Kent News - Thousands join Royals at start of 80th County Show

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Friday, September 3 2010, 6:41

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Thousands join Royals at start of 80th County Show

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Prince Edward + Sophie at show

Colourful variety of tractors

A bull was led out for display

Recent times have brought little comfort for those that farm the land and protect and preserve rural life.

Everyone knows that many farmers are facing a battle for survival but the 80th annual Kent County Show reinforced their stubborn spirit to fight on.

As tens of thousands flocked to the Detling showground to see one of the finest displays of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and fruit, it confirmed again that Kent’s stockmen and women and growers still produce the best in the nation.

That so many were able to forget the depression in their industry and promote the best of British proved to be a brilliant public relations exercise.

And their efforts brought Royal approval when the Earl and Countess of Wessex, she being a true Maid of Kent, attended the opening day on Friday as VIP guests.

Armed with umbrellas they met many of the farmers that form the backbone of the annual three-day event and presented long service awards to four veterans of the land.

They were Hazel Spicer, 79, with 52 years service with David Mure at Egerton, Adrian Smith, 49, who has worked for 31 years on Loddington Farm, Linton, John Roberts, 65, who has served on Romney Marsh for 30 years with Violet Link, and Gill Applin, 67, with 25 years service on Jessel Farms around Ashford.

In particular organisers were keen for them to see the largest Young Farmers club display in Europe with more than 400 youngsters showing their stock with pride and providing a solid base for the future, and the Why Kent Farming Matters display area.

Despite violent showers and overcast skies the show got off to a roaring start with almost 3,000 livestock entries providing a positive effort to look to the future rather than dwelling on the past.

True many urban residents were attracted by the fairground rides, spectacular arena events and stalls packed in the ‘petticoat’ lanes, but those from the land regarded it as a challenge to educate all to buy local.

Many left convinced that our farmers produce the best quality foods using the most welfare friendly standards in the world, and that supporting them is the key to the preservation of the countryside for all.

Show chairman George Jessel was beaming from the moment he arrived shortly after dawn on the vast showground.

He said: “It is a cracking show with a brilliant display of livestock of the highest standards and another wonderful effort from our Young Farmers.

"Kent has a long tradition of farming and food production and it was a pleasure to ensure the Royal couple saw the many wonderful products and services that Kent has to offer".

He is the public face of the show but it was the almost anonymous figure of a dapperly dressed man with dulcet tones that probably played the most important part in convincing those not familiar with rural life.

Ashford-based auctioneer Mark Cleverdon from Wittersham, has spent more than 20 years running between competition rings as the voice of livestock.

With non-stop commentary he brings expert information on the most modern and ancient breeds of British and Continental stock on show.

Aware that some still think meat is produced in a factory for the supermarket freezers and have little idea where milk comes from, he constantly promoted the agricultural industry in understandable terms for ‘townies’ in the vast crowds at the daily grand parade of champions.

His powerful messages about the top quality meat, milk and dairy produce play an important part in convincing the public they can play a major role in the survival of Kent farming.

Douglas Wanstall from Bank Farm, Aldington, was another promoting the cause.

With a magnificent display of Kentish fruit and veg, meat and dairy products, the director of Food for Kent was one of the star attractions on the KOS stand.

He said: "Working with KOS we are promoting and getting the message across that Kent has the very best and freshest food on offer".

POSTED: 17/07/2009 11:01:09

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