The incoming chairman of the Nottinghamshire County Show has hailed the event as an excellent way to encourage shoppers to Buy British by bringing farmers and the general public together.
Des Allen, a pig and arable farmer based just outside Newark, says the show has become a link between local agriculture and families from across the county, allowing them to talk about the role farming plays in the wider food industry.
The show is hosted every year by the Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society, a registered charity which works all year round to support farmers and the rural community across the county.
It is returning to its annual home, the Newark Showground, on May 11 this year, where thousands of people will gather to enjoy entertainment including livestock displays, live music, a family dog show and visits from White Post Farm and the Wee Donkey Company.
There will also be activities to encourage growing alongside food and drink stands, countryside pursuits and a display in the main ring by the IMPS Motorcycle Display team, a London-based charity whose young riders have performed all over the world.
This year’s show will be Des’s first event in his new role after he took over the reins from Richard Sheldon.
The appointment prolongs his own involvement with the event, which began when he was a young boy and also includes years spent serving as the chief sheep steward in its livestock competitions.
He is also the former county chairman of the National Farmers Union and is used to talking on behalf of the industry that he has been a part of for all of his life.
He said: “I first attended the show when I was five and I remember the canvas tents and the grand parade of cattle.
“The show has changed a lot since then and now I feel its main purpose is to act as a link between farmers and the general public rather than being an event aimed only at the agricultural industry.
“Farmers have a good relationship with the general public and alongside the entertainment and the trade stands and everything else, events like the county show gives us working in the industry the opportunity talk about the issues that we face and encourage people to buy local.
“It’s important everyone understands how the food system works and how hard we work to ensure there is good quality food available for them to buy.”
This year’s show president, who by contrast holds the position for just one year, is fellow farmer Bob Sheldon MBE, from Thorpe-on-the-Hill, whose debut was back in 1951 when, as an eight-year-old, he rode his grey Welsh cob in the equestrian events.
He said: “It’s a privilege and a pleasure to be show president this year. My family have been involved with the show for all of my life and my father was a past president, so it’s a great honour.
“The show is a not-for-profit event that promotes agriculture, which is increasingly important in today’s world. With the recent news about food security, it’s important that we can continue to provide enough food to feed ourselves.”
Tickets are currently being sold at a discounted rate of £13 and for more information – and to become a member of the Society and enjoy exclusive access – visit www.nottinghamshirecountyshow.com
This story was written and shared on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Show by Simon Burch. Can we share your news and get you in the headlines too? Find out how we can help by getting in touch.
