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TheChronicle June, 2008
TheChronicle June, 2008
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SHOWING THEIR METTLE: Junior reserve champion and second in the pairs, Michelle Harvey with Pups and Bubba of the Bickley Blondes herd, at a previous Cheshire Show.
On with the Show By Michael Arnold
A
vintage machinery display that never took place, will be one of the memories for the organisers of this year's Cheshire Show.
For such were the problems involved in planning the central cattle sections of the grand annual event at Tabley, in a year plagued by the threat of blue tongue disease, and all its attendant regulations, that cancellation was a distinct possibility only a month or so ago. For as the programme of vaccination moves across the country from the areas of the original outbreak in East Anglia, the planners faced a maze of movement controls which came close to clearing cattle right off the showground for the first time in 30 successful years. Things got to the stage of planning a possible vintage machinery event on the empty cattle rings, but fortunately that will have to wait for another time, for the cattle will definitely be at Tabley on June 17 and 18, although somewhat thinned out. Not just the cattle, for blue tongue can affect other ruminants, so that sheep and goats are also restricted once an area has been vaccinated, but cattle are vital for the Cheshire Show and the organisers were determined to get as many as possible in the big rings. The man finally responsible this year is farmer Tony Garnett, who took over in spring as chairman of the Cheshire Agricultural Society from near neighbour John Platt, who led the team from the year after revival at Tatton Park in 1977. “We've had to plan things through a very uncertain early summer,” Tony explained. “We are on the edge of the clear zone, and we have had to take account of the movement controls that apply to animals within the surveillance and protection zones, which hasn't been easy. “But we were determined to keep the cattle going as far as possible, although numbers will be down from the 600 we managed last year, and that would have increased again, if it hadn’t been for the blue tongue problems.” So with continuity maintained, there is every prospect of a resurgence next year, all being well. This year’s blow fell at a time when interest in agricultural trade stands was increasing steadily in spite of the credit crunch, and with every other show section aiming for the records. Tony Garnett said horse numbers were above last year’s 3,500 figure, with new entries for rare breed horses which would compensate for reduction in
rare breed cattle, while pigs continue to increase, being unaffected by blue tongue. “We’ve a very good entry of shires, plenty of dogs and special interests, and there will be solid entries for cheese and produce,” he added. “All in all, we reckon we will be staging a superb county show in spite of these problems.”
Leading the way
NEW CHAIRMAN: Tony Garnett. NEW chairman, Tony Garnett, is a case of finding a busy man, when you want a big job done. For he heads a family team running a 1,000-acre dairy farm at Allostock, not far from the Tabley showground, with his daughter and three sons all involved in the business, together with his wife Pam, handling 500 milking Holsteins of the Fallowgate herd and thousands of turkeys every Christmas. But as well as the dairy farm, the family has launched an invention on the world market, developed to mechanise the laying of bedding for cattle and poultry. The AG Dispenser was patented from an idea by Tony's son Ian, worked on during a college course and now manufactured and sold throughout the world. Tony and Pam started farming 40 years ago, on around 40 acres, and the farm has grown steadily since, assisted by daughter Fiona, and sons Ian, Edward and Andrew. Tony is 63, but he isn’t thinking about retirement. “I enjoy work and I’ve no plans to give it up,” he said. He has attended many county shows in the past, and became involved 30 years ago as a steward.
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TheChronicle June, 2008
Charities link up for Rural Trust TWO charities have formed a partnership to promote and support agriculture in Cheshire and rural communities. Cheshire Rural Trust has teamed up with the 170-year-old Cheshire Agricultural Society to work together for the aims of the Rural Trust, which tackles social isolation and depression in the countryside. Cheshire Community Council has supported the trust for the past five years, through funding from the Lottery and Cheshire County Council. Trust chairman, David Rowlands, said: “We are very grateful for the support we have received over the past five years, which has enabled us to develop the trust to its present position, but with the ending of the Lottery grant we decided to review the situation and the Cheshire Agricultural Society has taken the contract to secure our future work.” The Cheshire Rural Trust was formed in 2002 in response to the foot and mouth crisis, to support farms, people, and businesses facing hardship because of the devastating disease. The initial task was to provide small grants quickly to farming and rural businesses to give relief during the rebuilding process after the outbreaks, and the current purpose is to ensure that rural Cheshire provides a viable option for people of all ages to live and work. The trust has given grants totalling more than £90,000 to nearly 50 organisations, and Cheshire Agricultural Society executive director Nigel Evans commented on the similar goals of the two societies and welcomed the opportunity to work together.
From the plough to the plate... CREAM OF THE CROP: Cheese judge David Williams of Sandbach.
T
he process of bringing food from the plough to the plate will be one of the themes for this year’s Cheshire Show, to be staged at Tabley on Tuesday and Wednesday, June 17 and 18. The county show, which has grown over the past 30 years to be the largest of its kind in England, will present a journey on how food comes from the field to the table, featuring top chefs to give new ideas for the final stages. Cheshire beef farmer, David Heath, will be demonstrating the cuts of beef on an animal and how they can be used, and children can experiment by milking a model cow, as well as seeing demonstrations of modern milking techniques. Stuart Yarwood, chairman of the show’s Agri-Centre committee, said: “Cheshire Show visitors are interested in the rural economy and like to see how food is produced, so this year’s theme is ‘from plough to plate’. “It’s not always easy to take school children on to a working farm, so this way we are bring-
By Michael Arnold ing the farm to them. There is a lot of interest in local sourcing, so we hope the new Agri-Centre will attract many visitors.” The centre will have cows, calves and sheep on display, as well as exhibitors including vets, feed companies, and environmental agencies. Cheshire Show director Nigel Evans, said: “We have a duty as the county’s agricultural organisation to inform visitors to the show about the importance of the countryside and the farming industry. “Some people might not realise that their milk, meat, cheese and cereals come from a farm down the road. They see it on supermarket shelves and don’t know how it gets there. “We want to demonstrate the hard work put into food production by local farmers and how they can help by buying local products.” The man who will be showing what can be done with food at the final point is top TV chef Kevin
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Woodford, well known from the BBC’s Ready Steady Cook, who will be demonstrating with items from hundreds of local producers in the Roberts Bakery Food Hall, which has developed into one of the show’s main attractions.
TV CHEF: Kevin Woodford who will be visiting the Cheshire Show. 2
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TheChronicle June, 2008
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TheChronicle June, 2008
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Show set to be biggest yet
Special deal for families FAMILY support is to be fostered for this year’s Cheshire Show, with special terms on offer for family parties at the gate when the big event takes the field at Tabley on Tuesday and Wednesday, June 17 and 18. The organising Cheshire Agricultural Society has always sold family party tickets in advance, but to help beat the credit crunch, they’ll now be available at the gate to give a welcome saving to valued visitors. Advanced tickets are priced at £11 for adults with senior citizens at £8.50, and children at £5, while a family of two adults and two children will be charged £28, with under fives admitted free. Executive director Nigel Evans explained: “We are aware that it is difficult for families in the current economic climate, but we think our family tickets will offer an affordable day out. The show is great fun, and it is an important educational experience for children, who can learn about their county’s heritage.” He said family tickets were previously only available in advance and this is the first year they will be available on the gate. ● Advanced tickets are available 24 hours a day by calling 0845 1249822, or from most Cheshire County Council libraries.
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roblems are the name of the game for agricultural shows, which either beat them or go down, writes Michael Arnold.
QUALITY LINE UP: Show jumper Jonathan Paris above; Alistair King from Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre with his winning horse, immediate left; and rare breed pig, Pearl with Lisa Kennedy from Middlewich, at previous Cheshire shows.
Rare treats for many visitors
R
are breeds have always been a special feature of the Cheshire County Show, which has built up a major section over the years to preserve the many types of farm animal that were once to be found on every farm, but are now an interest for dedicated enthusiasts.
But an additional interest this year will come with the presence of a whole range of rare types of horse to join the cattle and pigs, sheep and goats, that make what is virtually a show within a show, near the entrance to the Tabley field.
WE WELCOME YOU TO OUR STAND IN THE SHOPPING MEWS Come and see our display and help us fundraise for Mothers, Babies and Children being nursed at the Countess of Chester Hospital’s Women and Children’s building. We have raised money to complete the Neonatal Unit extension and Adolescents Unit Pat Daniels M.B.E. 01244 350755
Live in a rural area? Want to get more from your local community? Need help with your local group? Need advice for your village hall? Looking for funding for a new rural community project? Then visit Cheshire Community Action here in the Rural Life Tent For advice and support to voluntary and community groups, volunteers and social enterprises in rural areas. Cheshire Community Action Building strong and active communities
-7C BDC7I5DJC!K 47=A.4A 78C 58L; 58L;E!."!C# Contact us on 01244 323602 enquiries@cheshireaction.org.uk www.cheshireaction.org.uk
By Michael Arnold These types are all on the national list of endangered varieties, and include the Cleveland Bay, Eriskay and Suffolk which are on the critical watch-list, together with specimens from the endangered list of Clydesdale, Dartmoor, Welsh Mountain, Fell, Highland and Shires. This special display had been organised by Stephen Blakeman, who is in charge of the rare breeds section, and is a leader of the Rare Breed Survival Trust
Committee. “We are lucky in Cheshire to have all 12 of these rare types of horse within a 100-mile radius of the showground, and we will certainly have one of the best displays of rare animals that can be seen anywhere,” said Stephen. “This should be a great treat for equine and animal enthusiasts, who seldom get to see so many of the endangered types, and certainly not all together. This year’s event will feature many cattle, sheep and pigs, as well as the newly introduced horses.”
FLYING HIGH: Cheshire Waterlife's eagles were a great attraction at previous Cheshire Shows.
GEARING UP: The Royal Artillery Flying Gunners Motorcycle Display Team at last year’s show.
A good many agricultural events in Britain have been overwhelmed recently by difficulties created by diseases, and more so by regulations imposed to control them, but the Cheshire has just gone on growing in spite of everything. This year, the disease to worry about is the disturbing blue tongue in cattle, which makes fleeting but alarming appearances in Britain, and no doubt elsewhere in Europe, where they are more conscious of the damage caused by undue publicity. Then there is the credit crunch, which we're all facing, with farmers particularly hard hit after a long decade of government hostility and indifference. But the show will go on, and on present form, should be the biggest yet, with more people, more animals, more trade stands and more special interests than can be found in any other county event in England. For there have been plenty of problems over the last two centuries since the first show was staged at Nantwich in 1838, with a couple of world wars
CONFIDENT: Nigel Evans executive director of the Cheshire County Show . supported by occasional outbreaks of foot and mouth disease to hit unlucky dates, particularly in 1914, when the annual show planners were just finalising their arrangements when someone shot the Archduke in Sarajevo, and that was that for the next five years. So that puts the current dangers in perspective, and show executive director Nigel Evans is confident that his third event will continue the welcome pattern of growth and success de-
RAF careers exhibition
You can find Cheshire Police near the band stand
Advertiser’s announcement
Land Registry Registering your land couldn’t be more straightforward. Or more beneficial Visit us at The Cheshire Show, call our dedicated team on 0800 432 0432* or go online at www.landregistry.gov.uk and within minutes you could begin the process of registering your land with us. You’ll then be able to prove that you own your land. You’ll also be protected against claims on it (should someone try to encroach, for instance). And you’ll be able to access your title register online – in seconds.
A FACSIMILE of a Red Arrows Hawk aircraft will be on display at the Cheshire Show, as part of the Royal Air Force Careers exhibition. It is a replica of a real Red Arrows Hawk and will be in addition to the RAF Mobile Recruiting Vehicle. Although it cannot fly, it looks very similar and children will be able to sit inside the cockpit.
veloped since revival in 1977, after a two-year break, caused by rain and traffic losses at Eaton Hall. “We have to make our plans in advance, whatever happens, and deal with whatever problems crop up,” Nigel explained as his team completed the lists that will bring 3,500 horses, hundreds of cattle and thousands of dogs to the competitions at Tabley on Tuesday and Wednesday, June 17 and 18. “At the moment, we have to take account of the way the credit crunch is hitting farming generally, and we must also keep in mind the national risk of blue tongue, but so far, things are building up well, and I’m sure we will manage a show to remember in June.” “The great strength of the Cheshire is that we have hundreds of volunteers and enthusiasts who are prepared to give a great deal of time and effort to stage the annual show, and this is reflected in the enormous public support we have received in recent years, building up to record attendance on the 70,000 mark.” “We have a lot of special attractions this year and as usual, we are confident that we can offer something for everybody.”
ON SHOW: A replica of a real Red Arrows Hawk which will be on display at the Cheshire Show.
HELPING VULNERABLE PEOPLE IN CRISIS
Registering with us means peace of mind.
It’s as straightforward as that. The Cheshire Show Row 23, Stand D22/483 Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm
*
0845 605 5555 raf.mod.uk/careers
Visit us at The Cheshire Show
PROTECTING
THE BRITISH RED CROSS OFFERS A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES IN CHESHIRE: • CARE IN THE HOME. We provide short-term care and support for people after an accident or illness. • SKIN CAMOUFLAGE. We teach people with disfiguring skin conditions and scars how to use prescribable cover creams. • MEDICAL LOAN. We provide short-term loans of medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, for people with a disability or illness. • THERAPEUTIC CARE. We offer gentle therapeutic massage for people at times of personal crisis. • BRADBURY CENTRE. We offer a day care service to individuals who are socially isolated. • INDEQUIP. We provide independent living equipment available for purchase. To volunteer for the Red Cross or find out more about our services call 01565 650201 or visit Redcross.org.uk/volunteer
YOU
To find out who your local policing team are
www.cheshire.police.uk
TheChronicle June, 2008
4
TheChronicle June, 2008
5
Show set to be biggest yet
Special deal for families FAMILY support is to be fostered for this year’s Cheshire Show, with special terms on offer for family parties at the gate when the big event takes the field at Tabley on Tuesday and Wednesday, June 17 and 18. The organising Cheshire Agricultural Society has always sold family party tickets in advance, but to help beat the credit crunch, they’ll now be available at the gate to give a welcome saving to valued visitors. Advanced tickets are priced at £11 for adults with senior citizens at £8.50, and children at £5, while a family of two adults and two children will be charged £28, with under fives admitted free. Executive director Nigel Evans explained: “We are aware that it is difficult for families in the current economic climate, but we think our family tickets will offer an affordable day out. The show is great fun, and it is an important educational experience for children, who can learn about their county’s heritage.” He said family tickets were previously only available in advance and this is the first year they will be available on the gate. ● Advanced tickets are available 24 hours a day by calling 0845 1249822, or from most Cheshire County Council libraries.
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roblems are the name of the game for agricultural shows, which either beat them or go down, writes Michael Arnold.
QUALITY LINE UP: Show jumper Jonathan Paris above; Alistair King from Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre with his winning horse, immediate left; and rare breed pig, Pearl with Lisa Kennedy from Middlewich, at previous Cheshire shows.
Rare treats for many visitors
R
are breeds have always been a special feature of the Cheshire County Show, which has built up a major section over the years to preserve the many types of farm animal that were once to be found on every farm, but are now an interest for dedicated enthusiasts.
But an additional interest this year will come with the presence of a whole range of rare types of horse to join the cattle and pigs, sheep and goats, that make what is virtually a show within a show, near the entrance to the Tabley field.
WE WELCOME YOU TO OUR STAND IN THE SHOPPING MEWS Come and see our display and help us fundraise for Mothers, Babies and Children being nursed at the Countess of Chester Hospital’s Women and Children’s building. We have raised money to complete the Neonatal Unit extension and Adolescents Unit Pat Daniels M.B.E. 01244 350755
Live in a rural area? Want to get more from your local community? Need help with your local group? Need advice for your village hall? Looking for funding for a new rural community project? Then visit Cheshire Community Action here in the Rural Life Tent For advice and support to voluntary and community groups, volunteers and social enterprises in rural areas. Cheshire Community Action Building strong and active communities
-7C BDC7I5DJC!K 47=A.4A 78C 58L; 58L;E!."!C# Contact us on 01244 323602 enquiries@cheshireaction.org.uk www.cheshireaction.org.uk
By Michael Arnold These types are all on the national list of endangered varieties, and include the Cleveland Bay, Eriskay and Suffolk which are on the critical watch-list, together with specimens from the endangered list of Clydesdale, Dartmoor, Welsh Mountain, Fell, Highland and Shires. This special display had been organised by Stephen Blakeman, who is in charge of the rare breeds section, and is a leader of the Rare Breed Survival Trust
Committee. “We are lucky in Cheshire to have all 12 of these rare types of horse within a 100-mile radius of the showground, and we will certainly have one of the best displays of rare animals that can be seen anywhere,” said Stephen. “This should be a great treat for equine and animal enthusiasts, who seldom get to see so many of the endangered types, and certainly not all together. This year’s event will feature many cattle, sheep and pigs, as well as the newly introduced horses.”
FLYING HIGH: Cheshire Waterlife's eagles were a great attraction at previous Cheshire Shows.
GEARING UP: The Royal Artillery Flying Gunners Motorcycle Display Team at last year’s show.
A good many agricultural events in Britain have been overwhelmed recently by difficulties created by diseases, and more so by regulations imposed to control them, but the Cheshire has just gone on growing in spite of everything. This year, the disease to worry about is the disturbing blue tongue in cattle, which makes fleeting but alarming appearances in Britain, and no doubt elsewhere in Europe, where they are more conscious of the damage caused by undue publicity. Then there is the credit crunch, which we're all facing, with farmers particularly hard hit after a long decade of government hostility and indifference. But the show will go on, and on present form, should be the biggest yet, with more people, more animals, more trade stands and more special interests than can be found in any other county event in England. For there have been plenty of problems over the last two centuries since the first show was staged at Nantwich in 1838, with a couple of world wars
CONFIDENT: Nigel Evans executive director of the Cheshire County Show . supported by occasional outbreaks of foot and mouth disease to hit unlucky dates, particularly in 1914, when the annual show planners were just finalising their arrangements when someone shot the Archduke in Sarajevo, and that was that for the next five years. So that puts the current dangers in perspective, and show executive director Nigel Evans is confident that his third event will continue the welcome pattern of growth and success de-
RAF careers exhibition
You can find Cheshire Police near the band stand
Advertiser’s announcement
Land Registry Registering your land couldn’t be more straightforward. Or more beneficial Visit us at The Cheshire Show, call our dedicated team on 0800 432 0432* or go online at www.landregistry.gov.uk and within minutes you could begin the process of registering your land with us. You’ll then be able to prove that you own your land. You’ll also be protected against claims on it (should someone try to encroach, for instance). And you’ll be able to access your title register online – in seconds.
A FACSIMILE of a Red Arrows Hawk aircraft will be on display at the Cheshire Show, as part of the Royal Air Force Careers exhibition. It is a replica of a real Red Arrows Hawk and will be in addition to the RAF Mobile Recruiting Vehicle. Although it cannot fly, it looks very similar and children will be able to sit inside the cockpit.
veloped since revival in 1977, after a two-year break, caused by rain and traffic losses at Eaton Hall. “We have to make our plans in advance, whatever happens, and deal with whatever problems crop up,” Nigel explained as his team completed the lists that will bring 3,500 horses, hundreds of cattle and thousands of dogs to the competitions at Tabley on Tuesday and Wednesday, June 17 and 18. “At the moment, we have to take account of the way the credit crunch is hitting farming generally, and we must also keep in mind the national risk of blue tongue, but so far, things are building up well, and I’m sure we will manage a show to remember in June.” “The great strength of the Cheshire is that we have hundreds of volunteers and enthusiasts who are prepared to give a great deal of time and effort to stage the annual show, and this is reflected in the enormous public support we have received in recent years, building up to record attendance on the 70,000 mark.” “We have a lot of special attractions this year and as usual, we are confident that we can offer something for everybody.”
ON SHOW: A replica of a real Red Arrows Hawk which will be on display at the Cheshire Show.
HELPING VULNERABLE PEOPLE IN CRISIS
Registering with us means peace of mind.
It’s as straightforward as that. The Cheshire Show Row 23, Stand D22/483 Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm
*
0845 605 5555 raf.mod.uk/careers
Visit us at The Cheshire Show
PROTECTING
THE BRITISH RED CROSS OFFERS A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES IN CHESHIRE: • CARE IN THE HOME. We provide short-term care and support for people after an accident or illness. • SKIN CAMOUFLAGE. We teach people with disfiguring skin conditions and scars how to use prescribable cover creams. • MEDICAL LOAN. We provide short-term loans of medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, for people with a disability or illness. • THERAPEUTIC CARE. We offer gentle therapeutic massage for people at times of personal crisis. • BRADBURY CENTRE. We offer a day care service to individuals who are socially isolated. • INDEQUIP. We provide independent living equipment available for purchase. To volunteer for the Red Cross or find out more about our services call 01565 650201 or visit Redcross.org.uk/volunteer
YOU
To find out who your local policing team are
www.cheshire.police.uk
6
o t t r o p s s a p y il m a f a in w Your chaynsceoutto in Cheshire... great da
TheChronicle June, 2008
1. ANDERTON BOAT LIFT – 2 miles from Northwich Enjoy Cheshire’s most uplifting piece of Victorian engineering. Travel 50 feet vertically in the trip boat up or down the amazing lift linking the Trent & Mersey Canal with the Weaver Navigation. It’s unique - the ultimate half hour white knuckle ride!. New exhibition for 2008. Children’s water play area and maze, café and shop plus the story of how it was built. Uplifting Anderton – near Northwich. www.andertonboatlift.co.uk
13 Schh.. the SECRET NUCLEAR BUNKER is at HACK GREEN – near Nantwich. It was Cheshire’s secret emergency headquarters.History to see hear and feel as you tour this spooky £32 million bunker. Two cinemas and the nuclear blast Shelter experience! Military vehicles and kit. Spy Mouse trail with prizes for youngsters. Bunker Bistro and shop. Great picnic site, free parking. Outdoor displays. Share the HACK GREEN secrets! www.hackgreen.co.uk
2. Award winning ARLEY HALL AND GARDENS – close to Northwich Home of Lord and Lady Ashbrook. Voted one of Europe’s top fifty gardens, an oasis of calm in a busy world. The Victorian Jacobean Hall – still lived in – is open on Sundays and Tuesdays, Gardens open every day (from Good Friday) top end Sep and Oct weekends. Horse Trials and Country Fair 17 - 18 May; Garden Festival 28 -29 Jun.England’s oldest herbaceous border. Famous furlong walk. C.14th Medieval Cruck Barn barn, private chapel, gift shop and Tudor Barn Restaurant. ARLEY – rich in history and beauty. www.arleyhallandgardens.com
14. Take the observational pathway to get close to the giant Lovell Radio telescope at JODRELL BANK VISITOR CENTRE- It’s the third largest steerable radio telescope in the world. Learn the secret of the universe or just take a 3D trip Mars! Refuel in the Space Café. Great shop. Environmental Discovery Centre and 35 acre arboretum. Play area and picnic sites. BEAM UP TO JODRELL BANK by Holmes Chapel. www.manchester.ac.uk/jodrellbank/viscen
3, You can’t miss mighty BEESTON CASTLE–- 500 feet up on its rocky crag above the Cheshire plain. Climb to the top. A great place to picnic! New woodlands walks. Live action events – see web. Bring binoculars to enjoy the eight counties panorama. Cared for by English Heritage, the museum journeys through 4000 years BEESTON – Cheshire’s Castle of the Rock – high above Tarporley www.english-heritage.org.uk/beeston
15. THE NATIONAL WATERWAYS MUSEUM at Ellesmere Port (The Boat Museum) gets even better! New interactive galleries tell how canals shaped our history. Hop aboard the world’s largest collection of historic narrow boats and barges. Step back in time in Porters’ Row. Working engines, canal boat trips and lock demonstrations. Film and sound archives. Blacksmith’s shop. Special holiday fun for kids New Waterside café and shop. Welcome aboard The National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port. www.nwm.org.uk
4. BLAKEMERE at Sandiway, near Northwich. Relaxed shopping and much more - a great family day out.Free Admission -– Open every day! Over 30 shops in and around the Edwardian courtyard. Cheshire Waterlife with birds of prey flying demonstrations, aquarium and Playstacks play barn (charges apply). Micro brewery, free outdoor adventure play area.Homemade fare in the restaurant and coffee shop.Craft Fairs BLAKEMERE at Sandiway - for quality shopping with a difference www.visitblakemere.com
16. Garden enthusiasts will love NESS BOTANIC GARDENS near Neston in South Wirral. Wonderful new visitor centre with delightful licensed tearoom, plant nursery and gift shop. 64 acres of inspired landscaped gardens overlook the Dee estuary. Herb, Rock and Water gardens. Rhododendrons, Azaleas and Laburnum Arch are a delight. Free parking – open every day. NESS– ‘the loveliest of learning gardens’. www.nessgardens.org.uk
5. BLUE PLANET AQUARIUM Join us in 2008 as we celebrate our 10th anniversary and the Year of the Frog. Seasonal fun throughout the year, check our website for details. Get up close with the Rays in our touch pool. Admire Europe’s largest collection of Sand Tiger sharks on an underwater safari as you glide on the 70 metre Aqua Tunnel moving walkway. Daily diver shows in the Aqua Theatre. Kids can let off steam in Octopus Adventure, our state of the art outdoor adventure playground. Daily talks and feeds. It’s Oceans of Fun! BLUE PLANET AQUARIUM www.blueplanetaquarium.com Close to Cheshire Oaks and Ness Botanic Gardens.
17. Hands-on Museum, Mediaeval monastery remains and a Giant 14ft St. Christopher Statue - see them all at NORTON PRIORY MUSEUM AND GARDENS in Runcorn. Iconic Undercroft. BBC’s TV’s medieval herb garden, woodland walks and an amazing 2.5 acre Georgian Walled Garden saved after 60 years of neglect. 38 acres of gardens. Special children’s holiday activities - café and gift shop.. Dogs welcome (Except in Walled Garden). A favourite place – open from 12 daily NORTON PRIORY MUSEUM AND GARDENS www.nortonpriory.org
6. You’ll find Europe’s largest selection of plants at BRIDGEMERE GARDEN WORLD – on A51 south of Nantwich. We grow more plants in more varieties than anywhere in Britain! Free admission - open every day. Relax in twenty wonderful award winning style gardens. Quality home and garden gifts, clothing, books, toys and so much more! Huge Hobbycraft store. Ripples Waterlife for aquatics. Garden Building Centre, Splashabout, Rainbow Play Equipment and Countrywide Store. Railway at weekends and school holidays. Shows and events year round – see web. Restaurant and. Coffee shop. Breathtaking BRIDGEMERE GARDEN WORLD near Nantwich. www.bridgemere.co.uk
18. THE OLD FIRE STATION CHOCOLATE SHOP, Tarporley. Set in the delightful village of Tarporley. Freudenberg truffles, fudges and chocolate animals made on the premises. A wide range of fine continental chocolates. Traditional confectionery. Local Cheshire farm ice cream. Regularly featured on TV and Radio. Good access for all. Coffee shop now open. Also branches at Blakemere and Llangollen. www.firestationchocolateshop.co.uk
7. Award winning CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE by the Widnes bridge. Explore science with over 100 hands-on exhibits. 30 metre glass lift to the 4th floor Observatory to look over the Mersey. Recycling exhibits. New interactive 3D theatre and amazing hi-tech Discovery Lab. Special children’s holiday programmes. Saturday Science Club meets monthly Café, shop and free car park. Picnic and play at Spike Island. CATALYST at Widnes - SCIENCE TO ENJOY. www.catalyst.org.uk
adjacent to
8. CHESHIRE OAKS DESIGNER OUTLET for Guilt-free shopping. Largest Designer Outlet in the UK, - over 140 stores sell labels you love.Designed to make shopping enjoyable. Permanent discounts up to 50% including Mulberry, GAP Outlet, Next Clearance, Levis and Nike Factory Store. Helpful site maps from Information. Food court for all tastes. Ample free car parking. Safety approved play area. Special events through the year. Close to Blue Planet Aquarium.www.chesireoaksdesigneroutlet.co.uk
20. SUNLIGHT VISION MUSEUM Be one of the first to see this amazing museum in the former Girls’ Club building. It is a tribute to the greatness of the first Lord Leverhulme. Memories of this amazing man make the past come to life. Enjoy the treasures of the Lady Lever Art Gallery, and the model village itself as part of the Port Sunlight Experience. Trails to follow, landscaped gardens and outstanding memorials. You can even buy the authentic Sunlight Soap which founded Lever’s fortunes! Festivals and activities – see website. www.portsunlightvillage.com
9. Don’t just watch it on TV. See it for real at CHESTER ZOO! Cheshire Large attraction of the Year 2007. Real exciting! Experience over 300 different species of animal. Real adventure! New Realm of the Red Ape for the endangered Orang-utans. Baby elephants in Elephants of the Asian Forest. Brave the Bat Cave and the incredible Zoofari monorail. What a view! Storytelling and Animal Talks every day. Ten themed gardens. Children’s Fun Ark Play area. Open daily from 10.00am. And real value! No two visits are the same. So for a really great day out, visit CHESTER ZOO - It’s real! www.chesterzoo.org
21. Can you find your way to the middle of the Incredible Maize Maze? It’s at REDHOUSE FARM by Dunham Massey Village near Altrincham.Family entertainment for all. Mid July – end Sept. Try the rides and join in the courtyard fun. October Spooktacular at Hallowe’en. Award winning farm shop and splendid tea room for the real taste of Cheshire open year round. REDHOUSE FARM – AMAZIN’ summer fun for all the family www.redhousefarm.co.uk
10. COTEBROOK SHIRE HORSE CENTRE & COUNTRY PARK – A49 near Tarporley. Cheshire Small attraction of the Year 2007 and highly commended in the North West awards. 50 acres of beautiful Cheshire countryside with lakes and trees. Home of the internationally famous Shire Horse stud with 35 years of breeding winners. Up to 30 horses for you to meet. Native breeds in the farmyard Red Foxes, Polecats, Red Deer, Otters, Red Squirrels and birds of prey in the Country Park. Lakeside Café serving cream teas. Great gift shop. Alvanley Arms 400 years old coaching inn alongside. www.cotebrookshirehorses.co.uk
22. Explore the fascinating mid Cheshire history and the salt that shaped the life and landscape. Northwich’s SALT MUSEUM tells all. Hands- on and Victorian dressing up for youngsters. Salt of the Earth shows the Cheshire history of everyday folk, Made from Salt explores its14,000 uses! River Weaver Room and special exhibitions. Coffee shop, great shop plus free parking. Cheshire history’s alive at The SALT MUSEUM www.saltnmseum.org.uk
11. Swing through the trees this year at Go Ape! in Delamere Forest . Tackle an exhilarating treetop high ropes course with forest adventure on rope bridges, Tarzan swings and zip slides. Ideal for families and friends, you’ll share an exhilarating 3 hours of adrenalin fuelled fun and adventure 35 feet above the forest floor. Wow! Go for it! Go Ape! this year. Great tea room and facilities nearby at Linmere including mountain bike hire. Pre booking essential – age and weight limits – see web. www.goape.co.uk 12. GULLIVER’S WORLD at Warrington - the inspired theme park for children aged 2 – 13! Over 50 rides and attractions - all within the entry price. A wonderful world of fun and fantasy. Circus World, The Count’s Castle, Lost World, Smugglers Wharf, Water World, Adventure World Railroad, Wild West Cowboy Fort and much more! Live entertainment. Free parking, restaurants and shops. GULLIVER’S FOR A WORLD OF FAMILY FUN - see web for opening times. www.gulliversfun.co.uk
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19. LADY LEVER ART GALLERY - Port Sunlight Free admission – part of National Museums Liverpool. Houses art collection of William Hesketh Lever, 1st Viscount Leverhulme. Outstanding Pre Raphaelite and Victorian paintings and C.18th furniture. World’s finest collection of Wedgwood Jasperware. New Lever The Collector Gallery opens 2008. Special exhibitions. Excellent restaurant. Free parking. www.livwerpoolmuseums.org.uk
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Two Cheshire Passports to be won – each worth over £450 – with family tickets (or equivalent offers) to all 24 attractions. For Go Ape prize is for one adult and one child (One Gorilla and one Baboon) Two additional family tickets from Blue Planet and Ness Gardens take the total prize value to £1000.00+
23. STAPELEY WATER GARDENS at Nantwich are the largest in the world! Inspiring displays around the pools and fountains. Free site admission Quality shopping, with exclusive ideas for your homes and gardens, Special Angling, Aquarium and Camping stores. Unique Palms Tropical Oasis, with reef sharks, piranhas, Tamarin monkeys and giant Amazon water lilies. (charge). Italian Gardens. Specialist water gardening advice. Huge plant nursery. Great Restaurant, handy café. Free parking – open every day. Splash out at STAPELEY WATER GARDENS www.stapelywg.com 24. TATTON PARK’S Impressive historic estate has 1000 acres of deer park and four outstanding attractions – Mansion, Home Farm, Gardens and Old Hall. Award winning gardens with 50 acres including Italian garden, Maze, Walled kitchen garden and glasshouses. 200 years of design and history. Renowned Japanese garden – guided tours – Weds. & Sats. (high season). Excellent Garden Shop sells fruit and vegetables from Kitchen Garden plus books, plants and gifts. New UK Arts event – Tatton Park Biennial – May-Sep. Recently expanded Housekeeper’s Store with Estate and local produce. www.tattonpark.org.uk
. . . n o o f in e r o M ❊www.cheshiredaysout.co.uk
All Entires to: Vicky Williams Chronicle Newspapers Chronicle House Commonhall Street Chester, CH1 2AA
Closing Date: Monday 30th June
The twenty two eligible attractions have earned the coveted Visit Britain Quality Assurance Marque
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TheChronicle June, 2008
Tree Tops Caravan Park, Gwespyr, Nr Holywell, Flintshire CH8 9JP
Tel: 01745 560 279
Web: www.treetopscaravanpark.co.uk
COME AND RELAX IN ONE OF OUR SNOWDONIA COTTAGES
Malpas, Cheshire SY14 8AH Tel no 01829 720383
Admission: Adults £5.00 Children: £2.00
Location: Off A49 Whitchurch/ Tarporley Road Enquiries: The Secretary, Cholmondeley Castle, Malpas, Cheshire SY14 8AH Tel. No. 01829 720383 Open: Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday and Bank Holidays 11am – 5pm
MOSSLEY BAND SUNDAY 22ND JUNE 2PM-4PM
Extensive ornamental gardens dominated by romantic Gothic revival castle Beautiful Temple Water Garden Rose Garden and many mixed borders Lakeside walk with picnic site and children’s play area Private Chapel in the park. Gift Shop and Tea Room. Plants for Sale.
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OSWESTRY SATURDAY 2ND AUGUST PARK HALL SHOWGROUND
❋❋❋ LL the family for A ❋
A Great day out
❋
Off A5 ❋
Jive Pony Duo Flying Gunners Grand parade of livestock Small livestock & pets YFC Competitions Horticulture - Craft - Vintage Cars and Machinery Horses - Cattle - Sheep - Goats - Rare Breeds
Schedules available Fo r a l l d e t a i l s p l e a s e s e n d S. A . E
9 x 6:
SHOW MANAGER, OSWESTRY SHOW OFFICE, 11 ARTHUR STREET, OSWESTRY, SHROPSHIRE, SY11 1JN TEL/FAX: 01691 654875 e.mail:mandy@oswestryshow.co.uk
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LIVES TOCK
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01766 513 829
SHOW
(reduction for groups to gardens of 25 and over)
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Snowdonia Tourist Services
www.sts-holidays.com
CHOLMONDELEY CASTLE GARDEN
Free Car Parking
SIOE SIROL
• CALDENE • TOGGI • MOUNTAIN HORSE • MUSTO • SABRE • RAMBO RUGS • MASTA • STYLO • JOULES • STUBBEN Larton Livery Yard, Frankby Road, Wirral. CH48 1PL. Tel: 0151 625 2551 (Saddlery Shop)
Sioe Dinbych A Fflint Denbigh and Flint Show
Free entry for the under 5’s
DENBIGH & FLINT
Everything for you, your horse & stable
Bakewell, who began the selected breeding of farm animals in the century before. All this can be seen in the account of the first Cheshire Show dinner, staged in The Lamb Hotel at Nantwich, at the instigation of Lord Combermere working with a group of neighbours and agents, supported by farmers from many parts of Cheshire. The county is now seen as one of the most advanced and progressive in Britain for its agricultural wealth and expertise, but in 1838, there was a sense that it was lagging behind East Anglia and Somerset, and had much to do to improve an image of boggy land and stagnant methods. Many agricultural societies had been founded in the counties adjoining, and Cheshire was seen as a reluctant latecomer by speakers at that first meeting,
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The Saddler’s Apprentice
ROYAL LINK: The show opened at Nantwich in the year of Queen Victoria’s coronation.
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❖ A great selection of new & used caravans & lodges ❖ Fantastic Special Offers ❖ A beautiful award winning 5 star park ❖ Family owned & operated for over 40 years ❖ Why not pay us a visit? You won’t be disappointed
That year may have marked the absolute zenith of the pre-eminence that Britain had achieved in the world by war and commerce, and by the Industrial Revolution, which was to alter every country in turn, in following our example. The changes made since that opening day at Nantwich in the year of Queen Victoria’s coronation, date from a time of complete optimism about the future – which was to give peace and progress after the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars – in a still rural country with a quarter of its present population, but with more money, more shipping, and greater influence than any combination of its continental rivals and neighbours. As well as an industrial transformation of Britain, with the new mills and factories pouring out cloth and manufactured goods for a trade that spanned the world, which was quite unmatched anywhere else at the time, England was also witnessing a revolution in agriculture. This was still the largest, single occupation and protected from foreign imports by a parliament dominated by the landed interest, although the Great Reform Bill six years before had brought the medieval constituencies more into line with the changing population of a country in political ferment. The landed interest was still very powerful, but anxious to justify its position by leading the process of reform and improvement in agriculture, following the trend set by Coke of
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Tree Tops Caravan Park Why Not Pay us a Visit this Weekend!
A
different world and a different England existed when the Cheshire Show was first staged in 1838.
when Lord Combermere urged farmers to improve their land drainage and take advantage of the opportunities arising from the development of the canals and railways. But while much sounds unfamiliar, there were some notes that any modern observer would recognise, with a great deal of animosity towards the French and the Americans expressed at that meeting, with complaints about cheap imports of inferior cheese. There was also a good deal of self congratulation at the advantages that farmers in Britain believed they enjoyed over a poverty stricken and troubled France. Cheese was the great Cheshire product at the time, with virtually every farm making the crumbly speciality, and cheerfully adding brickdust to achieve the required red colour. Fifty acres made a large farm in those days, and every farm carried a range of stock, always including the odd pig as well as milkers, with plenty of cheap labour and large families to handle the jobs. The records of the early shows give a detailed picture of the improvements and changes that swept across Cheshire, in a great degree due to the comparisons and examples provided by the annual show. They give excited descriptions of the first milking machines and devices for chopping mangold worzels, with sewing machines for busy farmers’ wives; many of these innovations introduced from an inventive America, in a warning to Britain’s growing complacency about its industrial supremacy. But then, as now, the annual show enabled farmers and those who serve a still vital industry, to compare and learn from the world, so as to improve their work and products for the community as a whole.
Display Team
Event is steeped in history
By Michael Arnold
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16
Awst August
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THE GREEN, DENBIGH
featuring/gyda... Cheshire Dog Display Team
www.denbighandflintshow.com Ar Agor 8.30 gates open
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TheChronicle June, 2008