Drawing the crowds at last weekend’s Bike Show South West (April 29 and 30) was the Fine Cut Formula 1 Sidecar which is attracting success on tracks around the country notching up speeds of 170 – 180 mph.

Sponsored by Somerset Superbikes in Wells and driven by Paul Riley (42) from North Street, Wincanton, and Roy Farmer (42) from Moulton Way, Shepton Mallet, as passenger, it notched up three tenth places in racing last year, came 11th at Donnington last weekend and tackles its next big challenge at Caldwell Park next weekend (May 6 and 7).

Roy, former landlord of Shepton Mallet’s King William pub and carpenter Paul, who used to live in Pilton, have been motor cycling enthusiasts for years but embarked on sidecar racing together two years ago “for the buzz!”

They found the Baker Suzuki 1000 cc sport sidecar smashed up in pieces at Margate and painstakingly restored it to its former glory in their garage.

Both are members of the North Gloucestershire Road Racing Club and compete around the country. Now as the sidecar successes mount-up they are appealing for support from more potential sponsors to help them achieve their dreams.

Over 7,000 motor cycling enthusiasts from all over the country enjoyed the weekend event, where Roy also notched up a trophy for the runner-up in the Streetfighter custom class with his Suzuki Hayabusa.

Help is at hand for people in the farming and horticultural sectors in the South West with a series of free retirement planning workshops.

Ten workshops will be run in the Autumn across the region aimed at helping people unravel the intricacies of retirement planning.

The workshops are being organised by the Royal Bath & West of England Society in association with Life Academy (a charity that is also an associated institution of the University of Surrey) and Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester.  They are targeted at men and women, and young people, either employed or self-employed, landowners and tenants, including those involved in agri-businesses, nurseries and farms that have diversified into areas such as tourism.

Two different types of workshops will be offered – one for employees, and the other for people who are tenants or who own farms, nurseries or agri-businesses.

The workshops will run from 10.30am to 4.30pm, and topics covered will include:

• managing money
• retirement transitions
• succession planning where appropriate, related business issues
• sustainability in retirement
• health and well being,
• motivation and life planning
• taking action.
• signposting on where to go for further advice

These workshops will raise awareness and understanding of retirement planning and financial
issues.  Those who attend will be better equipped to consider changes in their attitudes, intentions
and behaviour so that they can more effectively plan and make provision for their retirement. 

Dr Jane Guise, the Society’s Chief Executive, said: “This initiative is one of several recent moves
to strengthen even further the Society’s mission to provide practical support to agricultural,
horticultural and other rural businesses in challenging times.  It is also very timely given that
retirement issues are increasingly part of the national debate.”

Stuart Royston, Chief Executive of Life Academy said, ‘This is an exceptional opportunity for people in the South West to plan their retirement.’ He added that Life Academy had been enabling people to plan for their retirement for over forty years. Life Academy also runs courses for professionals working in the field of life planning

 The workshops are currently planned as follows:

 Owners and Tenants

o       Wednesday 13^th September: Royal Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset

o       Wednesday 20^th September: Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester

o       Thursday 8^th November: Duchy College, Rosewarne, Camborne, Cornwall

o       Wednesday 15^th November: Exeter Livestock Centre, Matford Park Road, Exeter, Devon

o       Thursday 16^th November: East Stour Village Hall, Gillingham, Dorset

 
Employees

o       Tuesday 10^th October: Clinton Devon Estates, East Budleigh, Budleigh Salterton, Devon,

o       Wednesday 11^th October:  Duchy College, Stoke Climsland, Callington, Cornwall

o       Wednesday 18^th October: Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester

o       Wednesday 1^st November: Lackham College, Lacock, Wiltshire

o       Wednesday 7^th November:  Cider Farm Lakes, Lympsham, Somerset

If you wish to know more about the workshops, please contact Charlotte Phelps at the Society’s offices on 01749 822227 or via e-mail: charlotte.phelps@bathandwest.co.uk

Glorious sunshine ensured this year’s Grassland UK show was a record-breaking success.

A grand total of 6476 people poured into the show held on farmland next to the Bath & West Showground, at Shepton Mallet, Somerset, on Wednesday (May 10th) for what was heralded to be the best show ever on what proved to be the hottest day of the year so far.

The gate figures were over 1,500 up on the previous event held three years ago in 2003. From the time the gates opened,  visitors – some from as far away as Scotland, Ireland and Wales – streamed steadily into the show to enjoy the wide range of quality trade stands and the spectacular display of machinery demonstrations.

Large crowds packed out the clamp loading demonstrations which ran non-stop throughout the day due to high demand. Visitors also flocked to see the tyre baling demonstration by Thomas and Fontaine and the Ag Bag demonstrated by Kelvin Cave. The seminars organised by the British Grassland Society were packed out with interested visitors and proved to be a very successful addition to the show.

The show site stretched over a vast 100 acres with every activity surrounded by a keenly interested and spectacle-hungry crowd.

This popular triennial show, which was first held in 1985, was organised  by the Royal Bath & West of England Society and sponsored by NatWest, Terra, Masstock and Farmers Weekly.

Said a delighted show organiser Rachael Hann: “I am extremely grateful to the trade stand holders and machinery exhibitors who have worked hard to contribute to the stunning visual impact and varied content of the Show.

“We are indebted to our main sponsors, Masstock, Natwest and Terra Nitrogen (UK) and our media partner Farmers Weekly who have all significantly contributed to the success of Grassland UK.

“The Show relies upon the support of all its sponsors to make the event happen and is also grateful to Wiltshire College Lackham, BPI Agri, Ecosyl, Secure Covers, Silostop and Trident.”

Major national and international companies were represented at the event – many of them taking the opportunity to showcase new products. But amid the mighty machines and state-of-the-art technology also grabbing the headlines was a tiny white flower.

The prestigious NIAB Variety Cup was awarded  to seed breeders Barenbrug UK and AgResearch in New Zealand for developing a highly-acclaimed new variety of clover – Crusader.

In eight years of trials Crusader has proved outstanding in testing systems and on farms over other varieties to improve animal performance and profitability for farmers.

NIAB (the National Institute of Agricultural Botany) only makes the coveted annual award for outstanding achievement in producing new high quality crop varieties that are head and shoulders above the rest.

Said a delighted Paul Johnson, Barenbrug UK managing director: “We joined forces with AgResearch in New Zealand to meet the demand for new and hardier varieties of clover and Crusader is a fine example of this work.  The significant role that white clovers can play in helping UK livestock farmers produce high quality home-grown forage is increasingly being recognised and Crusader will certainly help them achieve their goal.”

Glorious sunshine and an action-packed programme brought records crowds to this year’s Royal Bath & West Show – resulting in the highest attendance for 28 years.

A total of 163,170 people poured into the Bath & West Showground over the four days – 13,066 more than last year when treacherous downpours dampened spirits.

Show organisers were delighted with the results and turn-out for the Show which was once again sponsored by EDF Energy, and was hailed by acclaimed commentator Mike Tucker as one of the most important national shop windows for showcasing the agricultural industry and the countryside.

The standard of top quality livestock on parade at the show was outstanding, he declared, and the variety of entertainments, features and products on display made the Bath & West one of the finest shows in the country.

His views were echoed by the Rev Trevor Farmiloe, who is retiring after 22 years of running the Church on the Show’s Village Green. Leading the crowds in prayer at the Grand Finale of the Show he highlighted the spirit of friendship, goodwill and sense of community spirit that pervaded throughout the show. It was a major occasion which celebrated the various successes and achievements and shared interests of such a diverse variety of people from all walks of life at what was a tremendously important coming together of town and country.

New features at the Show included the Heavy Horse Area where the magnificent gentle giants of the horse world delighted the crowds, and down on the lake was a Canoe Village where hundreds of people  queued up to take to the water.

There was something to suit everyone of all ages – whether they were passionate about the very best of food and drink on offer all around the showground from award-winning ciders to champion cheeses, concerned about the future of the planet or were up for the shopportunity of a lifetime.

Exciting adventure action was provided by the Bolddog Lings Motorcross Display Team who amazed the crowds with their spectacular extreme motorcycle trick-riding.

There was more high-flying action over the Main Ring – but this time courtesy of the feathered variety. The crowds were spellbound by the amazing sight of a flock of geese and cranes flying into the Show in perfect formation behind legendary Frenchman Christian Moullec at the controls of his microlight.

A keen ornithologist and a meteorologist by profession, Christian has travelled to some of the most beautiful and remote corners of the world to study the migration patterns of various species of birds – but particularly rare and endangered varieties of geese.

With careful training, the birds accept Christian and his microlight and have come to consider him as their parent, following him in graceful flight, all making for a truly spectacular display.

The Show was also one of the first in the country to feature a Sustainability Showcase area, highlighting the importance of renewable energy, technology, and developments that help save energy and cut costs.

Businesses lined up to play their part in the Sustainability Showcase, promoting the very best renewable and sustainable energy practices embracing all relevant areas including, transport, buildings and measures to reduce the carbon footprint and protect the planet.

This theme was reflected across the whole Show this year. All food and drink served by mobile caterers at the Show was served in recyclable containers, with paper plates and wooden forks.

And the magnificent prize of an eco-friendly QPOD – kindly donated by Noel Edmonds – was won at the Show by Clive Stuckes, of Headley Lane, Headley Park, Bristol – in a Grand Draw which raised £8,000 for Children’s Hospice South West.
Thousands of show-goers rested weary feet by taking a trip aboard the Showground’s miniature railway which has been created by the East Somerset Society of Model & Experimental Engineers (ESSMEE) and has been extended to the edge of the lake.

The wild wolves were back in the Woodland and Wildlife Area and once again a whole Orkney village was transported 700 miles to the Show with a mouth-watering array of fine food, exhibitions of furniture and entertainment by the islands’ musicians.

Hundreds of youngsters  took part in the popular Family Trail which took families to specific destinations on a fun and fact-finding tour round the Show, opening their eyes to activities that they might never before have discovered.

Gordon Ramsay showed his pigs – making his first foray into the world of exhibiting for his popular F-Word programme, and other celebrities included author and cook Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall who headed up his River Cottage team cooking up treats in the theatre.

The Supreme Beef Championship was won by Logie Daredevil, a two year old 1,250kg Aberdeen Angus, owned and shown by Colin Hutchings of Kings Brompton Farm, Brompton Regis on Exmoor in a nail-biting finale.
The Reserve Championship went to a Dorset-bred Charollais heifer shown by Jane Haw of Compact Farm, Worth Maltravers near Swanage.

And the Supreme Dairy Championship went to a Holstein, Mars Bar Jordan owned by farmer David Norman, from Sigwells near Sherborne.  The Reserve Dairy Champion was a Jersey, Sowden Juno Ceres, shown by Jeff Daw, of Robert Cooper’s Holsteins at East Farm, Winterborne Monkton, near Swindon.

The Sheep Championship was won by the Fooks brothers of North Poorton near Bridport with their shearling ewe Poll Dorset who also won breed championship at the Devon County Show.

The supreme pig championship was won by 16 year old Adam Collings from Launceston, Cornwall with his champion Welsh gilt which breeders reckoned was the best quality entry for years.

The Pig of the Year Award went to Cyril, a large white pig bred and shown  by Duane Hobbs (21) of Pound Farm, Wimborne, Dorset,

The Champion Cheese was a 25 kilo traditional cheddar made by Keen’s of Wincanton, which was later donated for auction and was bought by Longmans Cheese Sales Ltd from North Cadbury, raising £425 for Children’s Hospice South West.

The Dog Show attracted over 1800 entries. The Best in Show was a West Highland white terrier -Thomson’s Ashgate Sheriff owned by Sue Thompson, of Fivehead, Nr Taunton.
The Reserve Best in Show was a Chihuahua Smooth Coat, Aylett’s Ch Angcherish My Fair Lady JW ShCM owned by Mrs Aylett (address withheld) and the Best Puppy in Show was a Lhaso Apso, Paradise’s Shardlow Wiggley Giggley owned by Mr & Mrs A Paradise, of  Longlevens, Gloucester.
 
Next year’s Open Dog Show will be a Premier which will enable those winning Best of Breed to qualify for Crufts Dog Show – this is a great achievement and will be one of only a very few shows with that status.

But the best kept secret of the Show was uncorked down in the Orchards and Cider Area where 78 year old Miss Doreen Pocknell from Rushall in Herefordshire was the startled yet delighted recipient of the Royal Bath & West of England Society Gold Medal for her contribution to the cider industry. She still does 6am work starts for Westons Cider – where she has worked for the last 43 years – and finds time to run a working men’s club!

One of the cider world’s best-kept secrets was uncorked at this year’s Royal Bath & West Show when the industry recognised one of its longest serving workers.

Miss Doreen Pocknell – or Daisy as she is known to her friends and colleagues – had no idea what was in store for her when she turned up for what she thought would be a normal day out at the Show.

The 78 year old from Rushall has spent the last 43 years working at Westons Cider in Much Marcle, near Ledbury, Herefordshire.  She began working for Mr Norman Weston in 1963, checking bottles for flaws, but has since worked in nearly every department, turning her hand to anything that needs doing, from washing and labelling bottles, and even mending sacks.

She still works full-time helping to run the thriving Visitor Centre and can often be found at work at 6am. On top of that she still finds time to run the Rushall Working Men's Club (which just so happens to sell Westons Cider), a function she has undertaken for the past 50 years.

Doreen who lives in the same house she was born in became known as  "Daisy" ever since she began work on the Westons Bottling Line. This originates from when she first wore one of the older hair restraining hats which was a requirement of anybody working in the Production Area - she looked like a daisy.

Norman Weston’s daughter, Helen Thomas, chairman of the National Association of Cider Makers (NACM) who is also managing director of Westons Cider, praised Daisy for her loyalty and hard work and said she was a real inspiration to everyone.

Lord King, past President of the Royal Bath & West Society and a cider maker himself, presented Daisy with the prestigious Royal Bath and West Gold Medal in recognition of the contribution she has made to the cider industry.  The Gold Medal – instigated six years ago at the suggestion of Somerset cidermaker Julian Temperley - is the highest individual honour that can be presented by the Royal Bath & West of England Society to those engaged in all aspects of the industry from research and development and growing the trees, to the production and marketing of cider and its derivatives.

Previous winners include an eminent scientist, an orchardman and John Thatcher, chairman of Thatchers cider.

A shocked Daisy, who took a rare day’s holiday to accompany Mrs Thomas on what she thought would be a normal day out at the Show, said she had no idea about the award until her name was read out. “I am absolutely delighted,” she declared.

Record crowds of 163,170 attended the action-packed show in glorious sunshine – making it the highest attendance since 1978.

There were plenty of great ciders at this year’s Royal Bath and West Show for international judges Robert Kaufelt, the owner of New York’s oldest cheese shop, and Tamasin Day Lewis, wine critic to try.  Tamsin said: “Tasting over 100 all in one go really focuses the mind!”

Alex Hill from Cullompton in Devon did particularly well.  He won the dry and medium classes of the farmhouse cider, came second in the sweet class, and won Supreme Champion Farmhouse cider for his medium entry.

He capped this by being given the title of Supreme Champion, and was presented with the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers’ Perpetual Cup by the Company’s Master, Will Sibley.

Alex said: “I’m extremely pleased and surprised because the cider was slow to ferment due to the cold winter and it’s still quite active.” His wife Bee said: “It just shows that the judges know what they are talking about, I commend them on their palettes.” Alex was mildly embarrassed because he had supplied equipment through his company Vigo to some of his competitors.

Other winners included Perrys Cider of Ilminster who came first and second in the Sweet Cider Class, and Alan Berry from Templecombe came Third. 

The Arthur Davis cup for Perrys was awarded to Andrew Hecks from Meare.

The Apple Juice class was won by RH & JC Elgie from Hilter Fruit Farm in Gloucetershire, second was G Travis of Beaworthy in Devon, and third place was given to N Stewart from Yeovil.

For further information contact Rosie Inge on 01749 670 070 or rosie@churton-inge.co.uk

Craig Hayes is this year’s Apprentice of the Year.

The 21 year old from Cedar Court, Martock, was presented with the award at the Royal Bath & West Show last week by the Rt Hon Lord Waldegrave of North Hill, the President of the Royal Bath & West of England Society.

The prestigious BAGMA (British Agricultural and Garden Machinery Association) Award is presented at the Show each year, identifying the top apprentice in the Western region and recognising their individual efforts as an apprentice.

Craig started his career in agricultural engineering while still at school by undertaking a work experience programme with Medland, Saunders and Twose in Yeovil which turned into an offer of a full apprenticeship when he left school.

A year into his apprenticeship MST Yeovil were taken over by Highwood, now the main Massey Ferguson dealers for Somerset and Dorset. Craig has now completed his apprenticeship and Highwood consider him a key player in the development of their business.

Craig has attended the Massey Ferguson apprentice training programmes based at their Banner Lane Training School and at college where he has passed City & Guilds qualifications at Level 2 and 3 as well as attending numerous technical training courses.

Outside of work Craig is active in helping others – he recently took part in a sponsored sailing event in aid of the local Air Ambulance.

Craig said he was delighted to receive his award and is looking forward to furthering his career in the future.

Gordon Ramsay made his first foray into the cut-throat world of exhibiting at this year’s Royal Bath & West Show.

But his hopes of topping the charts were thwarted by the lively antics of one of his pair of perky piglets which meant he came just sixth in the exhibitor judging class in the pig competitions at the show.

Pig one performed diligently but she was under orders from Gordon's wife Tana.
But pig two was a slightly different story. She gave Gordon the run around, dashing around the ring, and even at one point trying to hide under a table.

Gordon and his latest prodigies were appearing at the four day show at The Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, to be filmed for his next series of his popular 'F-Word' programme.

Also giving him a helping hand was fellow celebrity cook Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall who was appearing at the show with his River Cottage team.

He turned up at the Pig Pavilion to give Gordon some friendly words of advice and also presented him with a jar of honey which he put on the end of the handling sticks to help keep both piglets under control.

Despite being a lively lass, pig two was judged the better pig and won Gordon a rosette.

Gordon explained that he has taken up pig farming as his family all love bacon, sausage and pork and he feels that his four children – Megan, aged eight, Matilda, aged four, and six year old twins Jack and Holly - should understand where food comes from. They feature in the series helping him look after the pigs in the garden at their home.

Both Berkshire piglets are due to be sent for slaughter later this month.

Gordon was mobbed by show-goers eager to have his autograph and a chat. It had been, he said, a really good show and a great experience.

Record crowds of 163,170 - the biggest gate for 28 years - attended what was hailed as one of the finest shows in the country.

A festival that has helped to revive the tradition of cider drinking in Dorset was singled out for one of the industry’s top accolades at this year’s Royal Bath & West Show.

The Cider Innovation Award was collected by Nick Poole on behalf of the Powerstock Cider Festival which has blossomed out of what originally began as a regular cider tasting evening held by the West Milton Cider Club.

Over the years it has grown into a major event attended by a dozen cider makers and several hundred people.

It has inspired new cider-makers to start up, new orchards are growing and local cider sales are increasing steadily.

The Award, proudly sponsored by Thatchers Cider, is presented at the Show each year in recognition of groundbreaking ideas that help advance cider sales or production.

The Award recognises the most innovative product in the Cider industry.  It must make a significant contribution to the cider industry, can be of any size, mechanical, chemical or cultural. Cost effectiveness is a high priority.  Entries came from trade growers and private individuals and  the Cider Innovation Award is a significant honour and much prized.

John Thatcher said the Festival was a worthy winner of the award, which was presented to Nick by Shadow Agriculture Minister Bill Wiggin who visited the Show on its opening day.

Mr Thatcher said: “There is much to be optimistic about in our industry as long as people like Nick Poole continue to have imaginative ideas like the Powerstock Cider Festival and the enthusiasm and skills to make them a reality.

Second place in the awards went to a new spray - Regalis - designed by BASF to reduce the costs of pruning apple trees while allowing more light through the canopy, reducing problems of scab and mildew. It was being promoted by stewardship manager Simon Townsned from Cheshire.

And third place went to Geoff Jenkins, of Hereford, for his development of a manually operated pruning platform.

The popular Open Dog Show sponsored by Eukanuba and held at the Royal Bath & West Show had record entries and exhibitors basked in the glorious sunshine.

Results of the main winners are:
Best in Show Thomson’s Ashgate Sheriff (West Highland White Terrier)
Reserve Best in Show: Aylett’s Ch Angcherish My Fair Lady JW ShCM (Chihuahua
Smooth Coat)
Best Puppy in Show: Paradise’s Shardlow Wiggley Giggley (Lhasa Apso)

Hound Group Nixon’s Brackenacre The Spymaster
(Basset Hound)
Afghan Best of Breed: Floyd’s Hubshe Thru the Barracades at Hubshe
Dachshund (Mini Longhaired) Best of Breed: Worswick’s Ch Dolyharp Don Basilo JW
Dachshund (Smooth-Haired) Best of Breed: Jones Phaeland Secret Diva to Adnerb
Dachshund (Min Smooth-Haired) Best of Breed: Ergis’ Bronia Lucinda for Siouxline
Dachshund (Mini Wire-Haired) Best of Breed: Presnail’s Taree Hawkes Bay
Dachshund (Wire-Haired) Best of Breed: Kent’s Liebling Sweet Charity
Basset Hound Nixon’s Best of Breed: Brackenacre The Spymaster
Beagle Best of Breed: Langman’s Bonwillan Dizzy Blonde
Greyhound Best of Breed: Steel’s Gayside Christmas Blues to Seistan ShCM
Whippet Best of Breed: Rishworth’s Stonefox Morpheus
AVNSC Hound Jarrett’s Manitias Noltiva

Toy Group Aylett’s Ch Angcherish My Fair Lady JW ShCM
Cavalier KCS Best of Breed:Reachill’s Hillbreach Demelza
Chihuahua Long Coat Best of Breed: Aylett’s Fawthen Mooonlit Shadow at Angcherish
Chihuahua Smooth Coat Best of Breed: Aylett’s Ch Angcherish My Fair Lady JW ShCM
Miniature Pinscher Best of Breed: Whetter’s Vardenais Vanilla Moon at Mandolais
Papillon Best of Breed: Stanbury’s Inixia Wily Willum JW
Pomeranian Best of Breed: Sanderson’s Warleggen for Fawkes Sake Among Sandchize
AVNSC Toy Dommett’s Leorin Little Gem
The Thelma Wine Memorial Stakes: Nixon’s Bassdally The Duke at Brackenacre (Basset Hound)
The Bath & West Open Stakes: Pugh & Fraser’s Ritterburg Star Quest at Bystock (w/hdachshund)

Pastoral Group Hillier’s Ch Mybeards Messenger ShCM (Powlish Lowland Sheepdog)
Rough Collie Best of Breed:Ware’s Sundorne Simularity at Wassail
Collie (Smooth) Best of Breed:Gay’s Hilltarn Kiri at Yagane ShCM
Shetland Sheepdog Best of Breed: Haensel’s Sherkarl Son of a Gun JW ShCM
Old English Sheepdog Best of Breed: Duffin-Penney’s Holanja Auroras Dream at Longdorham
Bearded Collie Best of Breed: White & Ellis’ Breaksea Allegro JW
Powlish Lowland Sheepdog Best of Breed: Hillier’s Ch Mybeards Messenger ShCM
Belgian Shepherd (Groenendael) Best of Breed: Hartfield’s Vanistica Kitto for Jenny at Moshanta
Border Collie Best of Breed: Hartfield’s Tamarsh Miss You Nights at Moshanta JW ShCM
Briard Best of Breed: Jacobs-Pearce Wychbold Wynona at Arundall ShCM
Finnish Lapphund Best of Breed: Simmons & Henson Elbereth Onnekas for Infindigo
Samoyed Best of Breed: Parker’s Snowcracker Winter Mist
Welsh Corgi Best of Breed: Froggatt’s Gerefa Voyagers Yukon Gold
AVNSC Pastoral: Etches & Bayliss’ Hurstfield Red Rayda

Working Group Bodman’s Sheridel Luciano of Acara ShCMb (Newfoundland)
Boxer Best of Breed: Robinson’s Robinsteck Christian Dior
Bullmastiff Best of Breed: Williams & Pratt Cadenham Trescothick
Mastiff Best of Breed: Baker’s Cwmtysswg Gladiator of Merrysyck
Neapolitan Mastiff Best of Breed: Jones Ladymiss Bluebell
Tibetan Mastiff Best of Breed: Worley’s Bheara Chee Do Ken
Rottweiler Best of Breed: Scott’s Bergmann Nutmeg for Overbecks
Alaskan Malamute Best of Breed: Smith’s Tango del Laco Orsi at Showshoes
Bernese Mountain Dog Best of Breed: Head’s Bernsteph Betty Barclay to Millermead
Dobermann Best of Breed: Edyveane’s Kateamead Limited Edition
Leonberger Best of Breed: Stephens Helkenna Hothead
Newfoundland Best of Breed: Bodman’s Sheridel Luciano of Acara ShCMb
AVNSC Working Payne’s Helyroso Tranquility (Bouvier des Flandres)
The Thelma Wine Wine Memorial Stakes Holanha Auroras Dream at Longdorham (Old English Sheepdog)
Bath & West Open Stakes Sheridel Luciano of Acara ShCMb (Newfoundland)

Utility Group Watkins Montana Kiss N Tell (Toy Poodle)
Chow Chow Best of Breed: Farmer, Towsushet’s The Hobbit At Simway
Dalmatian Best of Breed: Bryant, Buttsmoor Bobby Dazzler
Keeshond Best of Breed: Cabell, Vandaban Willow
Lhasa Apso Best of Breed: Paradise, Shardlow Rose Petals Fall Over Cedarpoint JW ShCM
Poodle (Standard) Best of Breed: Ward, Hendor Here Comes The Bride
Poodle (Minature) Best of Breed: Todd, Alexhian A Classic Edition ShCM
Poodle (Toy) Best of Breed: Watkins, Montana Kiss N Tell
Shar Pei Best of Breed: Bull & Warren, Starferry The Lone Ranger
Shih Tzu Best of Breed: Diffey, Cabbala Gilt Edged At Marhilway
Tibetan Spaniel Best of Breed: Davies, Kismond Buttons N Bows JW shCM
Tibetan Terrier Best of Breed: Rutley & MCClark, Shanshu A New Star For Javey
A.V.N.S.C. Utility: Waite, Figheldean Worth The Wait

Gundog Group Hartgill’s Ebbledown Riversleigh (Golden Retriever)
Best of Breed Retriever (Golden): Hartgill, Ebbledown Rivresleigh
Best of Breed Pointer: Knowles, Dovehayes Facsimile JW ShCM
Best of Breed Spaniel (American Cocker):Woolley, Shazrons Belldonna at Challeymead
Best of Breed Spaniel (Clumber): Armitage, Debrics Ice Maiden of Nakuru
Best of Breed Spaniel (Cocker): Cullen, Danett Extrovert JW
Best of Breed Spaniel (English Springer): Hobbs, Whitebrook Lord of The Rings
Best of Breed Spaniel (Welsh Springer): Morgan & Bott, Ferndel The Chosen One For Quensha
Best of Breed English Setter: Morgan & Bott, Quensha Tears of Pearls
Best of Breed Retriever (Flat Coated): Millbank, SC CH Brightstart Morning Glory of Larksdown JW
Best of Breed Retriever (Labrador): Hatch, Lembas Love A lot Bear At Bramthorn
Best of Breed Retriever (Curly Coated): Perkins, Saxonholme Myrtle At Tengore
Best of Breed German Shorthaired Pointer: Savill, Baywillow Celebration
Best of Breed Hungarian Vizsla: Jones, Addaci Celtic Serenity
Best of Breed Weimaraner: Bromell, Plymleigh Lady Clementine
A.V.N.S.C. Gundog: Roberts, Flaxheath Freelove At Cairacailie

Terrier Group Thomson’s Ashgate Sheriff (West Highland White Terrier)
Best of Breed Border Terrier: Rumsam & Roderick, Wesleymount Habanero
Best of Breed Bull Terrier: Littlejohns, Nardoo Karpo Kora
Best of Breed Manchester Terrier: Evans, Twisez Going Solo
Best of Breed Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Hathway, Kariskiye Desperate Dougal JW ShCM
Best of Breed Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Robbins, Princessa Nafala Kaja
Best of Breed West Highland White Terrier: Thomson, Ashgate Sheriff
A.V.N.S.C. Terrier: Jones, Fernlair Out of Bounds
The Thelma Wine Memorial Puppy Stakes: Moore, Odivane Maid With Style At Flippers
Bath & West Open Stakes: Paradise, Shardlow Rose Petals Fall Over Cedarpoint JW ShCM


Next year's event will be bigger and better than ever. 
Don't miss it!

Thousands of people poured into the Art Pavilion at this year’s Royal Bath and West Show to view the high standards of work on display from exhibitors from all over the country.

Brig Alastair  Fyfe, High Sheriff of Somerset,  presented the first prize, a cheque for £750, to Mary Sumner of Tiverton, Devon, for her acrylic mixed media painting, Bird Table.

The second prize of £350 went to Frances Hatch, of Branksome, Poole, for her entry Sheppard’s Chine, Isle of Wight, made of shellac, chalk and clay.  Frances was unable to attend the show and she was exhibiting other work at her home – all part of Dorset Arts Week.

The third prize, a cheque for £250, went to Clare Trenchard, from Bridport, Dorset, for her bronze resin sculpture group, Labradors and Spaniel.

A grand total of 468 works of art were submitted for consideration by the Art Committee – out of which 252 were selected for hanging and display.

The work of art chosen as the public’s favourite was once again one of the pieces by popular artist David Fisher of Midsomer Norton. His Grand Turk notched up 124 votes - it was the eighth time David’s work was voted the people’s favourite at the Show.  The runner-up was Anthony Wells of Wivenhole, Colchester, with his watercolour Weston Riders with 61 votes.

Very Highly Commended were Tom Hoar, of  South Molton, Devon, and Bee Grant-Peterkin, of Sherborne, Dorset.

Highly Commended were Mary Sumner of Tiverton, her sister Rachel Sumner of Bideford, Devon, Brigid Moreton, of Charlton Musgrove, Wincanton,  and Peter Kellow of Batheaston, Bath.

Commended were: Sheila Watkins of Grants Lane, Wincanton, Pearl Kossowski of Midsomer Norton,, Colin Allbrook of Umberleigh, North Devon, Barbara Mason of North Cadbury, Nr Yeovil, Andrew Bell of Buckland St Nary, Chard, Carole Drake of Sturminster Newton, Dorset, Rita Beckett of Priddy, Wells, Jane Eaton of Southwick, Trowbridge,  David Fisher of Midsomer Norton, James Easterlow of Kelston Road, Bath, Priscilla Sorapure of Union Street, Wells, Suzanne Clarke of Cleeve, Bristol, Joy Moorhead of Falfield, Gloucestershire, Rosalind Pierson of Tavistock, Devon, Ken Hildrew of North Molton, Devon,  Stephanie Hobhouse, of Ashill, Ilminster, Somerset and Eleri Jones of Cotham Bristol.

The annual competition, sponsored by Western Power Distribution, celebrated its 25th anniversary this year and attracted 1200 entries from all over the region.

The competition was set up in memory of 16 year old Michael Wheatland who was killed in a tractor accident on a farm in Crewkerne in 1966. Following his tragic death his devastated father, Norman Wheatland – who was a tenter and graphics worker at shows around the country, including the Bath & West - founded the Michael Wheatland Memorial Trust. 

He ploughed in £100,000 of his own cash promoting farm safety around shows, anxious to ensure that children everywhere were made aware of its importance. In 1982, still concerned about the number of youngsters involved in accidents on farms, Norman launched the Children’s Safety Poster Competition at the Show.

Speaking at the awards presentation Mr Mike Cockram, former chairman of the Farm Safety Committee and Chairman of the Michael Wheatland Trust  said it was important for everyone to remember why the competition was held – especially in what was the 25th anniversary of its inception as well as the 40th anniversary of Michael’s tragic death.

He said that only the previous day there had been reports of a three year old boy being killed by his father’s tractor. “These accidents are still happening – and that is why is it so very important children are educated about safety on farms,” he told all the youngsters gathered for their awards.

Runners up were St Louis V A Catholic Primary School in Frome who won £200 for their school.

And Johnny Sykes, aged nine, from Tickenham School, Tickenham, North Somerset, was overall winner with the best poster in the competition as well as top in the 8-9 year olds section. He was presented with a keepsake of his success from Western Power Distribution.

All the awards were presented by Steve Loveridge, safety and training manager of Western Power Distribution, which sponsored the poster competition.

The search is on for the 2006 South West Dairy Farmer.

 Farmers across the region are invited to enter this year’s competition which is organised by the Royal Bath & West of England Society and sponsored by Milk Link, the leading farmer-owned co-operative in the South West, and Clydesdale Bank.

 Every farmer who enters will receive free tickets to the Dairy Show at the Bath & West Showground, Shepton mallet, Somerset, on October 4th, and the overall winner will receive tickets for the prestigious Dairy Industry Dinner plus accommodation on the eve of the Show.

 The ultimate winner will be presented with the coveted trophy and certificate at the Show, which is sponsored by NatWest, Dairy Crest and Farmers Guardian.

 The competition aims to highlight dairy farmers in the South West who are best prepared to meet the challenges facing them and who can demonstrate a profitable way ahead.

 Last year’s competition attracted a high level of entries from farm businesses across the whole South West region.

 It is open to all farm businesses across Devon, Cornwall, Bristol, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire whose income is mainly derived from milk production.

 All finalists will be visited by the panel of judges – Michael Rowe from Clydesdale Bank, Patrick Cock from Milk Link and farmer Nicholas Bacon whose son, Stuart, from Crewkerne, won the title last year. They will tour each farm, discuss farming plans and policies with the families and analyse the dairy costings and accounts provided by each business.

 The final result will be announced at the Dairy Show where the winner receives the prestigious trophy and certificate and will be among the VIP guests at the Show.

 Tickets for this year’s Dairy Show can be obtained from the Showground on 01749 822 200. Advanced saver tickets are available now on the credit card hotline on 01749 822 222.

 Entry forms for South West Dairy Farmer 2006 are available from the Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 6QN or telephone 01749 822 2000. The closing date for entries is July 10^th.

Preparations are in full swing for this year’s Dairy Show at the Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, on Wednesday, October 4th.

• Located in the heart of one of the main dairy regions in the UK, the Show, sponsored by NatWest, Dairy Crest and Farmers Guardian, is recognized as one of the country’s top speciality events for farmers.
• This year’s Show features over 300 quality dairy cattle, over 250 tradestands, key players at all levels of the industry, and a wealth of seminars and displays.
• Highlights include the cream of the country’s cattle on parade and the presentations of the coveted Dairy Industry Award to a key player in the industry in recognition of their services to dairying, the South West Dairy Farmer of the Year Award, and the Supreme Cattle Championship.
• Full details can be obtained from the Showground on 01749 822200.

Save £££s by booking tickets for the Show in advance on the Credit Card Hotline on 01749 822 222. Advanced saver tickets for adults are £8.50 (price on gate £10.00) or £4 for concessions - students, children and senior citizens - (price on gate £5).

The search is on for the biggest, the best and the heaviest vegetables around - and for the most fabulous fruit and flowers.

Up and down the country keen gardeners are egging on their massive marrows, colossal cucumbers, titanic tomatoes and luscious leeks to smash the records once again at this year’s National Amateur Gardening Show.

The monster vegetables will be among the star attractions at the show which is sponsored by Renault and takes place at the Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, from September 1st to 3rd. The huge heavyweights and their growers will be chasing over £5,000 worth of cash prizes in the UK National Giant Vegetables Championship. And the bumper bonus is that this year new cash prizes have been introduced for fourth and fifth placed entrants.
 
Entry to the competition is free and there are 27 classes for all sorts of vegetables - from the burliest beetroot to the longest bean - plus  two classes for junior gardeners,  and prizes for the best overall growers range from £100 for first place in some classes down to £15 and £10 for fourth and fifth place respectively.

Ray Davey, the giant vegetables co-ordinator, is predicting another exciting crop of world record breakers in the giant vegetable section and has high hopes the extra cash on offer will encourage more entrants than ever before.

Last year’s world champion grower Mark Baggs from Wareham, Dorset, is back to defend his title. His massive marrow thundered its way into the world record books at last year’s show weighing in at a staggering 62kg (just over 136 lbs) – shattering the previous record of John Handley from Chesterfield by just 0.77kg.

Mark (22) and his father Frank, both farmers were first time exhibitors at the Show. They visited the year before and were so gob-smacked at the size of what they found they decided to give it a go themselves and came up trumps.

Ray Davey is confident entries will be as buoyant as ever and he is looking forward to welcoming people who might never have entered the competitions before. “There is every indicator that we are going to get some really wonderful results again this year,” he said

“I have spoken to all the growers and it is looking really good! The weather conditions have been good for them and these people are very clever. There is something a bit special about all of them and for them it is a real passion, not just a hobby. They are absolutely dedicated and respected across the world and we are delighted to have them with us.”

Meanwhile other gardeners are carefully nurturing their entries for the 66 classes in the Show’s Flower, Fruit and Vegetable Competition. And for the fifth year running there is a competition for all amateur flower arrangers featuring four classes  in the Floral Art section –“Harvest”, “Down the Garden Path”, “Let’s Party” and “Country Fayre.”

Other highlights at the show include a dazzling display of Showcase, Student, and Feature Gardens and Allotments, supported by Bowland Stone, the magnificent Floral Marquee sponsored by Plymouth Gin and complete with a gin palace, the National Dahlia Society Show, and over 400 stands selling the widest range of gardening gear around.

Gooseslade Farm Shop hosting a mouth-watering array of farm fresh local produce.

And the National Association of Floral Arrangement Societies is holding its area competitions at the show.

Celebrities handing out top tips over the three days include flower arranging expert Sarah Raven, (Friday), organic guru Bob Flowerdew and garden designer Joe Swift (Sunday) and gardening writer Anne Swithinbank (Saturday).

They will be touring the show, giving talks and doing demos, taking part in question and answer sessions, meeting the crowds and presenting prizes and awards. And more top tips from experts are on offer daily from the green-fingered team at The Sun Gardening Roadshow.

Competitions Secretary Sandra Powell said entries are coming in steadily for all the competitions - but  she expects a bumper crop before the closing dates  of  August 22nd for the giant vegetables and flower, fruit and vegetables classes, and August 21st for the amateur flower arranging classes, To apply for entry forms  for any of the competitions please contact Sandra Powell at the Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 6QN (01749 822 209).

Tickets for the Show are being held at last year’s prices - £11 for adults, and £10 for senior citizens on the gate, or advance tickets are £9.50 for adults or £8.50 for senior citizens. Save £1.50 by booking tickets in advance on the Credit Card Hotline NOW on 01749 82 22 22 or book online on www.bathandwest.com Once again there is free entry for children under 16 and plenty of activities to keep them busy.  The Show is open 9.30am to 5.30pm daily, and further details can be obtained by ringing the Bath and West Showground on 01749 822200.

An award winning invention, that is proving a godsend for flower arrangers nationwide, will be appearing at this year’s National Amateur Gardening Show.

“The Instant Florist” is the brainwave of Welsh florist Anne Lloyd and takes the pain and strain out of spiralling – the technical term for the skilful process of hand twisting and tying stems.

Anne, from Whitehurst, Chirk, came up with the idea for the device to make life easier for her husband, Mike, who helps out in her shop at busy times. While Anne is a dab-hand at spiralling, Mike finds it a bit of struggle especially in the hectic run-up to events like Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day.

“It is a special knack and many people just get used to doing it but many others struggle. I sat down one day and thought what can I make that would do exactly what my hands do, and just came up with the idea,” explained Anne.

The creative, versatile and re-usable device enables the arranger to hold stems at different angles to create stunning displays. Anne put her idea before the Welsh Development Association (now the Welsh Assembly Government) where it was scrutinised by various panels and heralded as a feasible project deserving of funding which helped get it into production and out in the market place.

At the British Invention Show it scooped the top platinum award for the best consumer product. and also won the Welsh Development Association’s Inventors Award.

Said Anne:” It is an absolute gift for any florist or anyone interested in flower arranging, or people wanting to train to be florists.”

Retailing at just £2.50 “The Instant Florist” will be available at the National Amateur Gardening Show which takes place at the Bath & West Showground at Shepton Mallet, Somerset, from September 1st to 3rd.

The National Association of Floral Arrangement Societies is holding its area competitions at the Show. And Celebrities handing out top tips include flower arranging expert Sarah Raven, (Friday), organic guru Bob Flowerdew, and garden designer Joe Swift (Sunday) and gardening writer Anne Swithinbank (Saturday).

The show sponsored by Renault promises more glorious gardens and dazzling displays than ever, the UK National Giant Vegetable Championships and the National Dahlia Society Show.  And once again entry for children is free.

Tickets (price £9.50 for adults and £8.50 for senior citizens) can be booked now on the credit card hotline on 01749 822 222 or on-line.

 Prices on the gate are  £11 for adults and £10 for senior citizens

The closing date for all entries for this year’s Bristol Flower Show is just days away (Friday, August 11th).

Entries for the 150 different classes at the Show must be in by Friday, August 11th. Competition Schedules with details of all classes can be obtained by ringing show organisers on 01749 822200.

 And Bristol Allotment Tenants who want to show off their growing talents at the Tenth Allotment Fair at the Show must book their stands with the City Council Allotments Office on 0117 922 3737 by Friday, August 4th.

 Entries are already pouring in for the popular Show which is celebrating its 62nd year and takes place at Durdham Downs in Bristol on August 18th, 19th and 20th.  Organised by the Bath & West Trading Company in conjunction with Bristol City Council the Show promises an action-packed programme with something for all the family – and free entry for children.

There are competitions for handicrafts, cookery, and flower arranging as well as the normal flower, fruit and vegetable classes, plus the Tenth Allotment Fair, The National Vegetable Society Summer Show, classes for children and the magnificent Floral Marquee. Exhibitors will be competing for hundreds of pounds worth of prize money, plus the chance to win the traditional trophies and beautiful glassware donated by Bristol Blue Glass.

 

And back by public demand are two garden design and build competitions. The Courtyard Garden competition, kindly sponsored by Bristol-based family firm Bowland Stone, is open to all companies, garden designers and builders. The challenge is to design and build a garden on a 5 square metre plot suitable for relaxation within a confined space behind a house. Bowland Stone will provide £300 worth of product to help each garden, and a prize fund of £1,500 awaits the winners plus a Bristol Blue Glass bowl for the designer awarded first place.

 The Feature Garden competition, also sponsored by Bowland Stone, is open to all businesses exhibiting at the Show. The winner will receive £100 plus a Bristol Blue Glass Trophy, and runners up receive £75 and £50.

 Fun for all ages at the Show includes dancing by Bristol Morris Men, bands, face-painting,  the Children’s Trail, creatures from Bristol Zoo, the Fire Brigade Safety Display and entertainment with Mr Alexander’s Travelling Circus Show. The popular English Garden Roadshow will be there offering a whole host of top tips from the experts and there will be a Thanksgiving Service on the Sunday. Other features include the DMG Antiques Fair  and there will be separate marquees for crafts and gifts.

 

Highlight of the opening day will be a reception hosted by the Lord Mayor of Bristol. And organisers are also delighted to welcome back St Peter’s Hospice who will be running a stand to help promote their vital fund-raising work.

Following its successful debut last year the Bristol City Garden Competition is again running in conjunction with the Bristol Evening Post. Entrants are invited to send in a photograph of their garden which will then be judged and a presentation to the winner will be made during the Show.

The Show is being sponsored by Bristol Blue Glass who are donating some of their beautiful glassware as prizes, Bowland Stone who are sponsoring the Feature and Courtyard Garden competitions and Bristol-based Bart Spices Ltd who are sponsoring the Allotment Societies’ herb-growing and spice-growing competitions and the competitions  for the Best Saffron Cake and the children’s contest for Best Pair of Gingerbread People. The Show is also supported by BBC Radio Bristol.

Preparations are blossoming for this year’s National Amateur Gardening Show with many new features at the fun day out for the whole family.

The Show, now in its eleventh successful year and with tickets held at last year’s prices and free entry for children, is sponsored by Renault and takes place from September 1st to 3rd at the Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset.

Once again the Royal Bath and West of England Society’s Trading Company is joining forces with Amateur Gardening Magazine to produce one of the most spectacular gardening shows around.

Organisers have prepared an action-packed programme that promises something to delight everyone over the three day show - from the serious horticulturist to the person who just likes to potter, plus more glorious gardens and dazzling displays than ever before. And once again entry for children is free.

New features this year include some hot stuff with a chilli-growing competition and the Gooseslade Farm Shop hosting a mouth-watering array of farm fresh local produce.
And the National Association of Floral Arrangement Societies is again holding its area competitions at the show.

Other attractions include a spectacular array of Feature, Student Challenge, and Showcase Gardens, supported by Bowland Stone, the ever popular magnificent Floral Marquee sponsored by Plymouth Gin and complete with Gin Palace, a team of gardening celebrities to share their expertise and advice at question and answer sessions, the National Dahlia Society Show (the biggest dahlia show in the world!), and specialist nurseries.

One of the big highlights of the three day Show is the UK National Giant Vegetable Championships promising a monster crop of record breakers - all adding to the buzz, colour and excitement of the show which aims to attract over 35,000 visitors.

Celebrities handing out top tips over the three days include flower arranging expert Sarah Raven, (Friday), organic guru Bob Flowerdew and garden designer Joe Swift (Sunday) and gardening writer Anne Swithinbank (Saturday).

They will be touring the show, giving talks and doing demos, taking part in question and answer sessions, meeting the crowds and presenting prizes and awards. And more top tips from experts are on offer daily from the green-fingered team at The Sun Gardening Roadshow.

Other features include Amateur Gardening’s Flower, Fruit and Vegetables Competitions, free lectures and demonstrations, cuttings workshops and over 400 trade stands.
There’s fun for all the family with plenty of action in the Children’s Area, with face-painting, a Children’s Circus and garden games and the popular Junior Gardeners Design Challenge.

Celebrity chef William Hunter is back cooking up a feast with his cookery demonstrations while the Showground’s very own Bath and West Railway will be full steam ahead throughout the Show, this year reaching down to the lake.

The show runs every day from 9.30am to 5.30pm. Tickets (price £9.50 for adults and £8.50 for senior citizens) can be booked in advance now on the credit card hotline on 01749 822 222 or
on -line.

 Prices on the gate are  £11 for adults and £10 for senior citizens. Entry for children is free.

An eco-friendly car and a champion cheese have helped raise thousands of pounds for Children’s Hospice South West and renewable energy projects - thanks to the generosity of visitors and supporters at this year’s Royal Bath & West Show.

The champion cheese was a 25 kilo traditional cheddar made by Keen’s Cheddar of Wincanton, which was later donated for auction at the show and was bought by Longmans Cheese Sales Ltd from North Cadbury, raising £425 for Children’s Hospice South West.

At the same time the Show’s Grand Draw for tickets for a QPOD car, kindly donated by TV star Noel Edmonds raised nearly £7,000 to be shared by two of the TV star’s favourite causes - the much-needed new children’s hospice for the South West and renewable energy projects in the region.

Noel Edmonds, himself a farmer and passionately concerned about sustainability and the environment, is chairman of the Renewable Energy Foundation. The host of the hit Channel 4 show “Deal Or No Deal” is also patron of the South West’s only children’s hospice, Little Bridge House near Barnstaple, which was built 10 years ago and supports over 200 sick children and their families each year with respite care and help. 

And he is supporting the £15 million “Babe’s Big Appeal” for Children’s Hospice South West, a new hospice currently under construction at Charlton Farm on the Tyntesfield  Estate at Wraxall near Bristol, which will double the provision of care and respite available in the region when it opens to families in April 2007. More than 1000 children in the region currently face life-threatening and life-limiting illnesses.

Once open the state of the art new hospice, which will cost £3 million a year to run, will provide tender loving care for sick children and support for their families. There will be individually designed children’s bedrooms, rooms for parents and siblings to stay in too, a Jacuzzi with special hoists, and round the clock care by staff. Other facilities include a soft play room, a messy room, a computer room and a sensory room all designed to make their time there extra special.

This month Diane Abbott, sponsorship and fund-raising manager, Fran Weelen, press officer, both from the Royal Bath & West of England Society, and Darren Rushmere, sales operation manager for Longmans, visited the new hospice site to hand over the cheques to Jane Powell, Community Fundraiser for Hospice South West. Also present for the handover was the winner of the QPOD car, retired Rolls Royce draughtsman Mr Clive Stuckes, from Headley Lane, Bristol, and his wife Maureen.

Mrs Abbott, Mr Rushmere and Mr Stuckes said they were delighted to help support such a worthy cause.

More information about the Children’s Hospice South West can be obtained from their website www.chsw.org.uk or from 01275 866600, or e-mail Jane Powell at jane.powell@chsw.org.uk

Great and glorious gardens lie at the heart of any gardening show – and so if you are seeking inspiration and ideas then don’t miss this year’s National Amateur Gardening Show.

A record number of 14 of Britain's brightest young trainee designers have been selected to build student gardens at this year's show, which takes place at the Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, on September 1st, 2nd and 3rd and is sponsored by Renault.

Since the show was launched eleven years ago it has always boasted amazing student, feature and show gardens, but this year the contribution from some of Britain's most promising young hopefuls has been outstanding.

Thanks to substantial sponsorship from Bristol-based garden hard landscaping materials experts Bowland Stone, the interest from young designers this year has been intense, and 14 exciting and original designs are to be built at this year's show for the Student Gardens Challenge.

What could you do with £400 worth of building and gardening materials, an empty plot, wheelbarrow loads of determination and a bucketful of imagination - in just four days?
That’s the challenge being thrown down to the landscape design students across the country as they steel themselves for this year’s competition and chase £2000 worth of prize money.

This is the eighth time the Challenge has been run at the Show, giving up and coming garden designers and landscapers from some of the UK’s leading horticultural colleges the chance to show the world what they can do. Many previous finalists have been snapped up for success in the design and landscape industries, plus there’s the chance of accolades from the experts as TV gardening celebrities at the Show include Gardeners’ World presenters Joe Swift and Sarah Raven, organics gardening guru Bob Flowerdew, and Gardeners Question Time panellist and writer Anne Swithinbank.

Previous winners have progressed to great things. Several have gone on to launch their own landscape and design companies. Others have seen their careers flourish with big names in the gardening world.

Julian Compton from Ilminster, Somerset, had a hat trick of successes at last year’s Show – scooping the awards for Best Feature Garden, Gold Medal and Best Garden  for his garden using the Golden Section, a ratio used in design since ancient times.

Julian who runs his own garden design company Land Art, won the Best Showcase Garden and the Best in Show awards at the 2004 with his Help Yourself garden. His work then captured the interest of expert horticulturalists nationwide – so much so that Amateur Gardening Magazine, which runs the Show in conjunction with the Bath & West Trading Company, invited him to design and build their “Arts and Crafts” garden for them.

And more success stories are on the cards for this year. 'Keep off the grass' from Paul Cantello is a front garden that  illustrates how home owners can reduce maintenance and watering by doing away with the traditional front lawn, but still have a plant filled plot.
Paul from Weston-Super Mare, a University of Gloucestershire entrant who won a Silver Medal for his “Breathing Lessons” last year, is already making his way in the design  world.

Wiltshire College Lackham  student Tim Matcham's design called 'Contemporary contemplation' has formal elements but uses symmetrical geometric shapes and box edged borders filled with colourful dahlias. There are Cyprus trees to give height, and architectural  phormiums for structure.

Val Philips from Cannington College has created a contemporary garden with raised planters and angular shapes, called 'The dying of the light'. It will include lots of late summer and autumn interest from flowers and foliage plus water features including a bubbling pool and a rill.

Glastonbury music festival was the inspiration for Wiltshire College Lackham student Julie Pritchard's garden design. The centrepiece of 'Inspired by Glastonbury' is a gazebo that represents the festival's pyramid stage,  while some of the planting will reflect flowers and shrubs that grow wild around the festival site.

'The rhythm of life' from fellow Lackham student Meryl Kelsey Masters is a contemporary design that's strong on hard landscaping but reflects many aspects of nature, not least cleverly planted intertwining grasses in the shape of the DNA double helix.

Other designs include a Mediterranean garden from Cannington College’s  Ed Plumb; an elemental garden from Lackham student Will Sheerin; a magical children's garden from Elizabeth Gray from the University of Gloucestershire and a peaceful retreat from Lackham’s  Jan Flyn. There's even an ambitious amphitheatre based on the Minack theatre in Cornwall designed by Bridgwater College student Louise Chapman.

Other highlights of the Show are the Show Gardens, designed and built by established garden designers. Rachel Gibbs of Plan-it Gardens has teamed up with Joe Murless of Little Fones Landscapes, both from Dorset,  to design and build 'Tranquility found'. The garden includes classical and mystical elements with contemporary tones. There's a ruined folly, a living sculpture lady, grotto style water feature, stream and pebble pool.

Kate and Robin Broomfield from Dorset have gone for a modern take on a 'Mediaeval pleasure garden' offering visual enjoyment and relaxation. Planting will be colourful, architectural and self sustaining. and includes crab apple trees trained over arches.

More floral feasts are in store in the magnificent  Floral Marquee where 52 of the country's leading nurseries – many of them hot-foot from Tatton, Hampton Court and Chelsea - are displaying the very best plants, offering expert advice in their field and giving visitors the opportunity to buy as well as look.

There will be appearances and  talks from the guest celebrities every day. On Friday 1 September TV Gardeners' World presenter Sarah Raven  gives advice on flower arranging in the Floral Hall, where the National Association of Flower Arranging Societies will be holding their southern regional competitions.

On Saturday 2 September,  Amateur Gardening columnist and Gardeners' Question Time panellist Anne Swithinbank is appearing, and on Sunday 3 September both Joe Swift from Gardeners' World, and organic guru Bob Flowerdew will be giving talks and meeting visitors.

STOP PRESS***Tickets for the Show are being held to last year’s prices and children go free. Advanced Saver Tickets are £9.50 for adults or £8.50 for senior citizens. On the gate prices are £11 for adults, and £10 for senior citizens. Save £1.50 by booking tickets in advance on the Credit Card Hotline on 01749 82 22 22 or book online on the website on www.bathandwest.com

 Once again there is free entry for children under 16 and plenty of activities to keep them busy.  The Show is open 9.30am to 5.30pm daily, and further details can be obtained by ringing the Bath and West Showground on 01749 822200.