AUTUMN 2019

News and information for members of the East of England Agricultural Society

Kids Country Food and Farming Day 2019, read about the day on page 5

Kids Country Food & Farming Day 2018, read about the day on page 5

Marshal Farming Interview with Papworth 4 Conference 8 Childerley Estate 10 Marshal Papworth celebrates The line-up for this years We explore their farming operations, partnership with leading Farming Conference is set wedding venue diversification and Agricultural University to go! wine merchant business CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME 2

Welcome to the Autumn edition of the Society News

I feel honoured and very privileged services company, for the time and to have been elected as Chairman commitment, often after hours at this important moment in the and at weekends, they have given Society’s history, as we move to deliver an exceptional range forward with our vision into an and diversity of events for both exciting and promising future. the Society and our stakeholders. The continued development of our The Local Plan for Peterborough varied programme is a credit to all was finally approved in July with those involved and the wonderful an initial allocation of residential support of our many volunteers. I development on part of the thank you all for your continuing showground. This is one of the commitment. opportunities that our former Chairman wrote about in the Spring Our Marshal Papworth committee Newsletter, it provides a window and celebrated a significant it’s vital that we take the advantage. milestone this year, the successful To that end, I can confirm that matriculation of our two hundredth the Society has now instructed student. Our President, The Right Endurance Estates, a specialist Revd Stephen Conway, Bishop of locally based company, as our Ely, presented the certificates in promotional partner to co-ordinate June; just before our fabulous ‘Kids and ‘masterplan’ the sensitive Country’ day when we welcomed development of new and affordable over 6,000 primary school children housing to help us fulfil our vision and to the showground to showcase the secure the long-term future of the very best in food and farming in the DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Society. eastern region. 2019 / 2020 The UK agricultural industry is Following Jeremy Staples retirement, OCTOBER undoubtedly in a period of dramatic I’m pleased to welcome Alistair change as our politicians continue Beattie to the Society as our new 12th - 13th - 69th British National Ploughing to grapple with leaving the EU and interim Chief Executive. He will be Championships & Country Festival working closely with the Trustees and responding to the very real effects NOVEMBER of climate change. As a society staff to lead the development of our 14th - East of England Farming Conference we need to refocus our energies strategy and implement the vision and vision to support the region’s going forward. 21st - Peterborough Dinner agricultural, food and farming 27th - The Croptec Show industries and the rural way of It’s a very exciting time for the 29th - 30th - Winter Stock Festival life through education and the Society, I accept the position of dissemination of new ideas, best Chairman with pride and look practice and innervations. forward to meeting as many of you 2020 as possible over the next three years. FEBRUARY As we come to the end of a very 20th - Bedfordshire Dinner intense summer event season, I must just take the opportunity to Richard Bramley MARCH thank all our hard-working staff, Chairman, East of England 3rd - 4th - Energy and Rural Business Show both within the Society and our Agricultural Society

Members STEM Enthuse Festival of Marketplace 12 Partnership 14 Hunting 16 Make the most of your Partnership to recruit, inspire and support This year marked the 131st year membership with our a new generation within the agriculture, of the prestigious Peterborough online business directory agri-tech and agri-food sectors Royal Foxhound Show CONTENTS 3 What’s Inside Education 4 Marshal Papworth 5 Kids Country

Agriculture 6 Farm Walk - Park Farm Thorney Peterborough Dinner Long Service Awards 7 Winter Stock Festival p4 8 Farming Conference 9 DoubleDay Competition 10-11 Interview with Childerley Estate 12 Members Marketplace Queen Mother’s Handwriting Awards 13 Dates for your Diary 14 New STEM Enthuse Partnership Our New Careers Page p5 15 Energy and Rural Business Show Events 16 Equifest p16 Festival of Hunting

Showground Services 17 SGS Update

Our Summer in Photos 18 Gallery Society Staff 19 CEO Update Meet the Team

www.eastofengland.org.uk /eoeagriculturalsociety @EoEAgricultural @eoeagriculturalsociety East of England Agricultural Society EDUCATION 4

Marshal Papworth Celebrates Partnership with Leading Agricultural University The Marshal Papworth Fund had an own cultivations at home for more excellent start to the year, celebrating successful and sustainable domestic the arrival of its 200th student with a and commercial production, whilst partnership with leading agricultural mitigating the effects of climate university, Harper Adams University, as change. the new home of the Fund’s 10-week short course in sustainable agriculture. Speaking at the Fund’s certificate presentation ceremony at Haddon Fund coordinator, Sandra Lauridsen, Church, Peterborough, at the end said: “We are especially excited that of the 10-week course in June, the the short course has moved to one Marshal Papworth patron, the Right of the country’s leading agricultural Reverend Stephen Conway, Bishop of universities, Harper Adams, where Ely, thanked the students for taking our students will undertake a the leap to come and study. “The specially devised sustainable farming leap you have all taken in leaving your programme, including workshops in homes to come and study such vital livestock farming, ‘train the trainer’ subjects as water and sanitation, and skills, woodland management, business sustainable farming to mitigate the skills, soil and water conservation, basic effects of climate change will actually machinery handling and maintenance change and save lives. skills , crop husbandry, sustainable land Meanwhile, the Masters scholarship and habitat management, as well as “You have all studied with the purpose students recently celebrated coming farm and cultural visits.” of saving lives in your home countries; towards the end of their year-long whether that is setting children free courses with a visit to Michael Sly As part of this 10-week course, a host to attend school instead of walking at his 1,750ha Park Farm, Thorney, of educational visits were arranged, miles to bring clean water home, or focusing on the critical role that the including to G’s at their Sandfields helping your neighbours to plant their use of the latest technology, effective Farms asparagus and spring onion crops in a way that will make them crop rotations, management of site. The purpose of the visit was more drought-resistant. The Marshal the 158 miles of in-field land drains, to inspire this year’s 11 scholarship Papworth Fund has invested in you; the and incorporation of environmental recipients to make use of technology, return on that investment is that you conservation areas play in managing renewable energy and sustainable are changing the world, one person at a successful farm enterprise in the farming practices to adapt their a time.” unique Fen area. EDUCATION 5

Food and Farming Day 2019 Kids Country, the East of England Agricultural Society’s education arm, “Farming isn’t just about driving the has had a successful programme tractors and moving sheep: it’s the of events so far for 2019, including technology and engineering that the flagship event, the Food and design new combine harvesters, the Farming Day. scientists creating new veterinary JB was keen to engage with all of medications, and the chefs that The seventh annual Food and the children in attendance, as well know the value of seasonal produce. Farming Day welcomed 3,500+ key as the 100+ different exhibitions Showing children these future options stage one and two school children, demonstrating key elements of is equally as important as making sure from 53 schools this year, as well as food, farming and the environment: that they have an understanding of a special guest appearance from “I am really passionate about not how their food is produced.” former JLS band member, JB Gill, only connecting children with food, who now stars in CBeebies’ farming farming and the environment but As well as the Food and Farming Day, show, Down on the Farm and also in helping these children see Kids Country had a full programme of Channel 5’s hit Springtime On The the future careers they can find in events this year, including the hugely Farm. farming,” he said. successful Bee Observatory Visits, where 214 children from six schools “This is my first time at the Food and learnt all about honey and bee Farming Day, but I have already conservation with support from the seen how vital and unique it is Peterborough Beekeepers Association in communicating with the next throughout the summer. generation, not only to have more care and understanding for where Kids Country is looking forward to the their food comes from as consumers final events of its 2019 programme, but also to really consider the including the Winter Warmer Soup agricultural industry as a potential Challenge and Breakfast Week, whilst future employer. the 2020 schedule is now confirmed. Grow Your Own PECT Eco Potatoes Awards In June, over 400 Peterborough school May saw the celebration of children took part in the Kids Country Grow the 10th annual Peterborough Your Own Potatoes and Celery event, Environment City Trust (PECT) Eco partnering with Albert Bartlett and G’s Awards, as PECT joined forces with Fresh to harvest their own crops as well as Kids Country, to deliver a day of enjoy activities including tasting different environmentally friendly activities potato dishes and varieties, harvesting for nine local primary schools, celery, and finding all about the history of culminating in the presentation of local agricultural workers. school eco projects and the much- anticipated awards ceremony.

If you would like to get involved with the Kids Country programme as a volunteer, exhibitor, sponsor or school, please contact [email protected] AGRICULTURE 6

breeding success in Nene Wash with Long Service a barbecue to finish back at the Farm Walk farm. A huge thank you to Michael Awards On the 29th of May, the Society Farm Sly and his team for a fantastic and Walk visited Park Farm, just outside insightful evening! The Long Service Awards offers of Thorney hosted by farm owner East of England Agricultural Society Michael Sly. Beginning with a briefing Members the chance to reward the to understand the level of output that long term employment of their staff the farm produces, the Farm Safari members. This award is open to employees that have been working entailed visiting a range of crops for the same employer, or employees across the Farm and a tour of one of working for different companies, on the satellite yards dotted across the the same land for over 25 years. estate. Charlie Kitchin from the RSPB also gave an informative talk about The award is open to those in all areas of the industry, for example agricultural workers, estate workers, forestry workers and gamekeepers. The key stipulation is the employer must be a member of the Society.

WHAT IS ON OFFER? l Certificates for 25+ Year service l 40 Year Medal, with 50, 60 & 70 year bars to follow. For more information or to request a application form, please contact Ruth at [email protected] or 01733 234451. Peterborough Dinner East of England Showground,

MENU 21st November 2019 Cream of Winter Vegetable Soup served with fresh Ciabatta Rib of Beef carved at the table with a selection of trimmings Traditional Apple Crumble

Guest Speaker - Mr Richard Barnwell, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire Book your place: www.eastofengland.org.uk/event/ peterboroughdinner or contact us: [email protected] 01733 363509 Tickets £48 inc VAT AGRICULTURE 7

Love Livestock? – then join us... Organisers of the 2019 Winter Stock Taking place on the 29th & 30th Festival are keen to hear from people November and now in its 12th who would like to get involved with year, the Winter Stock Festival has the show and become stewards for established itself as one of the the many classes which are held over leading livestock events in the country the 2 days. with exhibitors attending from across the UK. The volunteer roles are a great way to engage with the promotion of “The Stewards are a vital part of the the livestock industry and supporting show and it can be a very enjoyable local farmers. Becoming a steward is and rewarding role. We have a also a great way to meet new people number of areas which need filling and learn from the experts. and it would be great to hear from anyone who would be interested. You don’t have to have livestock glimpse into the world of agriculture, experience but a willingness to help is plus being open to all and free to key” says Show Manager Kerry Buttriss attend.

The Winter Stock Festival is a fantastic For more information about the celebration of livestock, it gives event visit the website exhibitors the chance to showcase www.winterstockfestival.co.uk or their stock, fellow farmers and email [email protected] visitors the opportunity to attend a or call 01733 363510 dedicated event and young people a

THE EAST OF ENGLAND WINTER STOCK FESTIVAL 29THFRI 30 &th 30TH NOV NOVEMBER & SAT 1st DE 2019C 2018 EASTEAS TOF OF ENGLAND ENGLAND SHOWGROUND, SHOWGROUND, PETERBOROUGH,PETERBOROUGH, PE2 6XEPE2 6XE Commercial cattle, catt pedigreele, sheep calf, sheep& pig and competitions pig competitions. PedigreeSheep and pig calves, auction, auction Young Stock of Personchampions of the Year Grand YoungFinal and sCollegetock pChallenge.erson of the year grand final FREFREEE PPARKINGARKING & ADMISSION!ADMISSION! WINTERSTOCKFESTIVALWINTERSTOCKFESTIVAL WINTERSTOCKFESTIVAL.CO.UKWINTERSTOCKFESTIVAL.CO.UK @WINTERSTOCKFEST@WINTERSTOCKFEST OROR CALL CALL 01733 01733 234451 234451

WSF 2017 H133mm x W190mm v.1.indd 1 AGRICULTURE 8

Inform, Engage, Apply – Making it Happen at this year’s EoEFC The East of England Farming who will be joined by Matthew Smith, Conference is excited to announce Vice President of Alltech and Shadow key information for their 5th annual Secretary of State for Environment, farming conference taking place at Food and Rural Affairs Sue Hayman. the East of England Showground on the 14th November. Session 2 titled “Ground Breakers” and chaired by Tom Bradshaw, Organised by the East of England introduces a wealth of innovative Agricultural Society and titled “Make it experts from across the industry: Happen” the conference for practical Ashley Gilman, Cranswick PLC’s people, aims to promote engaging Agriculture Manager; Jon Clarke, discussions and inspiring ideas that Head of Business Development at can be applied to the business at the John Innes Centre; Stuart Hill, home. Head of Innovation & Technology for Hutchinsons and finally Stuart Blyth; Opening speaker for the conference Head of Business development for is well respected farming advocate, Centre for Innovation Excellence in journalist and Editor of the Farmers Livestock (CIEL). Guardian, Ben Briggs. For Session 3 titled “Innovators” and Session 1 titled “Decision Makers” and chaired by conference Chairman chaired by Emily Norton, welcomes Tom Martin, we welcome an Matt Shardlow, Chief Executive of inspirational line up of businessmen Buglife, Paul Temple, Chair of the & women: Sheena Horner, proprietor AHDB’s Cereals and Oilseeds Board, of Galloway Chillies; James Corbett, To find out more about the managing director at Ridgeway conference and to attend the Foods; Sam Arthur, senior ecologist for event as a delegate, please book FPCR and finally Jamie Racjan, Fungi your tickets online via our website Delecti. www.eoefarmingconference.co.uk

“We are really looking forward to this year’s conference, we have a If you would like to find out more fantastic line up of influential speakers about our sponsorship from across the industry who we opportunities please visit believe will be able to inspire and www.eoefarmingconference. motivate delegates, helping them co.uk/sponsorship contact Ruth to prepare for the opportunities on [email protected] ahead” said East of England Farming or call 01733 234451 Conference Chairman Tom Martin. AGRICULTURE 9

Doubleday of Holbeach, Kings Lynn new clothing range and footwear by and Swineshead have been helping to well-known brand Le Chameau. A bring home the harvest ever since John wide variety of children’s toys are also Doubleday set up the business in 1974. available from the small matchbox tractors to the battery powered and Today anyone from domestic pedal ride-on tractors. consumers with modest gardens or small holdings right up to the largest On the 7th of December, Doubleday farming estates can take advantage Swineshead will be holding their very of the Doubleday Groups expertise special Christmas Shopping Event – with machinery from John Deere, plus Now in its sixth year this is an event brands such as Kramer, Vaderstad, that has become well known within Sulky Burel and Bomford Turner just to the local community and surrounding have photos taken alongside. There name a few! areas. Not only do they welcome the is also lots of fun and games for the farming customers of Doubleday, but children including the very popular Of these brands it’s John Deere which they use this event as a great and Pedal Tractor Race Track! It wouldn’t has used its farming experience to rare opportunity for members of the be Christmas without a visit from Santa create a really good range of products general public to visit a John Deere who will arrive on his ‘Deere’ at 10am to for use in the domestic market, says dealer and see what goes on behind hear the wish lists of all the little visitors. Director Zoe Spencer. the scenes of a farm machinery We hope that you will join us to get dealership! With tractors in the into the Christmas spirit and to enjoy a From John Deere walk behind mowers workshop that children can sit in and mince pie! priced from £400 to a range of ride- on lawn tractors from around £2,500, Doubleday have products for every size of plot! COMPETITION WIN DOUBLEDAY GOODYBAG Answer the question for Please post your answer with your Name, Phone Number Within all the Doubleday branches your chance to win! and email address to Zoe Chappell, Doubleday Swineshead, Station Road, Swineshead, Boston, Lincolnshire, PE20 3PN they also offer a range of adults In what year did John and children’s clothing including Doubleday set up the Closing Date 31st October 2019. Winner will be contacted outdoor clothing by Musto. Latest business? and announced on the Doubleday Group social media. to Doubleday Swineshead is the AGRICULTURE 10

Interview with Childerley Estate In this edition of the Society News, we interview Martin Jenkins, Rob Witherow and Jocelyn Poulton of Childerley Estate to learn more outside work. Whilst we are rightfully proud of the internal work and the about their agricultural enterprise and their journey to diversification. quality of our restoration, it is fair “If nothing is going to change around strategy throughout the entire period to say that our external work did here, things are going to have to the family has been farming. not prove competitive. Not all our change” diversifications have worked! We In 1957, Childerley was purchased, needed to close this business. Another It seems an oxymoronic statement then a 1070 acre holding. Today this famous diversification that failed to but try to stifle change, try to stand has grown to a 2,000-acre holding. work for the family was a 1950’s self- still. To do so seems to be impossible The farming business is run by Rob service Butchers shop in Dundee. The and against the laws of nature or Witherow, a neighbour’s son. A joint Dundee housewives self-served and business. venture partnership between the by-passed the tills! two families, Witherow & Jenkins, So, Martin, tell us a bit about was created in 2018 and this business At the heart of business strategy the background to your farming has responsibility for just over 4,000 seems to have been friendship, enterprise and your diversifications acres (just under 4,000 arable acres) collaboration and a deep love of the John & Chloe Jenkins started farming looking after both the families land venture involved. The Wine business in Scotland on a 200 acre (120 and land for other neighbours. It is a started from a holiday friendship with farmland and 80 woodland) holding combination of owned, rented and a German family. A small hobby just over 70 years ago. As first-generation contracted areas. grew. The JV farming partnership was farmers, they were probably more easy to pursue based on the trust and receptive to the notion of change Much of the fabric at Childerley was friendship of good neighbourliness than others. Victorian, outdated for agriculture, over 50 years. but of real aesthetic, historical and It would be great to say the “farming” architectural value. There was nothing Hold onto your hats. We shall not be took the family to where it now is original about the conversion of this where we are today in 5 years time. but the truth is that it was property fabric, our neighbours had been deals, identified through the process pioneers of successful “Change of Jocelyn, what made you decide to of farming, that was the backbone Use” agricultural space to commercial diversify into a wedding venue? of the growth of the business. Buying space but what was original was When Martin Jenkins took over the and selling of farms at opportune the creation of our own building farming side of the business, the moments have been a successful business to do this work as well as dryer and grain store was the Long Barn. There was a desire for new contemporary sheds rather than a timber-framed barn dating back to 1847. This left the Long Barn empty but the family had gained experience from organising charity concerts usually in June/early July before the Barns were filled with grain and from this experience the event business was born.

The family wanted to keep the integrity of the Long Barn, one of the longest of its type at 111 yards long. It was a renowned Model Farm in its day with red brick Mill standing central to the Long Barn and its three AGRICULTURE 11

Our key input costs will largely depend on future tariffs and the strength of the pound, but I think suppliers will still wish to trade with us and so we will continue to have access to what we need. An anti-science influence in politics is a far greater risk, with revolutionary science and sensible chemicals undermined by short-sighted and reactionary thinking.

Perhaps of all the unknowns, a relative stockyards. The Mill housed a steam- Rather than make predictions, we are “known” is that we are going to move powered threshing machine, which trying to make our farming business away from an area-based payment to took its water from a nearby lake, as resilient as possible to an unknown one that pays us for providing “public and also integrated a gravity system future. We have rationalised our goods”, providing food security for to replenish the water troughs in the machinery, for example, bringing the nation presumably not considered nearby pasture – the brilliance of the number of tractors in our fleet quite “good” enough. However, we Victorian engineering! from eleven to five. But we have have been taking part in environmental also continued to invest, with a new schemes for many years and so are well Aware of the historic sensitivity of the drill, two replacement tractors, a placed to expand on these, and taking Long Barn, the family did not want new self-propelled sprayer and new poor cropped areas out of production to make any alterations to the fabric cultivation equipment being added to for environmental benefit should be a of the building, but to make its length prepare ourselves for the future. This is win-win. and its associated three stockyards partly because we are covering more its asset. Of primary importance acres and so need machinery that is Finally Martin, do you have any to us was for our clients and their capable of this, but also because we aspirations to further diversify or guests to have a sense of ‘journey’ are asking more of our team and so expand your existing enterprises? in their event, i.e., not to be in one must ensure that they have a work We would rather continue to do what area the whole time. We achieved environment that they enjoy and can we are doing now better, but where this by creating separate areas perform best in. there are opportunities to work with our subdivided by temporary curtains, neighbours and reduce our overheads, which we use to provide a reveal to Whether the industry succeeds we would gladly expand in a sensible the next part of their evening, from ultimately depends on whether we way. What none of our team have is ceremony to reception, from dining to decide to value British food over an aspiration to spend all their day on dancing. The Barn is ideal for parties others. An open trading environment Cambridgeshire’s A-roads! Our core of anywhere between 80 guests to will probably keep food prices low, but business is arable farming and while up to 180 guests. But, by moving the this comes with the risk of importing there are some diversifications that curtains, the barn can accommodate food while exporting our carbon the farming team can engage in, these up to 300 to 350 guests. footprint. We must remember that we must not be at the expense of growing are in a comparatively high yielding crops well. We are a summer venue, open from nation, and so should grow the food April to October, sometimes dipping that we are able to; unless we plan to To learn more about Childerley Estate, into Christmas party market. The eat less as a country, any other option visit their website www.childerley.org/ buildings surrounding one of the is to the detriment of someone else’s or call on 01954 211 433 stockyards have been converted into environment. five offices, and with respect to their businesses, Childerley only runs one event per weekend. We work with a number of caterers and suppliers, and our collective aim is to provide an informal and friendly venue where our clients and their guests can feel at home.

Rob, what direction do you see the agricultural industry heading in, in the near future? I don’t know what direction we are heading, and it is really this unknown that makes our joint venture so important. AGRICULTURE 12

Members Marketplace The Members Marketplace is a space now open for members to share and Listings are free for members and find local member businesses. The include a link to your web page, a Marketplace is an additional member small informative blurb about the benefit for all of our Society Members business, and an option to add special and allows you to share your business discount offers for fellow members of with over 750 other members as well the Society. The only restriction is that as the general public who visit our you need to be a current member of the website daily. East of England Agricultural Society. The website gets around 2,000 visitors per Members who would like to get month and we can link the Marketplace If you would like to join our involved and have their business directly to members’ websites. online community, then showcased on the Members please contact us on If you visit the East of England Marketplace section of our website [email protected] (www.eastofengland.org.uk/ Agricultural Society website and head to or visit www.eastofengland.org.uk/ members-marketplace) will also the members tab at the top of the page members-marketplace to start you will see Members Marketplace. From receive a feature across our social searching for local member here it is just a case of filling out a short media channels each week in our businesses today! #MarketplaceMonday. form with your business details. Queen Mother’s Handwriting Awards Organised and managed by the “We are so delighted to be able to Agricultural Society since 1977, the announce the placings for this year’s handwriting competition invites competition, the children and schools children of school age living or work so hard and every year the judges attending schools within the counties have a very difficult job selecting the of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, winners”. said Gemma Killingworth, Hertfordshire, Leicestershire, Norfolk, coordinator of the awards. Northamptonshire and Peterborough to find students with the neatest “The East of England Agricultural handwriting. Society is dedicated to education and this prestigious competition to schools The competition started when during in the region is extremely important a visit to the East of England Show in to us and we hope the schools enjoy 1976 that The Queen Mother expressed taking part too”, continued Gemma. an interest in children’s handwriting saying ‘clear handwriting is an essential For next years competition, we are element of communication and self- looking for help regarding sponsorship expression’. opportunities to help further increase the number of participants A fantastic turnout of entrants saw and incentivise through improved over 3,500 students compete in this awards for category winners! If this year’s competition and the East of competition is something you would England Agricultural Society was be interested in supporting, please pleased to announce the winners which contact [email protected] can be found on our website. for further information. DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

OCTOBERNOVEMEBER 12-13 14 NOVEMEBERNOVEMBER 2114 NOVEMBERNOVEMBER 2721

NOVEMBERNOVEMBER 29-30 27 NOVEMBERFEBRUARY 29-30 20 FEBRUARYMARCH 3-4 20

MARCH 3-4 AGRICULTURE 14

Society seeks funding for agricultural STEM ENTHUSE Partnership With a shortage of candidates entering the agricultural industry and a rapidly growing requirement for people with skills new to agriculture, the East of England Agricultural Society is taking a lead by teaming up with STEM Learning to launch a programme in the Society’s area to generate interest and inform young people about modern agriculture.

One way of achieving this is to focus on STEM (SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS) subjects, which are vital to every aspect of agriculture. Helping schools, especially teachers, with CPD, training, resources and support to work closely with STEM Learning and robots to increase productivity allows for the cultivation of links that to develop a tailored two-year or mathematical and engineering connect students to exciting career programme to improve STEM concepts to help create and sustain opportunities. knowledge, skills, confidence and the Agi-Food sector for the future. career aspiration. It’s our responsibility to enthuse and To stimulate this, the East of England develop the next generation who will Agricultural Society is taking the lead Launch and call for sponsorship lead our industry,” said William Haire, by launching a campaign within the Launched at Cereals on the 12th and Agricultural Business Development industry to raise funds for a STEM 13th of June, the Society is looking Manager for the East of England ENTHUSE Partnership in the Society’s to talk to any businesses, charities Agricultural Society. area to recruit, inspire and support a or individuals who would like to new generation within the agriculture, become a sponsor for the ENTHUSE agri-tech and agri-food sectors. Partnership alongside the East of LEARN MORE England Agricultural Society. To find out more about becoming What is an ENTHUSE Partnership? involved in the Agri-Tech ENTHUSE Partnerships are a “Agriculture is dependent on STEM ENTHUSE Partnership proven model for achieving lasting STEM subjects, from the most contact Agricultural Project & improvement in STEM. With financial basic agricultural principles we as Marketing Manager Kerry Buttriss and practical support from its farmers take for granted, to the on [email protected] sponsor, each partnership brings science driving modern farming, or 01733 234451. together 4-8 schools or colleges new technology, plant breeding New Careers Page on Society Website

On the East of England Agricultural science and engineering careers in Our handy new careers page can be Society website, we have added agriculture whilst only 7% made the found on our website under a new careers page to help connection between agriculture and “The Society” then “Careers” young people find a path for their environmental careers. The careers or via the following link future career and understand the page highlights the opportunities www.eastofengland.org.uk/ possibilities that are available in for careers in agriculture along with the-society/careers/ the agricultural sector. A recent helpful links to discover colleges, survey found only 5% of 16-36 years universities, apprenticeships and jobs olds recognised that there were dependant on education level. AGRICULTURE 15

Energy and Rural Business Show East of England Arena, Peterborough moves to The East 3rd – 4th March 2020 Providing guidance on renewable energy of England Arena generation and use, environmental best practice and diversification opportunities An exciting new era begins The show remains free to for the innovative farm attend and is run in association REGISTER FOR FREE diversification event - Energy with NFU Energy and the CLA. and Rural Business Show, with New Dates New Venue New Vehicle Test Track the announcement that it will Amanda Cardall, NFU open its doors at The East of Energy marketing manager England Arena in March 2020. says: “Energy and Rural Now in its 11th year, focusing Business Show is a key event on renewable energy generation, together with energy and Following on from the success for NFU Energy and we see great 2020 carbon management of the 2019 show in Telford, the potential with the new move to 3 – 4 March 2020 East of England Arena event is poised for expansion, to The East of England Arena to a meet the increasingly important thriving agricultural area.” Showcasing the latest low-emission vehicles and need to provide lucrative machinery, as well as the farm diversification options CLA East director Ben related opportunities and sustainable initiatives to Underwood considers it an progressive farms of the future. important event in their show calendar. “With the ongoing Providing ideas and guidance on the myriad of diversification Energy and Rural Business Show, uncertainty facing landowners options available and the incorporating Energy Now Expo, and rural businesses, this event resources required Rural Business Expo and Low provides a great opportunity to Emission Vehicles Expo, will take explore new ideas,” he says. place in the East of England Arena on Tuesday 3 and Energy and Rural Business Show Wednesday 4 March 2020. will feature the Low-Emission Vehicles Expo, providing expert The event continues to develop advice on opportunities in low from its roots as ‘Energy Now carbon cars and machines. Expo’ and celebrates 11 years Energy Now Expo will feature an of success next March. “The exhibition, a dedicated energy move to this well-known storage theatre, a one-to-one agricultural showground, in a advice clinic, and conference central location of the country, streams devoted to each type is the next stage in the event’s of renewable energy. The Rural Visit www.energyandruralbusiness.co.uk evolution. Outdoor vehicle and Business Expo will have ‘how or call 01293 854405 machinery demonstrations to’ workshops from industry will be added to the successful experts and farmers who have twitter @EnergyRuralBizz #EnergyRuralBiz show mix of guidance on implemented successful new renewable energy generation, business ventures or have IN ASSOCIATION WITH effective energy and carbon integrated new projects with management, diversification existing initiatives, together and the integration of low- with an exhibition of relevant SUPPORTED BY carbon vehicles and machinery product and service suppliers. on farms and estates,” says David Jacobmeyer, show Visit the Energy and Rural director. Business website for more information. EVENTS 16

Equifest 2019 Equifest 2019 had a very different feel dream to ride down the centre line from past years. Due to other events of the indoor arena. The Supreme taking place on the showground right Championships on Saturday evening up to the start of Equifest, virtually were judged by Professional Show everything about the show had to be Rider – Jayne Ross – who has had changed – the date, the number of numerous wins at the Horse of the days and the layout were all altered. Year Show with all types of horses. She Getting close to 10,000 campers off had the task of judging the Supreme the site and turning the showground Leading Rider, the Supreme Ridden around for 2000 horseboxes to arrive Mountain and Moorland and the in the space of two hours was always the new layout. Entries were down Supreme Non-Native Championships. going to be a challenge. The fact a little due to the change of date The first of these accolades – the that this happened was down to the and the unfortunate clash with other Supreme Leading Rider was won by 17 planning and hard work of many events, but the classes were still well year old Phoebe Price riding her own people. It was not exactly seamless, filled and the majority of competitors Connemara Gelding, Syserff Gismo; but it did work. enjoyed the new style Equifest. The the Ridden Mountain and Moorland one thing that did not change was was won by Livie Smith riding her Once everyone got their horses settled, the Evening Performances – which Welsh pony, Idyllic Sparticus and the found their way around the new layout were still the highlight of each day. Supreme Non-Native Championship and discovered where their rings were The grandstand was packed each was won by Alidantes Dream ridden the show fitted remarkably well into night and it is every competitor’s by 6 year old Archie Nicoll. Festival of Hunting The countryside community joined from Hunting UK and a copy of Kay together for Lycetts Festival of Gardeners new book ‘Hunting On’. Hunting 2019, which included the prestigious Peterborough Royal This year also saw the launch of the Foxhound Show, now in its 131st ‘Best Hunt Picnic’ competition, in year. Greeted with glorious summer association with Finns of Chelsea sunshine, crowds in their thousands whose proprietor Julia Bannister gathered at the East of England was the judge. An abundance of Showground for the most anticipated entries saw the most spectacular day of the summer social calendar. spreads, though the hunt which captured Julia’s eye for the ‘finest Retiring East of England Agricultural overall display’ was the Fitzwilliam. Society CEO and Secretary of the Julia awarded them a Luxury Finns Peterborough Royal Foxhound Hamper for their collaborative effort Show, Jeremy Staples said: “We are in producing a truly scrumptious agreement. Angus Keate, Deputy incredibly proud of this year’s Lycetts homemade picnic. Chairman of Lycetts Insurance Festival of Hunting. The showground Brokers said: “Lycetts are proud to was bustling throughout the day Now in its third consecutive year, once again be the title sponsor of with visitors, hounds and horses all the Horn Blowing Competition the Festival of Hunting. A highlight enjoying the festivities while another commenced during the afternoon’s in our events calendar, we hope our year of outstanding numbers drink reception.. This year Luke continued support demonstrates the demonstrate that rural traditions Biddiscombe was the winner with deep affinity we have with both the and countryside pursuits remain ever some very solid entries which rural and hunting communities. Our present in the busy modern world. receiving a much sought-after significant long-term commitment hunting horn, engraved and donated to this great summer occasion is New for 2019, the inaugural Young by The Hunting Shop. a reflection of the importance we Handlers Class was held in Ring 1 with attach to providing the countryside Sam Watkins of the Essex and Suffolk Lycetts returned as title sponsor, community with the best insurance foxhounds winning the Captain marking the fourth year of their broking and financial advisory Farquhar Cup, a banded hunting horn extended five-year partnership services.” SHOWGROUND SERVICES 17 Showground Services Update It seems almost unreal but I’m typing Thankfully next year its just New Wine ones after the September Antiques Show. this just after the end of Equifest and and Equifest which may almost feel like Time for us to recover our hallowed turf what has been the busiest July and a holiday although we do have more ready for the 2020 season. We have August that the site has seen. new events planned. several concerts to end the year and we expect Fireworks to be bigger than ever. Three large overlapping events were When I first came to work at the I’m pleased to see Jack Whitehall will be planned from the end of July to showground seven years ago it took 3 making a return visit on 14th November September occupying much of the days to install the Equine ring and 2 days with 5000 people in our main hall. site and overlapping in many areas to remove. This year it took 18 hours to - New Wine Camp into Soul Survivor install and less than 12 to remove. The There are still several events to take and finally into Equifest. We started difference in time means we can turn place onsite from our Society colleagues planning for this 18 months ago so it that saved time into valuable income including my personal favourite the does seem odd to be on the other side. that is passed on to the Society at the Peterborough Dinner on the 21st end of the year. November. I hope to see members on Its been stressful and there’s been the night and at some of our remaining some ‘choice language’ at times It’s a testing time for all industries events this year. however I am pleased to say that and the event industry is no different all the events have taken place with the current economic woes for As ever keep an eye on our What’s On without incident and with the timings the nation and we have seen some page on the venue web site promised. A stunning achievement and cancelled events however overall we’re www.eastofenglandarena.com I am proud of all the staff involved. contributing more than last year and still I look forward to seeing you I am particular pleased to see the receiving more enquiries for new events. on site soon. teams from SGS and the Society working so closely together. These 3 So bring on the Autumn and what it may events bring more than 50,000 people bring – its still a busy time for us as we Jason Lunn Venue Director to Peterborough! move from outdoor events to internal

Keeping the farm in the family We offer specialist legal advice to individuals and rural businesses on all aspects of succession planning. What sets us apart is that our team all have personal experience working on a farm and within the agricultural sector. For a service which is personal and right for you, please get in touch.

CLARE HARRIS, ASSOCIATE EMILY PUMFREY, SOLICITOR CAMBRIDGE PETERBOROUGH 01223 785289 01733 887644 [email protected] [email protected]

"Agricultural Solicitors of the Year - Peterborough 2017" WWW.GREENWOODSGRM.CO.UK MONKSTONE HOUSE, CITY ROAD, PETERBOROUGH, PE1 1JE OC306912 OUR SUMMER IN PHOTOS 18 Gallery SOCIETY STAFF 19 CEO’S UPDATE Since my arrival in late June, I have been so impressed by the variety and scale of events hosted at the Showground. The commitment In this edition of both the Society and Showground to Stewart Papworth, brother of the late Services team in pulling together to deliver a Marshal who continues the Papworth family of the Society News, succession of high-profile events has meant link through his continued involvement. that we have now successfully delivered Looking forward to the next three months, we put our Finance Kids Country Food and Farming Day, the the Society has a number of exciting events Director, Quentin Festival of Hunting, Just Dogs Live and in the calendar including the Farming Equifest on behalf of the Society. The most Conference (14th November) Arnold, in the hot seat! inspiring feature of the events that has really the Peterborough Dinner (21st November) grabbed my attention is the passion and and the Winter Stock Festival Tell us about your job role dedication of the staff and volunteers who (29th-30th November). On the Showground I am the Finance Director all come together to make a success of each Services programme are the Land Rover for the Agricultural Society event. The events simply could not happen show, Autumn Antiques Festival (both in and for Showground without the volunteers who willingly devote September) and a number of entertainment Services. My role is to their time to helping to organise, steward events including the Jools Holland Big control all the money and implement each day that we have Band (26th October) and comedian Jack coming in and going out visitors on site. They do so with seemingly Whitehall (14th November) alongside leading but more importantly to endless patience and manage to maintain a exhibitions including Croptec at the end of keep Trustees, Directors smile regardless of the nature of the tasks November. and staff aware of what they are asked to perform and I think we all our financial position is by owe them a huge debt of gratitude. Finally, on 24th July, the Peterborough Local providing accurate data Plan was approved by the City Council. and reports Who could fail to have been amazed at the This included an allocation of 650 houses statistics of New Wine and Soul Survivor faith on the Showground site. The Board have Tell us a fun fact about you weeks. The sheer size of the tents and the therefore committed to exploring options Fun and accountants do not usually go number of attendees was truly awesome. to move to a new location. A promotion together! I was invited to meet Princess The fact that they all ran smoothly despite agreement has been signed appointing Anne after having pushed a bed all around the concerns about the high winds is a Endurance Estates, a local specialist with a Cambridge for charity credit to the Showground Services team. track record of developing masterplans and Thankfully, the weather has generally bringing sites to the market. Endurance were What has been your greatest been good and it was a pleasure to see so chosen because of their green credentials achievement so far? many people who were clearly enjoying and expertise in producing comprehensive Bringing up my two children. Apart from the activities on site throughout the busiest scheme proposals that are sympathetic that, being part of the team that turned period of the showground season. to the local environment encompassing the Society around from losing £0.5m housing, transportation and education. The a year The Marshal Papworth Fund goes from Society are very aware of the necessity to strength to strength and it is an initiative What are your passions and hobbies? maintain the programme of events on site for Brass bands are my love as well as my that should make everyone who is as long as possible to enable Showground associated very proud. Two recent events battered old MG Midget which I have now Services to continue their successful owned for 37 years were the celebration of the 200th student operations, but we are also very determined presentations at Haddon Church where that when we finally go, we leave behind a If you won the lottery, what’s the first we were treated to a musical celebration positive legacy. by the students and a very entertaining thing you would buy? I would pay to have my MG restored to its presentation ceremony led by the Bishop We are moving into a new and exciting former glory of Ely. A farm visit followed in August which chapter in the long history of the East of was kindly hosted by Mr Michael Sly at Park England Agricultural Society and it is my What are three things on your Farm, Thorney where students had the privilege to help to define and deliver the bucket list? opportunity to experience harvest using both vision of the Trustees and Board members, Travel to India modern and historic machinery. Our thanks but I am very mindful that this will be a team Drive an AC Cobra are extended to all of the Park Farm team, effort and I hope we will travel forwards To go and listen to a Wagner opera who gave their time during such a busy together. period. We are very grateful to everyone Is there anything coming up that you are who supports the Marshal Papworth Fund, Alistair Beattie looking forward to? but I would like to make particular mention Interim CEO Cruising down the Nile next month to celebrate our Silver Wedding anniversary

www.eastofengland.org.uk /eoeagriculturalsociety @EoEAgricultural @eoeagriculturalsociety East of England Agricultural Society East of England Farming Conference MAKE IT HAPPEN 14th November 2019 8.30am – 4.00pm

Session 1 Decision Makers Session 2 Ground Breakers Session 3 Innovators

Lunch included Conference followed by Networking Drinks

East of England Tickets £95 Agricultural Society Member discount available

More information and Tickets: East of England Showground www.eoefarmingconference.co.uk @eoefc PETERBOROUGH PE2 6XE