Cornish beekeeper Mike Leverton responded to the call for action to restore a long forgotton cup back to its rightful county.

The gauntlet was thrown down to Cornish beekeepers  to enter the Royal Bath and West show’s Bees and Honey Competitions and compete for the prestigious “Cornwall Bee Keepers Association Challenge Cup”

The beautiful silver rosebowl, first awarded in 1949, has remained on the Bath & West Showground’s shelves – unwanted and unwon - for as many years as show organisers can remember.

It used to be vigorously competed for in the years when the Royal Bath & West Show moved to a different venue around the country each year – Plymouth, Truro, and Falmouth were regular ports of call. It made its final excursion to Cornwall in 1955 when it was held in Launceston.

But since the Show moved to its permanent home at the Bath & West Showground in 1965 the number of exhibitors and visitors making the grand trek up from Cornwall has tailed off. And the last time it was won and taken back to Cornwall was in1991.

Keen beekeeper Mrs Gillian Searle, editor of the Cornwall Beekeepers Association’s monthly magazine, issued the challenge to her 200 strong membership, urging them to enter this year’s bees and honey classes at the Show and compete for the trophy that is rightfully theirs.

Launching the challenge earlier this year, Mrs Searle from Bodmin said: “No-one has won this trophy for as long as I can remember. I know people might feel it is now a long way to travel up to the Show from Cornwall but I think it is a tragic shame that no-one from Cornwall competes for this beautiful trophy anymore.”

Mrs Searle hoped her appeal would jar Cornish people’s memories and get them buzzing up the A30 with their entries for this year’s Show which took place at the Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, from May 30th to June 2nd.

And beekeeper Mike Leverton from Lelant, near St Ives, Cornwall leapt forward to take up the challenge. His was the only entry from Cornwall but the judges said he thoroughly deserved the award anyway because of the top quality of his honey. He was, said Bees and Honey Chief Steward Chris Rawlings, a master showman in the bee-keeping and honey world.

Mr Leverton, who started making honey nine years ago and also swept the board at the Royal Cornwall Show recently , said he was delighted to be taking the Bath & West trophy back to Cornwall at last. He was presented with the trophy by Lady Caroline Cameron, the wife of the President of the Royal Bath and West of England Society, Lord ewen Cameron.

The Cornwall Bee Keepers Association Challenge Cup is awarded to the resident member of the Cornwall Bee-Keepers’ Association who notches up the most points  in classes for light, medium, dark and set honey.

It is just one of hundreds of trophies and prizes competed for each year at the Show which is sponsored by EDF Energy, attracts over 10,000 entries from all over the country for classes ranging from art and alpacas, to shoeing and steam engines, and saw over 152,000 visitors flooding through the gates.

Inventive designers from across the country responded to the new greener future challenge at this year’s Royal Bath & West Show.

White the tradional tractors, ploughs, coaches and carriages played their familiar part in the country’s biggest and best agricultural show, down in the new Eco-Zone a very different kind of transport was making its debut and wowing the crowds.

The  new Sustainable Transport Competition attracted a wide and wonderful variety of vehicles – all powered by green energy – from a solar auto rickshaw and a solar powered boat to a solar wheelchair.

The new competition got the green light from innovative creators across the country, including members of the Battery Vehicle Society and the Electric Boat Association.

And former Formula One World Champion Grand Prix racing driver Jody Scheckter – who was exhibiting his range of buffalo meat and ice-creams made from buffalo milk from his organic farming business Laverstoke Park -was among the judges, while TV star Noel Edmonds, chairman of the Renewable Energy Foundation,  commentated on the vehicles as they paraded in style in the Show’s main ring.

Also at the Show BBC Somerset Sound unveiled its brand new Sustainability Bus and launching its BBC Somerset Challenge aimed to encourage listeners and show visitors alike to take up the challenge to go greener, to change their way of lives and help save “Planet Somerset.”

The BBC launched the Challenge which aims to turn the county carbon zero – either by encouraging people to cycle to work, or re-cycle more rubbish or change to eco-friendly lightbulbs or just look at and re-think their whole way of life.

It is the first challenge of its kind in the country and radio chiefs have high hopes that the Challenge will attract support from nearly 1/4million people – over half the county’s population.


The new Sustainable Transport Class was one of the highlights of the four day Show - which was again sponsored by EDF Energy. The vehicles demonstrated their capabilities in the Eco-Zone – the special area, sponsored by EDF Energy and supported by the Renewable Energy Foundation, focussing on sustainable and greener living, and where an Advice Centre manned by experts in all fields provided information about the practical steps visitors can take to reduce carbon emissions and help save the planet.

The unique sustainability area made its debut at the Royal Bath & West Show last year, and received immense support from a broad range of businesses and interest from the 163,000 visitors who attended.

The new ‘Eco-Zone’ developed from that and was designed to cover a broad spectrum of issues, featuring  six key areas: Wind, Solar and Geothermal; Biomass and Biogas and Co-firing; Biofuel and Clean Transport; Green Consumables and Recycling; Construction Industry and Energy Saving.

The aim of the new sustainable transport competition was to demonstrate innovation and technical progress in the design of working vehicles.

No power from fossil or nuclear fuels was allowed and all entrants were asked to submit a list of the origins of their fuel sources.

Vehicles could be designed for use on land, sea or air, there were no limits on wheel numbers or dimensions, and all land vehicles had to have adequate brakes. Water borne and air vehicles could be shown on trailers.

All vehicles had to be driven by a motor that derived its power from renewable energy.

The competition was won by the solar auto rickshaw designed by the Moss Solar Trust. Mr Malcolm Moss from Leatherhead in Surrey, is President of the Trust and a committed environmental campaigner.  He has thrown himself into trying to solve pollution and traffic congestion problems in India by designing and developing rickshaws which require less effort and energy.

To encourage people away from motorbikes and cars he has given the pedal rickshaw a motor on the front hub that is powered by photovoltaic panels on its canopy - proving how solar is a good alternative to fossil fuels for
transport application

Malcolm advised show organisers on the competition and he is also helping them organise a new competition for next year – to develop a solar-powered wheelchair.

That new competition is the brainwave of Annie Maw from Pilton, who will be High Sheriff of Somerset for 2008. Confined to a wheelchair since breaking her back five years ago in a riding accident, Annie showed off her own solar-powered wheelchair at the Show and wants to use her year in office to help promote and support environmental projects.

Next year’s competition will be open to industries, universities, schools and colleges and individuals. And Annie is organising a rally of all the competing vehicles from Buckingham Palace to the Bath and West Showground for the 2008 Show, calling in at Windsor on the way.

Malcom Moss was delighted with the interest in the Sustainable Transport Competition. He said: “I was amazed at the great range of Sustainable Transport Exhibits ranging from a giant tractor fuelled from plant oil grown and pressed on the farm to the little electric solar charged Go Cart and - the Star of the Show -Annie Maw's Solar Wheelchair.”

Jody Schecter the judge of the competition, awarded first prize in
both land and sea categories to Malcolm Moss’  exhibits – the rickshaw and the boat, both powered by solar PV.  

Other forms of power on display included Biodiesel, bioethanol, biogas, battery electric, hybrid cycle solar and a hydrogen fuel cell. 

In the photo are Jody Sheckter (left ), Noel Edmonds (right), and brothers James and Simon Moss with the winning solar auto rickshaw

Preparations are in full swing for this year’s Dairy Show in October.
 
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 at the Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, on Wednesday, October 3rd, 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 some of the country’s top dairy cattle, plus the Calf Show, Showmanship Classes, The Interbreed Heifer Championship, and the Supreme Cattle Championship. On the practical front a new machinery demonstration area and the ever popular seminars both on speaker’s corner and the lecture theatre.
 
The Showmanship classes feature a new class for Holsteins for youngsters aged 13 years and under to show off their handling skills. There is also a class for showing any other dairy breed for youngsters aged 13 and under and the general Showmanship Class for youngsters aged 14 to 18.
 
The Showmanship Classes for the Juniors will be held on the eve of the Show during the reception, prior to the prestigious Dairy Industry Dinner, which is sponsored by Lloyds TSB Agriculture.
 
The guest speaker at the dinner this year will be John Alvis, who is chairman of Somerset cheesemakers Alvis Bros at Redhilll, Bristol and is a director of the Royal Bath & West of England Society.
 
During the dinner the coveted Dairy Industry Award will be presented to a key player in the industry in recognition of their services to dairying.
 
Another major presentation during the Show will be the South West Dairy Farmer of the Year Award. This competition is sponsored by Milk Link, the leading farmer-owned co-operative in the South West, and Clydesdale Bank, and has attracted entries from all over the south west.
 
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.
 
Every farmer who enters receives free tickets to the Show and the overall winner will receive a £1,000 cash prize or a family holiday voucher, the coveted trophy, plus tickets for the Dinner.
 
The Show also features an action-packed programme of seminars and Farmers Guardian will be staging its popular Speakers’ Corner. The closing date for entries for stall bookings is Monday, September 3rd.
 
Full details about the Show 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 National Amateur Gardening Show takes place from August 31st to  September 2nd at the Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset – and once again there is free entry for children.

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.

Features this year include a chilli-growing competition, a food hall with a mouth-watering array of local produce, a spectacular array of  Feature, Student Challenge, and Showcase Gardens, the ever popular giant Floral Marquee full of spectacular blooms from some fo the country’s top growers, a team of gardening celebrities to share their expertise and advice at question and answer sessions, celebrity workshops, a wine and drinks area, 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 is supported by Renault.

Celebrities handing out top tips over the three days include organic guru Bob Flowerdew, horticultural lecturer and broadcaster Christine Walkden, and expert garden writers Peter Seabrook and Anne Swithinbank.

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.

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, and garden games. 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.

The show runs every day from 9.30am to 5.30pm. Tickets (price £10 for adults and £9 for senior citizens) can be booked in advance now on the credit card hotline on 01749 822 222

 Prices on the gate are  £12 for adults and £11 for senior citizens. There is free admittance for children when accompanied by an adult.

Although most Dairy producers have received a promise price hike recently, October is also gearing-up to be a crunch month for the dairy industry, with many farmers set to view the price they get that month as being the barometer for how well their processor is doing in capitalising on record commodity dairy prices. Expectations on prices are higher now than they have been for well over a decade . . . and the outlook for dairying is excellent. But have the dairy companies capitalised on the opportunities? Will they be delivering to their farmers a price that they are happy with? And, whatever the price, will it be enough to keep the milk flowing profitably when set against cost price increases?

For farmers in the South West there’ll be no better place to find out the answers to these crucial questions than at the Dairy Show, to be held on 3 October at the Bath and West showground near Shepton Mallet and with continued sponsorship by Dairy Crest & NatWest showing their support for the Dairy Industry. According to Show Chairman Edwin White, the dairying mood will be buoyant if significant prices have been announced; optimistic if they are still in the pipeline, but very tense if farmers believe their buyer isn’t performing up to scratch and the rises they think they are due look as if they won’t be coming through. “The atmosphere could be edgy,” he says. “It will be a very interesting show.”

But things are looking good so far for the South West, he says. All of the milk processors are performing strongly at the moment, with Milk Link having posted good profits recently, Dairy Crest being upbeat about its prospects for this year, Wiseman on track at its Bridgwater dairy, and cheese prices being strong and stocks short. Virtually all of the main milk processors will be at the show.

“Most dairy companies seem to be faring well,” says Mr White. “Most seem to be well set for the future. I just hope they can all get the milk supplies they need to realise their business objectives.”

That’s the main challenge for them as the UK’s output is already well below optimum levels, and that’s even before the industry hits the trough month of November. But Mr White says that presents a huge opportunity for farmers, and is another reason why a visit to the show is essential for dairy farmers.

There will be some big financial incentives to produce a lot of milk in the winter. But the problem could be getting the cows to milk, however, or to get them to do so profitably in light of the wet summer, indifferent forage quality for many and high feed prices – up £40 a tonne on last winter.

“The next month or so will be critical for many dairy farmers as they need the sun to bring out the best in the maize crop. That could make the difference between good or poor milk production throughout the winter months.”

Either way, there will be a multitude of specialists and skills at the Dairy Show for farmers to tap into and seek advice from. Over 230 stands and industry experts including John Alvis of Alvis Brothers, Ian Potter the quota broker, Pete Nicholson of Wiseman and Rex Ward of Milk Link will be sharing their expertise and opinions.

“There is no better place to get the answers to all of the burning questions for the winter,” says Mr White. “All the experts from across the country come to the show, and are always willing to advise and guide. We look forward to seeing a lot of farmers.”

Tickets for the Dairy Show cost £10.00, but £8.50 if bought in advance. They are available from the ticket office on 01749 222222 or buy online from the website, applications must be received by 28th September 2007. 

Anyone wishing to go to the renowned Dairy Industry Dinner (sponsored by Dairy Crest & Lloyds TSB Agriculture) on the eve of the show should contact Jill Cross on 01749 822223.  “This is always sold out well before the event and is one of the few occasions when grass roots farmers can mingle with captains of the industry.”

The Royal Bath and West of England Society, organisers of the Dairy Show, have today decided to postpone this event to 30th January 2008. The Show was scheduled for 3rd October, but the worsening situation with regard to FMD over the weekend has triggered the decision.  Although alternative dates have been considered, it was felt prudent to allow sufficient time for the current outbreak to be brought under control and for the industry and farmers to get their businesses back to normal.
 
Dr Jane Guise, Chief Executive, said: "We have held on until the last minute in the hope that the news would be more encouraging. Our role is to provide agriculture with a platform on which to trade and we hope that by the end of January the industry will have returned to a more up-beat and flexible trading condition. Apart from FMD and now blue tongue the industry is showing signs of a brighter future. We hope FMD will be eliminated from the UK soon, and that we can look forward to a positive industry show in January."
 
Chairman of the show, Edwin White, said "With the Dairy Show rescheduled to the end of January 2008, we have given the industry 4 months to overcome this dreadful disease and get back on track. Wouldn't it be good if 4 months were too long!”
 
The show will be preceded by the Dairy Industry Dinner on Tuesday 29th January 2008.

All Trade Stand Exhibitors who have paid for stands booked for the original 3rd October Show do not need to re-apply for the new show as their original stand booking remains valid. New Trade Exhibitors are encouraged to apply for space.

The show will run without cattle classes but there will be plenty to do and see.  Some of the attractions for this prestigious show are:

FARMERS GUARDIAN SPEAKERS CORNER
250 tradestands
South West Dairy Farmer Awards
Seminars in the Theatre during the morning
Dairy Industry Dinner held the evening prior to the show with guest speaker, John Alvis MBE
JCB Machinery Demonstration Area

For further details please contact Alan Lyons

The 2007 Royal Smithfield Christmas Fair has been cancelled as a result of the devastating effects, and movement restrictions resulting from the unfortunate release of the FMD virus.

Following a meeting of the Royal Smithfield Club and the Royal Bath & West of England Society on Monday 15 October, both organisations are deeply saddened to announce the cancellation.  The situation has been carefully monitored since August 3rd when the disease was first confirmed, and the position has now become untenable, as licensing arrangements are unavailable – and no forecast can be given.

The fact that very good levels of livestock entries had been achieved by the Royal Smithfield Club makes this decision especially hard, and both organisations convey their best regards to those producers who are willing to consider showing even when the industry is at such a low point.  All entry fees and trade stands booking will be refunded.

Chairman of the Royal Smithfield Club, Neil Gourlay, said: “This is a very sad day for the livestock industry across the whole country, facing a real crisis on so many fronts.  Looking forward we must now plan for 2008, when surely things must be better.”

Edwin White, Chairman of the Royal Smithfield Show Board commented:
The livestock industry and show societies have had to take too many things on the chin this year.  We are proud of the level of support that we have been shown for our joint initiative, and are starting to work on the 2008 show this afternoon, when we hope to be celebrating a significant recovery in our fortunes in this sector.

Plans are already underway for the 2008 Royal Smithfield Christmas Fair which will take place at the Royal Bath & West of England showground at Shepton Mallet, Somerset, on the 5th and 6th December.

Two years ago the Eco-Zone was introduced as an important feature of the show.
Its aim is to encourage people to live a greener lifestyle by focusing on wind, solar,
biomass, biofuel, construction and green consumables. It provides an excellent
platform for people to learn how to save energy, money and the environment by
offering practical advice and information.

A key part of the Eco-Zone this year was the Sustainable Transport Competition
- featuring vehicles which derive their power from renewable energy. This years
entries included a wide variety of vehicles such as a solar powered wheelchair, a
solar auto rickshaw, a fuel cell boat, and a solar powered boat. The Competition
was not only supported but judged by Former Formula One World Champion driver
Jody Scheckter. Since retiring from racing, Jody has become an organic farmer
and has swopped his horsepower for eco-power by converting his farm tractor to
run on rape seed oil.

The competition has also gained support from innovative creators across the
country, such as members of the Battery Vehicle Society and the Electric Boat
Association.

Although still in its infancy the Eco-Zone is has also gained support from EDF
Energy and The Renewable Energy Foundation.

EDF Energy who were the shows main sponsors created two identical ‘homes’ to
actively demonstrate the differences between an environmentally friendly home
and a currently average home.

The Renewable Energy Foundation set up an advice centre which had experts
offering advice on going green. They encourage the development of renewable
energy and energy conservation, whilst safeguarding the landscapes of the UK
from unsustainable industrialisation.

Lord Cameron of Dillington; Show President said “Sustainability is something that is moving up very high on the public agenda in no uncertain terms. This is the second
year we have featured it at our show and we are ahead of many organisations.
The renewable energy and the shrinking of the Carbon Footprint are becoming
important ways of life for more and more people daily”.

The Sustainable Transport Competition was the precursor to the launch of the SolaRola projects in 2008.

This is a unique opportunity to bring the development of the SolarRola Wheelchair
to fruition and will be the centre point of the years activities of the countys High
Sherrif in 2008; Mrs Annie Maw, herself a paraplegic, to help raise monies for
various charities along the way.

The adventure from London to the Show and the development of the concept of

• SolarRola
• The games
• Activities
• Trials

at the Show will we hope benefit in the South West of England, as well as various
other groups with the development of the chair.

Natural England is hosting a series of events on farms across the South West to invite people living in market towns to come along to discover more about the farming activities that are happening on their doorstep.

• Find out what local food is available.
• Hear about the role that farmers can play in wildlife management.
• Understand more about bio-security.
• Discover ways to enjoy your natural environment.

At these events, find out:

• Where food comes from
• Who produces it
• How it’s produced
• About the farmer’s role as wildlife steward

If you want to know more about healthy local food and how to reduce food miles as well as being interested in the natural environment, come along to one of these events. Bring your family and friends.

You will hear speakers explaining how farmers nurture our wildlife, have a guided walk around the farm and browse amongst the stalls of the mini farmers’ market.

Though each event will be unique in content, they will all follow a similar format.

PROGRAMME

A key change in the role of farmers over the last few years is that of ‘Wildlife
Steward’. A series of talks and presentations will explain what this means to the
wildlife.

You will learn ways you can help and how you can better enjoy the natural
environment.

Talk and Presentations
Come along and see for yourself what happens on a farm. See the food production
chain in action, from growth through to market products.

Experience first hand the wildlife projects and understand better how all this leads to a sustainable system of producing our food.

Sunday 9th December 2007
10.00—14.00
Real Grub Local Food Centre
Stokeley Farm Shop
Stokenham
Kingsbridge
Devon TQ9 2SE
www.stokeley.co.uk

Situated on the A379 and easy to find between Stokenham and Torcross on the Kingsbridge to Dartmouth coastal road is the RealGrub Local Food Centre with farm, farm shop and café serving a range of local products from fresh
meats to local beers.

Sunday 2nd December 2007      POSTPONED
10.00—14.00
Stourhead Farm Shop
High Street,
Stourton,
Wiltshire
BA12 6QF
www.stourhead.co.uk

The shop is situated by the National Trust car park, on the Stourhead Estate, set in the rolling Wiltshire landscape. Conditions are ideal for growing food and bring you superb seasonal, local products, well-hung and traditionally butchered meats, cheese, fruit and vegetables, free range eggs and more.

Sunday 9th December 2007
10.00—14.00
Wallaces Farm Shop
Hill Farm
Hemyock
Devon EX15 3UZ
www.welcometowallaces.co.uk

On the Somerset/Devon border, Wallace’s is a working farm with a farm shop and restaurant open 7 days a week. They breed Highland cattle, red deer, North American bison and sheep on the Blackdown hills. They also keep pigs, miniature ponies and pygmy goats to entertain children, and have a small museum featuring farm tools
from yesteryear.

ROYAL BATH & WEST SOCIETY
Andrew Clune
The Showground
Shepton Mallet
Somerset BA4 6QN
01749 822232
Reg Charity No. 2931640
andrew.clune@bathandwest.co.uk

SOMERSET FOOD LINKS
Carole Fox
Units 10 & 11
Bridge Barns
Long Sutton
Langport
Somerset
TA10 9PZ
01458 241401
www.foodlinks.org.uk
carolef@foodlinks.org.uk

Somerset County Council is investing up to £75,000 to launch the largest farmers’ market in the county in the run up to Easter, in a bid to help Somerset farmers after recent outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease, Blue Tongue and Avian Flu.

The ‘Spring Festival of Food & Drink, Somerset County Council Supporting Farming’ event will bring together all the county’s farmers’ markets in the largest event of its kind at the Royal Bath & West Showground on 8 and 9 March.

It is set to become a showcase for promoting a host of Somerset produce as well as local arts and crafts in time for Easter.

Foot and Mouth Disease, Blue Tongue and Avian Flu did not directly affect Somerset, but the knock-on effects in the market have seriously affected farm businesses and rural enterprises.

As a result, Somerset County Council has had discussions with key partners including the National Farmers Union, Somerset Food Links and the Royal Bath & West Society about what can be done to improve the situation, and the idea of a Somerset Easter event was born.

Somerset County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Cllr Alvin Horsfall said: “Farming, including agriculture and fishing, makes up 17 per cent of all Somerset’s businesses and the industry is vital to the county’s well-being. Most agricultural businesses at the moment are experiencing declining income and profits. Less than half of all agricultural businesses made a profit in 2001. The impacts of diseases have exacerbated this continuing declining trend.  Somerset County Council and its partners are committed to helping and supporting this important part of our community. This spring local food event is just one of the initiatives planned and it is hoped it will capture the true spirit of Somerset and its communities. Everything for sale will be produced by local people, for local people, and the event will be a great location to purchase unique and tasty local food to make your Easter break special.”

Alan Lyons, Show Manager of the Royal Bath & West Society said:  “We are very excited to be having this event which I am sure will be a huge success.  It fulfils the charity’s remit in the support of agriculture and commerce.  We urge exhibitors to apply as soon as possible.”

Anthony Gibson, National Farmers Union Director of Communications said: “After what has been a miserable autumn and winter, especially for the smaller livestock farmers in Somerset, this event will be a real shot in the arm.  It is just what we need to kick start the recovery and show consumers what a wonderful range of top quality products are now being produced on farms within Somerset.”

Andrew Moore, Chairman of Somerset Farmers’ Markets said: "This event will be unique. Never before have all of the county's markets been brought together as one.  It will be a true celebration of Somerset."

The event and other countywide local food events are promoted on the Visit Somerset website, www.visitsomerset.co.uk or on Somerset Food Links website at www.foodlinks.org.uk.

If you are interested in exhibiting or finding out more information, please contact the Royal Bath & West Society on 01749 822240.

For tradestand enquiries please contact SUE  (01749 822230)
or SANDI (01749 822231)

And the Dairy Industry Award winner is . . .

Well known dairy farmer, writer, and First Milk Board member Roger Evans is this year’s recipient of the prestigious Dairy Industry Award.

Presented by John Alvis on behalf of the sponsors, Lloyds TSB Agriculture and Dairy Crest, the award recognises the outstanding contribution to the dairy industry by an individual over a number of years. The judges said Mr Evans deserved it because of “his significant contribution to the wider food and agri-business sector”.

Mr Evans runs a successful 350 acre family farm in Shropshire with his son David, where they run a dairy herd of 200 milkers and produce 350,000 chickens each year. He served as chairman of First Milk between March 2003 and November 2004, and was previously Chairman of Axis milk, which merged with Scottish Milk to form First Milk on 1 April 2001.

Richard Greenhalgh, First Milk chairman commented:  "Roger has an extraordinary skill with words, which not only comes through in his writing and after dinner speeches, but is evident in his ability to get his points across with clarity on a wide variety of occasions. His understanding of the dairy industry and ever-expanding network of contacts have been invaluable to us at First Milk on too many times to mention. However it is on a personal level where I value Roger most. He has been a great support and counsel to me since he handed over the baton of First Milk chairman just over three years ago. This level of openness is rare and reflects Roger’s great generosity.”

Roger has also been an award winning feature writer and contributor to the Dairy Farmer magazine for over 20 years, where his articles have gained an unrivalled reputation for being practical, thought-provoking and amusing, with more than the occasional sarcastic twist on officialdom and the generally wonderful but sometimes wearing woes of being a dairy farmer.  In the 1990’s he won the Business Periodical Publishers Association award for being the best columnist – judged from all national media.  He has also written a book called Good Evans!

“. . . let’s face it, we have all needed cheering up over the last few years and we at Dairy Farmer have been extremely lucky to tap into Roger Evans’ inimitable humour on our back page for over 20 years . . . this in turn has meant we are probably the only title in dairying to be read back to front!” says Peter Hollinshead, editor of Dairy Farmer.

Mr Evans joins a prestigious line up of Dairy Industry Award winners. Other winners include
Dick Sibley, veterinary surgeon at the West Point Vet Practice, Witheridge, Devon; David Handley, chairman and founder of Farmers for Action from Monmouthshire; John Becket, Belton Cheese and Tim Mead from Yeo Valley

SOUTH WEST DAIRY FARM BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD

Alan Webber is the winner of this year’s South West Dairy Farm Business of the Year Award and received the Award from Simon Banfield, Farmer Director of Milk Link, at the Dairy Show at the Royal Bath & West Showground at Shepton Mallet on Wednesday 30 January 2008.

Alan farms 287 acres near Crediton in Devon, as part of a family partnership, milking 135 cows and rearing young stock under a full organic regime. With a premium milk price, but with its attendant high input costs, he managed to achieve a margin per cow well ahead of the other finalists in this year’s competition and the judges being particularly impressed by his dedication, obvious attention to detail, his outstanding grassland management and the obvious progress that he and the family are making in developing their milk business.  Alan Webber is a very worthy winner of this prestigious award, having been short-listed on two previous occasions.

The overall winner of the competition receives £1,000 in prize money plus an engraved glass bowl and framed photograph to commemorate the occasion.

The other finalists were Mr J W Davis of Doulting, Shepton Mallet, Somerset; Messrs D L & B M Gordge of Batcombe, Dorchester, Dorset; Mr & Mrs N Loder of Oborne, Sherborne, Dorset; Mr & Mrs R Parker of Mappowder, Sturminster Newton, Dorset & Mr Brian Rich of Binegar, Radstock, Somerset and all the finalists were each visited by members of the panel accompanied by Mr Cotton.

This year’s competition was not without its own difficulties; initially the Foot & Mouth disease outbreak delayed the start of judging, put back to early September, only for the second outbreak to be announced whilst the judges were mid-way in their visits to the finalists’ farms. This caused an immediate embargo on any further farm visits for another six weeks before judging was completed.  Mr Allen Cotton, representative of the Royal Bath & West Society accompanied the judges, Mark Gendall of Clydesdale Bank, Paul Charlton of Milk Link & Julian Newth a local farmer, on their visits.

The South West Dairy Farm Business of the Year Award is organised by the Royal Bath & West of England Society and is very generously sponsored and supported by Milk Link, the South West’s leading farmer-owned co-operative, and Clydesdale Bank.

Paul Charlton, Technical Services Manager for Milk Link Limited, and one of the competition judges said:
“Mr & Mrs Webber are deserving winners.  Their sheer enthusiasm and commitment to the dairy business was overwhelming, whilst focusing upon clear business objectives.  All business decisions were directly aimed at achieving their objectives and it was very encouraging to see the benefits of these decisions already shaping the future sustainability of a very successful business.  Key to their success is not only this focus but also attention to detail whilst maintaining simple, practical and environmentally friendly farming practices.”
 
Mark Gendall, Agri-Business Partner Somerset & Dorset said “Clydesdale Bank, are very pleased in continuing their support for the SW Dairy Farm Business of the Year Award, as we see dairy farmers adjusting their business to new challenges.  Clydesdale are actively promoting relationship banking with agricultural experienced bank managers, supporting farmers with their borrowing, investment and development plans during these changing times.”

“Alan demonstrated his knowledge and skills in adapting to his specific challenges, with a very positive attitude.  His business acumen seemed to drive his approach to dairy farming and work/life balance, which the judges could see in the quality of husbandry, the cow performance, and the ultimate profitability of the business.”

Edwin White is the new Chairman of the Executive Board of the Royal Bath & West of England Society and took over the reins from John Vincent at the close of the Dairy Show at the Bath & West Showground on Wednesday 30^th January 2008.

Edwin has a long association with the Society having been Chief Steward of Livestock at the Bath & West Show and Chairman of The Dairy Show for several years.

Edwin  is a local dairy farmer with keen interests in agricultural  through his work on the Somerset Farmers Union Committee of which he is a past Chairman. 

He has a strong involvement with the National Farmers Union, is a past Chairman of both the Somerset National Milk Records Committee and the Milk Marketing Board (Mid-West Region) and has been a Senior Non-Executive Director of Genus and became an Associate of the Royal Agricultural Societies. 

The Royal Bath & West Livestock Schedules are about to be sent to exhibitors and demonstrate the commitment by the Society to the Livestock Industry with the introduction of new classes.  These have been created for Beef Shorthorns and British Blue Cattle and will take place on the first day of show (Wednesday 28th – Saturday 31st May 2008).  The Interbreed Cattle Championship Judge is the well known Welsh Black breeder Emyr Jones of Graig Goch, Llanrwst.  Sheep have not been forgotten with new classes for Any Other Continental Breed and Any Other Native Breed, again judged on the first day.

The ever strong Pig section has an international addition with Kune Kune pig classes on Saturday 31st May.  This breed, originally from New Zealand, has seen a rise in popularity in recent years.

This year due to the uncertainty of Blue Tongue movement restrictions the Society has also introduced a new stall and pen booking system and will take stall bookings for all cattle, with a similar pen booking arrangement for sheep, goats and alpacas.  These entries will close on the 15th March; this will also apply to the Pig section.  Individual animal details can then be confirmed at a later date.  If movement restrictions change between the time of entry and the show that subsequently prevent an exhibitor from attending, all entries will be refunded.
Telephone 01749 822214 for further information.

Bringing in an element of style: a Fashion Show makes its debut as a brand new feature of the 2008 Royal Bath & West show!

Supported by Clarks Village and in aid of The Prince’s Trust the Fashion Show is anticipated by all to be the start of something truly inspirational at the Royal Bath & West Show. Fashion retailers including Jeff Banks, Van Heusen, Savoy Taylors Guild, Gap, Joules, Autonomy, NEXT, Lee Cooper, Wrangler, CK, Marks & Spencers, Windsmoor, are all involved.

Three shows will be held each day, and on Thursday May 29^th the Royal Bath & West Show is very proud to be welcoming Fashion Icon Jeff Banks. Jeff is a strong supporter of this event and is also representing his own brand which will be part of the Fashion Show.  In between shows ‘The Body Shop’ and ‘Crabtree & Evelyn’ will be running free make-over sessions.

Choreographed by Royal Academy of Dance trained Leanne Singleton, the Fashion Show models are all members of staff from Clarks Village.  Leanne has already choreographed for several dance shows including a touring musical 'That'll be the day' for the Bournemouth international centre (BIC).  She has grasped this challenge with both hands and has crafted a unique and highly professional Show to inspire all.

Celebrating the opening day, the Royal Bath & West Show is running a best dressed couple competition for the first time.  Couples can either enter themselves in the competition by coming to the Fashion Show Theatre on the first day of show, or couples will be ‘spotted’ and invited to join in the competition.  Jeff Banks will be judging the entries on Thursday May 29^th and the winning couple will be treated to dinner, bed and breakfast at the highly acclaimed Ston Easton Park Hotel.

Lending their dedicated support to The Prince’s Trust the Show is also delighted to welcome BBC Homes Under the Hammer star Martin Roberts and Peter Mayhew who played Chewbacca in Star Wars.  Martin is attending all four days of the Show and is giving away the opportunity for 8 individuals to win the chance of spending a days filming with him, through local press!  He is also promoting his new book “teach yourself: Making Money from Property”. 

Peter is making a rare appearance in the UK on the 29^{th & 30th} – only his third appearance in 10 years so don’t miss coming to see him!

orward-thinking dairy farmers are invited to enter this year’s South West Dairy Farmer competition, organised by the Royal Bath & West of England Society.

The prestigious award attracts a high level of entries from farmers across the region, competing to win the coveted trophy and prize of £1000. All entrants receive free tickets to the specialist Dairy Show at the Bath & West Showground on October 1st, 2008, and short-listed entries receive complimentary tickets to the Dairy Industry Dinner held of the eve of the show.

“Dairying continues to face a number of challenges and this competition aims to highlight those dairy farmers in the South West who are best prepared to meet these challenges and who can demonstrate an innovative and profitable way ahead,” says Allen Cotton, a Council Member of the Society who helps run the competition.

Sponsored by Milk Link and Clydesdale Bank, the competition is open to all farm businesses in Devon, Cornwall, Bristol, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire and Gloucestershire, whose income is mainly derived from milk production.

All finalists will be visited by the panel of judges, comprising Paul Charlton of Milk Link, Mark Gendall of Clydesdale Bank, and retired Veterinary Surgeon Peter Clark. 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 judges will be looking for commitment to the dairy business, focusing on clear objectives, and will want to see the benefits of decision making while maintaining simple, practical and environmentally friendly farming practices,” says Mr Cotton.

Alan and Donna Webber, of Hensley Farm, East Worlington, Devon, won last year’s competition with their organic, New-Zealand style system. “It was very exciting to win – a great achievement which rewarded all the work we had put into the business,” says Mr Webber.

Having been placed third and second in previous years, Mr Webber says he has learnt a lot from other producers, and is continuing to drive to improve the business. “We try to keep things as simple as possible so we can concentrate on each stage better. We benchmark with grazing groups and spur each other on to produce milk as efficiently as possible. Entering the competition is a good way to demonstrate what you’re doing on the farm, and is great publicity for British agriculture.”

Entry forms for this year's competition are available online or by telephone on 01749 822 2000, or by post from the Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 6QN.

 

The closing date for entries is 30th June 2008.

Rusty Goffe who starred in Star Wars, Harry Potter and the original Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to name but a few, opened the brand new Xtreme Off-Road course on Tuesday which is one of the exciting features of this years Royal Bath & West Show.

Rusty, who will be attending the Show with fellow Star Wars actor Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) on the first three days of the show said "Its a white knuckle ride with amazing thrills, absolutely tremendous".

If one thing sums up Somerset, it must be cider. So the cider and orchard pavilion at the Royal Bath and West Show is unique in that it offers something for everyone. Outside the large marquee is a traditional cider press with a cheese built from cider apples and straw. Wander around inside for a few minutes soaking up the smells and eavesdropping on cider makers' conversations, you will be fascinated. Here you can find history, books, advice, apple tastings, coopering, orchard groups, orchard management and - of course apple juice and cider to taste and enjoy.

It is widely acknowledged that the success of this corner of the showground is largely due to the efforts of one man, Rupert Best, a retired Naval officer. In recognition of a decade of work and his achievements, Commander Best was presented with the Royal Bath and West Society's 2008 gold medal by The Princess Royal. To get him to the award ceremony was a feat in itself, as friends and family feared he would refuse the award if he knew he had been nominated. So they used a ruse of a false citation and surprised him.

Julian Temperley, who has worked with Commander Best during the past ten years said the award was due recognition for a man who had done more than anybody for the entire cider industry, from growers to cider makers.

"He has turned the Bath and West's cider section into the Orchards and Cider pavilion; from an embarrassment to one of the most respected stars of the show and a showcase for the industry."

Another mark of the success of this popular part of the show is the record number of entries in the cider, perry and apple juice competitions. Over two days of serious judging, 290 ciders, sparkling ciders, perrys and apple juices - from across England and Wales, from Gwent to Kent and back to Somerset - were sniffed, tasted, and assessed by a panel of judges that included food write Lindsey Bareham, Nick Bradstock, former president of the EU Cider and Fruit Wine industry association, and Vernon Shutler, president of the South West of England Cidermakers Association.

One winning cider with a unique story is Glastonbury Abbey cider which took the medium farmhouse cider class, made exclusively from apples grown in Glastonbury Abbey's orchard. Although this is made for the abbey by Julian Temperley at Burrough Hill, Mr Temperley explained: "It has the provenance of the most unique apples in Christendom. When you buy quality wine you also buy the story, this is a cider with a wonderful story."

The Worshipful Company of Fruiterers' cup for the Supreme Champion Cider was made by Perrys in Dowlish Wake, who also won the cup for the Best Bottled Cider. Three years ago the family won the supreme championship with the same cider, a single- variety Dabinett.

Lindsey Bareham said that the choice of winner had been unanimous: "I had no idea there was such a huge range of flavours in single variety cider apples."

Nick Bradstock said the quality and range of the entries showed how the cider industry was responding to its revived popularity. "More people want to see cider made well, and enthusiasts are taking trouble to learn new techniques," he said.

The medium class was won by Nigel Carpenter of Bruton, while Alan Berry from Templecombe won the sweet class and the Weston's Cup for organic cider was awarded to David Sheppy, of Sheppy's Cider, near Taunton.

Visitors to the Royal Bath and West Show yesterday must have wondered what all the fuss was about.

They woke up to reports of Thursday night's flash flooding, a river running through the showground and torrents of mud enveloping the tents.

But those that stuck to their plans and bravely made their way to the showground near Shepton Mallet found things pretty much back to normal by Friday morning.

Never has the slight slope on which the vast showground lies proved to be so important.

The gradient meant the wall of water - created by a cloudburst over South Somerset - rushed through the showground, avoiding serious flooding.

The ground was certainly wet underfoot but regular showgoers were all sensibly shod and the going in the main ring - scene of the majority of the equestrian events - was distinctly "heavy", prompting one or two events to be slightly shortened to avoid exhausting the horses.

Otherwise the only evidence of the deluge from the night before was the flattened grass and mud slicks across the roads.

The show survived virtually unscathed.

Dogs in the West were big news at the Royal Bath & West Show where for the fourth year running we played host the the three day dog show that is growing and growing in popularity.  Now a Premier Show and run in conjunction with Taunton & District Canine Society, sponsored by local dog food producers James Wellbeloved, the show attracted people from far and wide.

Apart from rain on the first day, the clouds cleared for the remaining days and the Group and Best in Show judge Mr K S Wilberg expertly selected his main winners who had triumphed from the 276 classes on offer.

The first day’s winners gave us the ultimate Best in Show who was the popular winner of the Gundog Group, the Irish Setter Tannymac Could It Be Majic at Heathclare JW ShCM who came from Chippenham in Wiltshire.

By coincidence, the winner of Best Puppy in Show also came from Wiltshire, this was the Shetland Sheepdog Lorainian Saving Grace.

The final day of the Royal Bath & West Show had our friends from Frome Dog Club who gave us some magnificent agility displays to charm the packed dog lovers audience around the arena.

 Nearby was a new visitor to this area, Dock Dogs from America who persuaded visitors and their dogs to take part in the retrieval from water competition, the crowds were treated to a real canine extravaganza.

A full list of results can be downloaded from the Bath & West Show page.