M.C. Snell (Chief Steward) Major A. Horsey Long Service Mrs C. Hinks Mr F. Christensen Mr R. Smith Mr G. Hinks Dr. P. Vile Mr J. Newth Visitors’ Steward HORTICULTURE Mrs E. MacDonald (Chief Steward) Pygmy Goats Mrs J. Goode Mrs F. de Fonblanque Mr P. Wigzel Mrs W.J. Gibson Floral Art Mrs K. Wigzel Mr T. Rebbeck Miss S. Bramble Sheep Miss K. Sedgman HORSES Mrs M.D. Handel MRICS, FAAV (Chief Steward) Mrs K. Saker Miss J. Cooper (Chief Steward) Mrs M. Burrough Mr I. Saker Mrs A. Derby (Chief Steward) Mr C.F.B. Clark ARICS FAAV RING EVENTS Mr M.J. Felton MFH (Chief Steward) Mr D. Rashley Mr C.P. Ross (Chief Steward) Sir Alexander Muir-Mackenzie Bt (Chief Steward) Mrs G. Richardson Miss E. Craven Mr A.F. Alexander BSc FRICS Mrs A. Seymour Mr T. Drewett Miss B. Adlam Mrs R. Stamp SAFETY ZONE – TOWN & COUNTRY Major H.A.G. Baillie Mr S. Stamp Mr S. Bartlett TD (Chief Steward) Mr D.H.C. Batten (Not 2015) Mr M.E. Wall Mr E. Croombs Mrs J. S. Bryer ORCHARDS & CIDER Mr M. Caine Lt. Col. M.A. Langdon Mr B. Chaplin (Chief Steward) Mr T. Clarke Mr S. Perry Commander R.T. Best DL, RN Miss D. Crumpler Miss Welsh Mr M. Best Mr I.M. Dudgeon Mr P. Woodward Mr M. Beresford Mrs J. Garner Mr M. Berkeley SECURITY Miss E. Gibson Ms A. Farmer Mr E.J. Allen DL (Chief Steward) Mr W. Grant Lt Col L.G. French SHEEP SHEARING Mrs H. Kirkland Lt. Cdr. M. French Mr A.R. Derryman (Chief Steward) Major P. Lawson Mr K. Goverd Mr A.G. Rundle Mr S. Ledger Mrs B. Montgomery Mr J. Hoskins Mr A. Chick Mr R. Nuttall Mrs A. Hudson Ms M. MacDonald Mr R. Pinney Mr E. Landon Mr R. Pullin Mr A.N. Renwick Mr N. MacDonald Miss T. Pullin Mr S. Somers Mr E.J. Pearse Ms C. Speid-Soote Mr M. Ridler Mr C. Stanley-Smith Mr M. Rogers Mr R. Walker Mr D. Sheppy Mrs C. Warman Commander A. St J Steiner OBE, RN Mr W.R.J. Yeats Mr A. Stone Mr J. Temperley Ms A. Tilly Mr C. Vye
www.bathandwest.com Journal 2016 43 SHOEING & WROUGHT IRONWORK Mr W.R. Bougourd (Chief Steward) Standing Committees Show Committees Shoeing The President and Chairman of Trustee Board MAIN SHOW COMMITTEE Mr S.R. Belasco are ex-officio members of all committees. Mr R.N.F. Drewett DL (Chairman) Mr N. Miller Members of Council are shown in Bold type. Mr R. Ash Mr N. Perrott CHARITY COMMITTEE Commander R. T. Best, DL, RN (Co-opted) Mr N. Phillips Sir David Wills Bt (Chairman) Mr A. Gibson OBE Mr A. Reader-Smith Mr D. Cotton Mr M.R. Lyons Mr A. Gibson OBE Sir Alexander Muir-Mackenzie Bt Wrought Ironwork Mr D.N. Sedgman Mr R. Bent, FWCB Mrs C. Look Rt Rev’d Peter B. Price Mrs M. Staib Miss A. Bent Mr G. Streatfeild Mr J.W.G. Blunt FWCB Ms R. Sage Mr E. White, FRAgS Mr A.M.C. Uloth Mr G. Hughes Mr A. Wilcox Mr R.C. Jones A.W.C.B Mr L. Davies MBE Mr M. Shepherd LIBRARY & ARCHIVES ART Mr A. Gibson OBE (Chairman) Mrs F. Wood (Chairman) TRADE STANDS Commander R.T. Best DL RN Mr M. Coreth Mrs M. Staib (Chief Steward) Dr P.W. Brassley Mrs R. de Pelet, BEM Miss R. Dobson Mr P. Bryant Mr M. Jerram Mr R. Lowe Prof. E.J.T. Collins Mrs P. Harris Mr M. Wyburn-Mason Mrs L. Copas Mr J. Marshall Trade Stand Cups Mr A.W. Cotton OBE Mrs J. Moreton Mr D. Cotton Brig. S.D.A. Firth CBE Lady Redwood Mr M. Suffield MAIN SQUARE ACTIVITIES Mr C.A. Johnston (Hon. Archivist) Ms K. Jordan (Hon. Librarian) Ms J. Thompson Mrs D. Plummer (Chief Steward) Mr W. Vaughan Mr D. Dixon Mrs K. Robinson Rev. T. Osmond Mr A. Stone BEES & HONEY Mr R.W. Uloth Mr C. Rawlings (Chairman) The Fairground SOMERSET LEVELS DEVELOPMENT FUND Mrs A. Barr Mr J. Horton COMMITTEE Mr J. Barr Village School Mr E. White, FRAgS (Chairman) Mr P. Clemente Mrs H. Parker Mr J. Alvis MBE Mr S. Horne Mr R.N.F. Drewett DL Mr D. Moore WOODLAND & COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION Mr B. Perkins Mr D. Atkin (Chief Steward) Mr A. Gibson OBE Rt Rev’d Peter B. Price Mrs S. Perkins Mr J.K. Baker FICFor, CEnv. M.Arbor.A. (Chief Mrs S. Rawlings Steward) DISQUALIFYING Mr K. Tredgett Mr N. Atkin Mr R.N.F. Drewett DL (Chairman) Mr B. Ayers Mr J. Alvis MBE (Vice-Chairman) BRITISH FARMING FOR THE FAMILY Mr N. Baker and three stewards of the show Mr D. Sedgman (Chairman) Mr P. Bradish-Ellames department concerned Mr I. Dyer Mr D. Frost Mr D. Masters Mr J.R. Lang Brown MA FICFor Mr A. Perrott Mr T. Ledbury Ms R. Sage Mr M. McKaig Mrs P. Scadding Mr I. Tossell WORKS Mrs B. Wood Mr R. Ash (Chief Steward) Mr D. Wood Cleanliness of Showground Mr T. Wood Mr M.J. Cobb BSc CEng MIEE CATERING YARD Mr A.M.C. Uloth (Chairman) Mr A.H. Wilcox (Chief Steward) Mrs K. Bradley-Hudson Mr A. Chinn Mr N. Evelyn Mr R. Clark Mrs E. MacDonald Mr E. Edwards Miss C. Rice Mr E. Hale Mr D. Speed Mr R.W. Isaac MBE Mrs A. Seymour Mrs J. Lowe CATTLE SUB-COMMITTEE Mr J. Martin Mr P.D. Biss (Chairman) Mr J. Murray Mr D.M. Barker Mr R. Oliver Mrs J. Biss Mr M. Page FCA Mrs F. Britten Mr J. Smith Mr P.J. Clark BVetMed CertBR MRCVS Col. W.H.F. Stevens OBE Mr R.B. Cotes-James Mrs C. Tomkins Mr A.W. Cotton OBE SHOWGROUND PARKING Mr H.G. Dart Mr R. Wharton TD (Chief Steward) Mr R. Dimond Mr R. Abbott MBE Mr P. Gordon Mr O.J.H. Chamberlain QVRM TD DL Mr C. Groves Lt. Col. N. Claypoole Mrs A. House Brig. T. Dalby-Welsh Mr P. Kenward CertBR, MRCVS Major D. Delius MBE Mr M.R. Lyons Mr R. Firbank Mrs K. Sales Mr R. Macdiarmid Mr O.S.L. Simon Lt. Col. P. Mellor Mrs M. Trott Lt. Col. D.H. Neville Mr G. Twinberrow Lt Col M.J. Pether MBE Mr M. Yeandle
44 Journal 2016 www.bathandwest.com DAIRY PRODUCE ORCHARDS & CIDER SHEEP SHEARING Mr M.J. Pullin (Chairman) Mr A. Gibson OBE (Chairman) Mr A.R. Derryman (Chairman) Mr A. Barber Mr M. Berkley Miss M. Amor Mr T. Calver Commander R. T. Best, DL, RN Mr A. Barratt Mr M. Davies Mr B. Chaplin Commander R.T. Best, DL, RN Mr J. Longman Mrs L. Copas Miss H. Bond Mr J. Longman Ms A. Farmer Mr J. Branfield Mr R. Longman Lt. Col. L.G. French Mr A. Chick Mr P. Mitchell Mr J. Hoskyns Mr R. Gardner Mr B. Savage Mr E. Landon Mr E. Goodfellow Mrs A. Streatfeild Mr N. MacDonald Mr C. Griffin Mr J. Tunstall Mr M. Rogers Miss A. Gould ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH AWARD Mr D. Sheppy Mr D. John Brigadier J. Hemsley OBE FRGS (Chairman) Mr A. Stone Mr R. Lee Mr L.C. Davies MBE Mrs A. Tilley Mr G. Mudge Mr P. Hillard Mr J. Temperley Mr A. Mudge Major A. Horsey POULTRY & SMALL ANIMALS G. Paewai Miss J. Rayment Mr P. Meatyard (Chairman) Mr R. Pullin Mr N. Scriven Mrs D. Bourne Mr D. Takle Mr R. Smith Mr B. Linge Mr A.G. Rundle Dr P. Vile Mrs D. Jackson Mr T. Wall Miss N. Walters FLORAL ART SUB-COMMITTEE Mr J. Merchant Mr R. Parsons Mr A. Wear Miss S. Bramble (Chairman) Mr A. Williams Mrs M. Bown Mr F.D. Smith Mrs N. Chenery Miss S. Telling SHOEING & WROUGHT IRONWORK Mrs D. Clark Mr M. Thompson Mr W.R. Bougourd (Chairman) Mrs P. Heron Mr D. Wakeham Mr R. Ash Mrs C. Lane Mr P. Wilson Mr S.R. Belasco Mrs P. Matthews VINTAGE VEHICLES Miss A. Bent Mr R. Bent FWCB HORSES Mr P.J. Palmer (Chairman) Mr A. Bishop Miss M. Cole Miss J. Cooper (Chairman) Mr G. Hughes Mrs A. Derby Mr L.O. Clothier Mr J. Coakes Mr R.C. Jones AWCB Sir Alexander Muir-Mackenzie Bt Mr N. Miller Mr I.M. Dudgeon Mrs J. Coakes Mrs J. Inge Mr N. Perrott Mrs M. Errington Mr N. Phillips Mr M.J. Felton MFH Mr T. Jones Mr A.G. Sugg Mr A. Reader-Smith Miss E. Gibson Mr M. Shephard Ms A. Newbery SAFETY ZONE – TOWN & COUNTRY Mr R. Nuttall Mr S. Bartlett TD (Chairman) WOODLAND & COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION Mr N. Robertson BVetMed MRCVS Mr E. Croombs Mr J.K. Baker FICFor, CEnv. M.Arbor.A. (Chairman) Mr C.P. Ross Miss P. Dawe Mr D. Atkin (Vice-Chairman) Mr J.R. Speid-Soote Lt. Col. M.A. Langdon Mr B. Ayers Mr C. Speid-Soote Ms E. Leadley Mr P. Bradish-Ellames Mr W.R.J. Yeats Mr S. Pinkerton-Clark Mr R. Buckland Mr J. Youngs Mr N. Pearce Mr R. Furneaux Mr H.F. Galpin MAIN STOCK Mr S. Perry Mr M. Toop Mr D. Gervers Mr M.R. Lyons (Chairman) Mr B. Honeywill Mr P.D. Biss Mr P. Woodward Miss Welsh Mr J.R. Lang Brown MA FICFor Mr A.W. Cotton OBE Mr T. Ledbury Mr P. Gordon MA VetMB CertCHP MRCVS SHEEP, GOATS, PIGS Mr P. Munford Mr C. Groves Sub-Committee Mrs M.D. Handel MRICS FAAV Mr M.C. Snell (Chairman) Mr P Kenward CERTBr, MRCVS Mrs M. Burrough Show Working party Mr N. Perkins, BVSC, CERT CHP, MRCVS Mr J.A. Champion Mr M.C. Snell Mr C.F.B. Clark ARICS FAAV COMMUNICATION Mrs M.E. Trott Mrs M.D. Handel MRICS FAAV Mrs M .James MBE (Chairman) Mrs W.E. Webster Mrs C. Hinks Mr A. Gibson OBE Mr G. Hinks Mr P. Reynolds Mr W. Hyde Mrs A. Carey Brown Mr M.R. Lyons Mr P. Sherborne Mr J. Newth Mrs O. Cooper Mrs A. Seymour Mrs W. Best Mrs R. Stamp FOOD AND DRINK Mrs W.E. Webster Mr G. Streatfeild (Chairman) Mrs K. Wigzel Mrs A. Streatfeild Mrs E. Kingston Mr T. Calver HORTICULTURE Mr N. Hewitt-Cooper (Chairman) Miss S. Bramble Mrs C. Lane Mrs K. Trippick Mr N. Cox MAIN SQUARE ACTIVITIES Mrs D. Plummer (Chairman) Mr D. Dixon Rev. T. Osmond Mrs H. Parker
www.bathandwest.com Journal 2016 45 GRASSLAND UK Specialist Show Mr D. Sedgman (Chairman) The following are Mr B.J. Bryer Standing Committees Mrs K. Dunford boards of the subsidiary DAIRY SHOW, MAIN COMMITTEE Mr N. Fone Mr R.T. Calver (Chairman) Mr D. Forbes companies of the Society Mr P.D. Biss Ms Z. Gorton BATH & WEST SHOWS LTD Mr A. Churchouse Mr R. Longman Mr J. Alvis MBE (Chairman) Mr A.W. Cotton OBE Mr B. Paul Mr R. Ash Mr P. Gordon Mr C. Snell Mr R.T. Calver Mr M.R. Lyons (Vice Chairman) Mr T. Teagle Mr R.N.F. Drewett DL (Chairman of Trustee Board) Mr P. Kenward CERTBr, MRCVS Mr A. Gibson OBE Mr N. Perkins, BVSC, CERT CHP, MRCVS Miss E. Matheson of Matheson DL Mr E.J. Pearse BATH & WEST ENTERPRISES LTD Mr R. Wilcox Mr R. Ash DAIRY SHOW, CATTLE Mr R.T. Calver (Chairman) Sub-Committee Mr R.N.F. Drewett DL (Chairman of Trustee Board) Mr M.R. Lyons (Chairman) Mr M. J. Felton MFH Mr R. Belbin Mr D. Gidney Mr P.D. Biss Mrs E. MacDonald Mrs J. Biss Dr L. Moir (Hon. Treasurer) Mr P.J. Clark BVetMed CertBR MRCVS Mr R. Peto Mr R.B. Cotes-James Mrs A.B. Yeoman OBE DL Mr T. Garry Mr P.J. Hooper OBE (Company Secretary) Mr C. Groves Mr P Gordon MA VetMB CertCHP MRCVS Mr M. Hillyer Mr P. Kenward CERTBr, MRCVS Mr R. Osborne Mr C.G. Parfitt Mrs K. Sales Mrs T. Selway As at 15 December 2015 Mr G. Twinberrow
Past Presidents’ of the Society YEAR PRESIDENT YEAR PRESIDENT 1970 The Lord Ashburton, KG, KCVO 1993 Admiral of the Fleet, Sir Henry Leach, GCB, DL 1971 Col. C.T. Mitford-Slade 1994 The Lord Vestey 1972 Brig. The Lord Tryon, GCVO, KCB, DSO 1995 The Earl of Selborne, KBE 1973 The Lord Dulverton, CBE, TD 1996 Mr R.W. Drewett DL 1974 The Earl Waldergrave, KG, TD, DL, GCVO 1997 The Lord Armstrong of Ilminster, GCB, CVO 1975 Col. C.T. Mitford-Slade 1998 The Rt Rev. James Thompson, The Lord Bishop of Bath & Wells 1976 The Lord Digby 1999 The Countess of Arran DL 1977 HRH The Prince of Wales, KG 2000 The Rt. Hon. The Earl Cairns, CBE 1978 His Grace The Duke of Wellington, MVO, OBE, MC, DL 2001 Rt. Hon. Viscount Cranborne DL 1979 Col. W.Q. Roberts, CVO, CBE, DSO, DL 2002 HRH The Duke of Gloucester KG, GCVO 1980 Sir John Wills, Bt, TD 2003 Lady Gass, Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for Somerset 1981 HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, KG, KT 2004 The Rt. Hon. The Lord King of Bridgwater CH 1982 The Marquess of Salisbury, DL 2005 The Marquess of Salisbury, PC, DL 1983 Lt. Col. G.W.F. Luttrell, MC 2006 Lord Waldegrave of North Hill 1984 The Lord St. Levan, DSC, DL 2007 Lord Cameron of Dillington DL 1985 Field Marshal Sir Roland Gibbs, GCB, CBE, DSO, MC, DL 2008 Angela Yeoman, OBE, DL 1986 HRH The Princess Anne, Mrs Mark Phillips, GCVO 2009 The Earl of Devon 1987 Lord Romsey 2010 HRH The Countess of Wessex GCVO 1988 Mrs Susan Williams, MBE, JP 2011 HRH The Countess of Wessex GCVO 1989 Major The Lord Darling, DL 2012 Sir Henry Elwes KCVO 1990 Sir John Quicke, CBE 2013 The Rt Revd Peter B Price, Bishop of Bath & Wells 1991 Mr Marmaduke Hussey 2014 HRH The Duchess of Cornwall GCVO 1992 (Deputy President) Col. G.W.F. Luttrell, MC 2015 The Lord & Lady Fellowes
46 Journal 2016 www.bathandwest.com Acknowledgments The Royal Bath & West of England Society is very grateful to the following for their generous donations, sponsorship and support of its shows in 2015.
• Micron Bio-Systems Ltd – The Dairy Show Headline Sponsor • AJ & RG Barber – British Cheese Awards • Farmers Guardian/Dairy Farmer – Media Partner • Adrian Guise – Horticultural Village • British Solar Renewables – The Dairy Show • Aggregate Industries – Show Makers • Pearce Seeds – The Dairy Show • Alvis Bros Ltd – Holstein classes • Yeo Valley Farms (Production) Ltd – The Dairy Industry Dinner • Annandale Stud Equine – Section B Welsh Silver Medal • AJ & RG Barber – The Dairy Industry Dinner • Anonymous Donor – British Farming for the Family and Farm Woman • Crediton Dairy – The Dairy Industry Dinner of the Year • Godminster – The Dairy Industry Dinner • Anonymous Donor – Floral Art • Lye Cross Farm – The Dairy Industry Dinner • Anonymous Donor – Special Prizes for Pig Section • A E Rodda & Son – The Dairy Industry Dinner • Anonymous Donor – Young Pig Handlers Competition • Wyke Farms – The Dairy Industry Dinner • Ashley Chase Estates Ltd – British Cheese Awards • Burges Salmon LLP – The Dairy Industry Dinner Reception • Atlas Packaging – British Cheese Awards • The Cornish Cheese Company – Cheese for the Dairy Industry Dinner • Aubrey Allen – British Cheese Awards • Freedom Dairy Systems – Robotic Milker Feature • Avon Beekeepers’ Association – Bees and Honey • AJ & RG Barber – Associate Show Sponsor • Barry Fowler – Stewards’ Office for Sheep Section and Poultry Houses • Müller Wiseman Dairies – Associate Show Sponsor for Farming for the Family • ForFarmers – Dairy Industry Vet of the Future Award • Bartlett, Gooding & Weelen – Power of the Past • Cox & Robinson Farm Direct – Show Guide • Battens Solicitors – Hand Milking Demo, British Farming for the Family • NatWest – Interbreed Heifer Championship • Belton Cheese – British Cheese Awards • Old Mill – Cattle Pairs Championship • The Best Family – English National Championship, Sheep Shearing • Mole Valley Farmers – Showmanship and Calf Classes • Mr Patrick Biss – Loan of equipment • Giltspur Scientific – Holstein • Blue Chip Feed Ltd – Equine Section • Gold Top – Jersey • Bollhayes Cider – Orchard and Cider Pavilion • IAE – Dairy Shorthorn • Bond Dickinson – Corporate Friend • Milkrite – Brown Swiss • Bord Bia British Cheese Awards • NFU – Dairy Show • Bradburys – British Cheese Awards • NMR – Guernsey • Boulter Mead – Beef Shorthorn • Santander Corporate & Commercial Banking – Ayrshire • Mrs D Bourne – Special Prizes Juvenile and Juniors Poultry and Eggs • Farmplan – Cattle Movement Software • British Cheese Board – Cheese Industry Award • Fullwood – Milking Equipment • British Solar Renewables Ltd – Council Pavilion and Show Jumping • Deosan Diversey – Disinfectant • British Wool Marketing Board – Sheep Shearing • Karcher UK – Lorry Wash • Brunel Microscopes Ltd – Bees and Honey • NSR Communications Ltd – AV Equipment • C Hoare & Co – Shetland Gold Cup • Cake, Bake and Food Festival – British Cheese Awards • Care UK – Village Green • Carter Jonas – Corporate Friend • The Champagne Cave – Show Jumping and Show Reception • Cheverells Stud – Equine: Section D Welsh Silver Medal • Commercial Recycling Ltd – Pony Club Games • Coombe Castle International – British Cheese Awards • Agrii – Show Sponsor • Cooper & Tanner – Young Farmers’ Stock Judging • Origin Fertilisers – Show Sponsor • Core Equipment – Orchards and Cider • Galebreaker – Clamp Demonstrations • Country Baskets – Floral Art • bpi visqueen – Field 4 • Cricketer Farm – Dairy Showmanship • Bridgwater College – Muck and Slurry Demo support, • Cropwell Bishop Creamery – British Cheese Awards Passenger Trailer transport • Mr & Mrs S Cuddy – Cuddy Supreme In Hand Championship • John Deere – tractor and passenger trailer (shuttle bus)/staff Gators • D & P Mead & Co – Calf Show • Farmlink – passenger trailer (shuttle bus) • Danco Plc – Judges’ and Stewards’ Pavilion and Disabled Viewing • Massey Ferguson (Highwood) – tractor (shuttle bus) Platform • North Somerset Agricultural Society – passenger trailer (shuttle bus) • Danisco (UK) Ltd – British Cheese Awards • Same Deutz Fahr – tractor (shuttle bus) • EH Thorne (Beehives) Ltd – Bees and Honey • Santander – Stewards • Elanco Animal Health – Poultry and Small Animals • Secure Covers – Shuttle Bus • Mrs D Errington – Show Jumping • Trident Feeds – beet • Etheridge Farm Stud – Small Hunter Brood Mare • Volac – Ecosyl additives • Federation of Small Businesses – British Food Halls • Wiltshire College Lackham – plot boundaries, plot marking, stewards • Fernhill Farm – Novice Blade Competition, Sheep Shearing • First Great Western – The Family Trail • Foot Anstey – Corporate Friend • Ford Farm – Show Map
www.bathandwest.com Journal 2016 47 • Fosse-way-fodder – Feed for Farming for the Family • RRH Ltd – British Limousin • Fox Grant – Inter-Hunt Relay • Rainbow Embroidery – Show Jumping rug embroidery • Francis Bugler – Aberdeen Angus • Rathbone Investment Management – Art Pavilion and Art Reception • George Mewes Cheese – British Cheese Awards with Art Sculpture Prize • George Mudge & Co – YFC Competition, Sheep Shearing • Read Agri – Loan of equipment • Graham Walton Publishing – Heavy Horses • Richard Ash Horse Shoes – Shoeing and Wrought Ironwork Section • HSBC – Environmental Youth Awards • AP & PC Rose – Pig Pairs Championship and British Farming • Handelsbanken – Corporate Friend for the Family • Harvey & Brockless – British Cheese Awards • Mrs Anna M L Richards – Equine: Welsh Section A Silver Medal • Hayes Catering – Junior Bull Championship • Rowcliffe, Anthony & Son – British Cheese Awards • Hazlegrove – Show Jumping • Sheppy’s Cider – Orchard and Cider • Jacksons Fencing – Horticultural Village, Equine jumps, British Farming • Shepton Mallet Cider Mill – Special Prizes for the Family • Sheldrake – British Cheese Awards • James Wellbeloved – Sheep Dog Trials • Shires Equestrian Products – Rugs for Show Jumping • John Loader (Wessex) Ltd – Providing corn for the Poultry and Small • Sign of the Owl Birds – Poultry and Small Animals Animals Section • Silverline – Instant Garden Challenge Prizes • John Shepherd Feeders – Farming for the Family • Smith & Williamson – British Farming for the Family and Horticultural • John Wainwright & Co Ltd – Roadsweeper Village • Johnson Diversey – Dairy • Somerdale International – British Cheese Awards • Julian Shave – Planting • Somerset Reclamation – Sculptures • Junction 24 Ltd – Beef Calf Classes • C Snell of Chard – Commercial Lamb • JY Farming – Main Ring: Trailer • Somerset Beekeepers’ Association – Bees and Honey • Karcher UK – Lorry Wash Pressure Washers • South West of England Cider Makers’ Association – Orchard and Cider • Keenan – Devon • South West Tyres – Show Jumping • Keen’s Cheddar – British Cheese Awards Shelving • Speciality Food Magazine – British Cheese Awards • Kesbury Ltd – Commercial Lamb • Street Theatre – Showmakers • Kingdown Stud – Equine: Welsh Section C Silver Medal • Ston Easton Park Hotel – Ladies Day Prizes and Farm Woman Prize • The Kroger Company – British Cheese Awards • SW Association of the Welsh Pony and Cob Society – Individual Society • Lactalis McLelland – British Cheese Awards Silver Medals • Lawrence Fine Art Auctioneers Ltd – Visitors’ Favourite Art Exhibit • Tesco – British Cheese Awards • Legg Brothers Ltd – Shoeing and Wrought Iron Competitions • Thatchers Cider Company Ltd – Best Cider Orchard Award, Orchard • Lister Shearing – Golden Shears Open Championship, loan of and Cider section, Showmakers equipment and special prizes, Sheep Shearing • The Abergavenny Fine Food Company – British Cheese Awards • LX Trix Ltd – Show Jumping • The Hon Mrs Townshend – Open Blade, Sheep Shearing • Mane Event Saddlery – Show Jumping • The Worshipful Company of Coopers – Orchard and Cider • Marks & Spencer – British Cheese Awards • The Worshipful Company of Fruiterers – Orchard and Cider • Micron Bio-Systems Ltd – Farm Woman of the Year • The Worshipful Company of Woolmen – Intermediate Championship, • Mill Cross Stud – Equine: Welsh Section B Silver Medal Sheep Shearing • Mogers Drewett – Show Jumping • Mrs M Tite – Special Prize Poultry and Eggs • Mole Valley Farmers Ltd – Sheep Shearing Section • Tom Yeoman – Equipment for the Main Ring • National Association of Cider Makers – Orchards and Cider • Toomer Farm – Show Jumping • Natraliving Health – Irish Draught • Towergate Farm Insurance – Equine Ring 2 • Norseland (Applewood) – The Family Trail • Uphill & Son Ltd – Main Ring • G Northover & Sons Ltd – Shoeing and Wrought Iron • Vale Motors – Loan of vehicles • Norton Cider Growers’ Association – Orchard and Cider Pavilion • Tony Vaughan France – Show Jumping • NSR Communications Ltd – The NSR Ring • Vigo – Orchard and Cider • Nuttall Equestrian – Show Jumping • John Wainwright & Co Ltd – Loan of roadsweepers • Old Mill – Cattle Presentation Award, Machinery Exhibition and New • Waitrose – Thriving Trolleys Technology Award • Waldegrave Farms Ltd – Livestock section • OMSCo – British Cheese Awards • West Country Farmhouse Cheesemakers – British Cheese Awards • Osborne Refrigerators – Double Harness Scurry • Western Power Distribution – Children’s Farm Safety Poster Competition • PD Hook Hatcheries – Chicken ‘n’ Egg • Wiltshire Beekeepers’ Association – Bees and Honey Section • PJ Rosewell Garden Services – YFC Tug of War • Wincanton Racecourse – Retraining of Racehorses Classes • Peter Green Chilled – British Cheese Awards • Woolley & Wallis – Hampshire Down Sheep • Pilgrims Choice – British Cheese Awards Cheese Tours • Wyke Farms – British Cheese Awards, British Farming for the Family • Podimore Recycling – Soil for Instant Garden Challenge • Yeo Valley – British Farming for the Family • Port Regis School – Show Jumping • Yeovil Land Rover – Courtesy Vehicle • Puxton Park – Dairy Calf Classes • Mrs A Yeoman – Pony Club Games and Main Ring equipment
48 Journal 2016 www.bathandwest.com
Being entertained by the Band of The Parachute Regiment on the Main Square.
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