Royal Bath & West Show Magazine 2024

(IT’S ALL CLICK-ABLE!)

MEET FARMER WILL / FARMER AND TIKTOK SENSATION / page 4

BARK & WEST / SEE ALL THE DOGS! / page 8

FREE ENTERTAINMENT / OUR PICK OF THE BEST FREE STUFF TO DO / page 10

WHAT NOT TO MISS! / OUR EDITORS PERSONAL FAVOURITES / page 22

LET US ENTERTAIN YOU / FROM LATE NIGHT GIGS TO THE WURZELS / page 28

FIELD TO FOOD 2024 / MORE THAN 1,000 CHILDREN CAME TO LEARN / page 33

OUR CHARITY WORK / LEARN ABOUT THE IMPACT YOUR VISIT WILL HAVE / page 36

GIN FIZZ / ANDY CLARKE’S IN THE GREAT BRITISH KITCHEN! / page 30

Welcome

all to the 159th Royal Bath and West Show!

This year is particularly exciting. Those who have visited previously will see all your favourites – each year, we conduct visitor exit surveys to find out the key reasons why you visit, and livestock is always top of the list. I’m sure 2024 will not disappoint!

We also have some new areas this year, and others have expanded.

The new ‘Bark and West’ features Pawsability dog agility, where you and your canine friend can watch a display and your dog can even have a go at dog agility! This is the new home for Great British Dogs, which is always worth a visit.

The Horticultural Village has extended further, and this year will have a large garden in the marquee, created by Monkton Elm Garden Centre. There is also The Green Room – an additional marquee for horticulture talks and masterclasses from TV Gardener David Domoney, Head Gardener at Hestercombe Gardens Claire Greenslade, and Happy Smallholding Founder Jess Gough, among others. Yeo Valley and The Newt return with gardens, and there are three other pop up gardens.

The Pilton Tent will be very active again, with very special guests The Wurzels live on stage on Thursday. We also have performances from Bristol Ukulele Club, The Leylines, Barry & The Sidetracks and Military Wives – a full programme with 29 bands in the Pilton Tent and more on the Bandstand. This year the Main Ring big attraction will be Jamie Squibb’s Freestyle Motorcycle Stunt Show: a breathtaking spectacle really worth watching.

The Great British Kitchen also has a jam-packed programme, featuring our favourite cocktail maker, Andy Clarke, TV presenter and chef Clodagh McKenna and Rosemary Shrager, TV chef and haute cuisine teacher. There is certainly plenty to do and see, as well as many trade stands selling delicious food to taste and take away. I do hope you enjoy the show as much as we enjoy hosting it for you.

Carol Paris, CEO

The Royal Bath and West Society

MEET

FARMER WILL!

Will Young, better known to his 1.8million TikTok followers as Farmer Will, has achieved cult status documenting his adventures on his Buckinghamshire farm in a warm, entertaining and uplifting way. He has become one of the UK’s best-known digital creators and after his stint on the ITV2 hit show Love Island he was straight back on the farm, going up close on love, lambing ... and his finest choreography!

Will has been featured in the Financial Times, DAZED Magazine, Countryfile and The Evening Standard.

Will is joining us at the show on Saturday 1st June

FREE ENTERTAINMENT!

ONCE YOU HAVE ENTERED THE GATES TO OUR 240-ACRE SHOWGROUND, YOU’LL FIND HOURS OF FREE ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY TO ENJOY. READ OUR HANDY GUIDE TO FIND OUT WHAT’S ON, AND WHERE YOU CAN FIND THEM...

Photo: Falconry in the Woodland & Countryside Area

LAKESIDE FARM

CATCH THE GRAND PRIX –THE SHOW JUMPING EVENT FEATURING THE MOST PRIZE MONEY, THE BIGGEST JUMPS, AND THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF COMPETITION

Being an agricultural show, it makes sense for us to start with our fantastic Lakeside Farm – the family-friendly marquee where visitors can learn about food, farming, and the countryside. For those wanting a little respite from the show’s hustle and bustle, Lakeside Farm is a peaceful sanctuary where you can enjoy some quieter activities and have a break in the picnic area, which is filled with picnic benches. Free activities in Lakeside Farm include:

• Getting up close to livestock (sheep, pigs, goats, cows ... and yes, there’ll be some VERY cute and fluffy calves!).

• Pick up an activity pack –each one includes colouring pencils, mini puzzles and a farming-themed workbook

• Watch the entertainment in the display ring: The Sheep

• A felting workshop

• A wool-washing workshop

• A farm-shop butchery demonstration (it’s far more interesting than it sounds!)

• Milk tasting

• Cheese tasting

• The Big Bale Maze

• Get up close and ask lots of questions about the big farming machinery

LIVESTOCK & ANIMALS

Show, the Sheep Dog Display, the Goat Display, and the Great British Dogs are all not-to-be-missed!

Animal fans can of course see the hundreds of sheep, cattle and pigs at the show. Take a trip to the Showering Pavilion, Mendip, Sedgemoor, and Edmund Rack buildings and you will discover a world of different livestock breeds. You may also enjoy watching the Six Nations Blade Shearing Team Championships – right

next door to Lakeside Farm in the Sheep Shearing Tent. If you’d like to learn about poultry, visit our Poultry & Small Animals marquee where you will be able to see a fantastic egg display ... and maybe even a giant tortoise!

And dog fans must visit the Great British Dogs marquee in the Bark & West section: it’s packed with unique dog breeds.

DISCOVER THE FUTURE

Bringing oodles of free fun with engineering and technology activities specially developed for children, Discover The Future will be packed full of mindblowing displays and STEM activities (science, technology, engineering and maths).

There are opportunities to see behind the scenes and learn about the fascinating technology used in modern manufacturing, energy and defence that affects

our everyday lives. There is plenty to keep youngsters of all ages and abilities occupied for hours –and adults will be fascinated too! Also, most of the action takes place undercover so is entirely weatherproof!

SAFETY ZONE

Find loads of interactive activities and sessions here for the whole family to join in with – try the Computer Simulator Booth, the live Mini-Excavator Activity, and there’s lots of fun with Avon and Somerset Police!

LIVE MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT

With a full timetable of bands and musicians, you can listen to a variety of live music around the show.

Feel free to chill out on The Main Lawn or have a boogie in The Pilton Tent with our carefully selected bands.

Do you rely on electricity for medical reasons?

Would a power cut cause distress or a sense of vulnerability?

Do you use a stair lift, hoist or electric bed?

Do you have a specific communication need when contacting us?

If you join our FREE Priority Services Register there are a number of services that we can provide to help in the event of a power cut. If you can answer YES to any of the questions opposite you should register by calling.

Tel: 0800 096 3080 or visiting nationalgrid.co.uk/PSR

THE VILLAGE SCHOOL

‘The School’ is open to all – get involved with an array of different crafts and activities.

FOOD & DRINK LOVERS

Each day you can watch a cocktail masterclass, and foodies should definitely make the most of the free cooking demos as our celebrity chef guests will be cooking up a storm in the Great British Kitchen.

MAIN RING

As you’d expect, the Main Ring timetable is packed full of exhilarating entertainment all day – maybe you love the Livestock Grand Parade, or are ready for the exciting Pony Club Games. There’s brilliant dog agility – or perhaps the Vintage Vehicle parade is more your thing? The Scurry Racing is thrilling, and if you’ve never watched show jumping before, be sure to catch the Grand Prix – a show jumping event featuring the most prize money, biggest jumps,

and highest level of competition. The courses are technical and complex, with tighter turns, angled jumps, and combinations with unusual distances between them. Whatever you choose, make the most of the grandstand seating if you need a sit-down!

WOODLAND & COUNTRYSIDE

Why not create your own magic wand, using traditional tools, assisted by Amerton Art Studio? Here you can also watch fantastic displays from the Dorset Axemen, enjoy the madcap chaos that is Terrier Racing and watch the wonderful Horse Logging through the arboretum. For the younger children, we have a mini woodland walk with a map and worksheet for them to get involved with.

SPORTS VILLAGE

For the sports fans, take a visit to the Sports Village and get involved with the various free sporting activities on offer.

BARK & WEST

Dog lovers will be delighted to learn that this year there is an entirely new section of the show dedicated to our fourlegged friends!

Located next to Lakeside Farm, the ‘Bark & West’ area will feature trade stands, an agility ring and the ever-popular Great British Dogs marquee, where you can meet some of the rarest British dog breeds, whose owners will of course be on hand to answer any questions you may have. Don’t miss the displays from show favourites Pawsability Dog Agility, and your dog could even have a go at the agility course themself.

It’s a must-visit area for you and your pet!

2023 SUPREME BEEF CHAMPION AK & JK SMITH’S BRITISH LIMOUSIN –TWO-YEAR-OLD IN-CALF HEIFER, DINMORE SOLOVELY

2023 SUPREME SHEEP CHAMPION

ROBERT & SOPHIE HOLE’S DORSET SHEARLING EWE –SHERBORNE EUCALYPTUS

2023 SUPREME DAIRY CHAMPION

MR & MRS L & T ROCKETT’S AYRSHIRE

GREENWAY ROSS GREAT JUBILEE

BY

2023 PRICE FAMILY SUPREME IN-HAND CHAMPION

BRED

VIRGINIA RUSSELL-WOOD, SHOWN BY JEFF GRACE, BAY MARE ROYAL STAGE

EDITOR’S PICKS

WHETHER YOU’RE A FIRST-TIME VISITOR OR A SEASONED ATTENDEE, THIS IS OUR PERSONAL LIST OF WHAT NOT TO MISS AT THIS YEAR’S SHOW. FROM FLORAL ART TO FAST-PACED SHEEP SHEARING, VARIETY IS WHAT THE ROYAL BATH & WEST SHOW IS ALL ABOUT. MAKE SURE YOU DON’T MISS ANY OF THESE AS YOU EXPLORE AND ENJOY ALL THAT WE HAVE TO OFFER!

Food & Drink:

For foodies, The Great British Kitchen returns with a new line-up of well-known chefs: Rachel Khoo (bestselling food writer, cook and television presenter), Clodagh McKenna (chef, TV presenter, cookbook author, food columnist) and Rosemary Shrager (chef, TV personality and cookbook author) will all be performing cookery demonstrations, while Andy Clarke will be creating cocktail masterpieces and Lisa Cadd, also known as the Fuss Free Foodie, will be compering. The judging of the British Cider Championships will also be taking place, giving cider lovers plenty of award-winning tipples to sample.

“The show is a real celebration of the exceptional quality and taste of South West produce – as well as further afield,” says head of shows, Jess Chiplen.

“There will of course be plenty of street food and drink vendors dotted around the showground, so you’ll never be far from something delicious.”

The Sheep Shearing:

Don’t miss the opportunity to watch the sheep shearing! The show will be hosting the Six Nations Blade Shearing Team Championships, which will see two-person teams from England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, and France go head-to-head: follow the fastpaced action up close in the Sheep Shearing tent, next to Lakeside Farm.

Arts & Horticulture:

The Artists in Action tent will see more artist demonstrations this year, and visitors will of course be able to purchase favourite pieces. Also keep a look out for the 2023-24 Art Scholarship winner, Holly Bendall, who will be around the showground taking sketches.

Gardening enthusiasts will love the return of the Horticulture Village, with the PopUp Gardens Competition inspiring and educating visitors – professional and amateur categories give everyone the opportunity to showcase their skills.

Top row – TV chef Rosemary Shrager, and the Horticulture Village

Bottom row - Lisa Cadd with Andy Clarke, and the Six Nations Blade Shearing Team Championship

CRAFTED IN SOMERSET SINCE

1833

Cheddar that is powerfully intense and complex with an exceptional depth of flavour. The slightly brittle and sometimes crunchy texture is a natural result of its long and slow ageing.

““I first took part in the Bath & West Show as a lowly Orchard & Cider Tent steward back in the 80s! My father in law had been chairman of the Arts Committee, and when Isabel de Pelet was chair she asked me to be on the committee, knowing I’m an artist. When she retired from the role, I took over, chairing the committee for about 15 years.

“It was such an interesting time and I learned a lot. An art exhibition has been part of the Royal Bath & West Show for more than a century, always with the aim of encouraging and promoting amateur and professional West Country artists.

”The art exhibition gets a lot of footfall throughout the show, it’s a popular space, and there’s also the Art In Action marquee next to the gallery, with talks and live art demonstrations from a terrific schedule of artists thoughout the show.

“The whole show is just huge family fun. It really is A Grand Day Out.”

Fran Wood

Fran Wood, Art Committee member

““I started showing our Holstein, Ayrshire and British Friesian cows when I was nine – I’m 22 now, and last year I won Champion Dairy Handler at the Royal Bath & West!

“I love the Bath & West – with my showing head on, the facilities are great, and the team are great, so helpful. But I also love it for me – the atmosphere is brilliant, and it’s always just a good laugh!

My stepdad got me into showing cattle, and I just really enjoy it, it’s so rewarding. It’s long hours of tough work, getting the cows ready, but it’s all totally worth it when you get awarded that rosette!”

Abi Marshall

Abi Marshall with Supreme Champion Greenway Thea

Smart heating. Smart price.

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““My dad started breeding Limousin when he was about 16, so my sister and I were always ‘encouraged’ to get involved! The Royal Bath & West was my first show, when I was six, and it’s still my favourite. I just love the atmosphere – it’s like a holiday, meeting up with friends and family, enjoying a drink as we catch up with the same people every year. Absolutely nothing beats winning with your own homebred heifer, seeing the years of hard work and sweat finally pay off. There’s no better feeling.”

Archie Hill

Archie Hill judging a limousin class

On Thursday 30th May, enjoy funky Ska from the Funky Monkey Bubble Klub from 3:10pm to 4pm, with the Wurzels performing from 4:20pm to 5:20pm. They will be followed by the lovely sounds of Kayla Kelly at from 5:40pm to 6:40pm, and finally The Clean Up will be performing from 7pm to 8pm to finish off an amazing evening. There will of course be bars and food options available throughout the evening around the Pilton Tent.

The Wurzels, with their unique blend of rural folk, rock, and comedy often known as ‘scrumpy and western’, are good oldfashioned fun and infectious footstomping music.

We’re thrilled to have them at the

show on Thursday 30th May – we will be staying open later, so grab your dancing shoes, don your best West Country accent, get on your combine harvester and get ready to join The Wurzels for a night of cider and merriment at the Pilton Tent.

Andy Clarke – TV producer, food & drink writer, judge and TV’s favourite mixologist – will be returning to the Show for 2024, showcasing some new and exciting drinks recipes:

“I am thrilled to be back at the Royal Bath & West Show! I’ll be creating some delicious easy-to-make summer cocktails using a range of local producers. It’s going to be a highlight of the 2024 festival season. The West has always been home to incredible drinks and I can’t wait to showcase some of the best. And of course, I am so excited to share some recipes from my new book House of Gin!”

ANDY CLARKE’S GIN FIZZ REFRESHER

Taken from Andy’s book Home Bar: Over 60 Cocktails to Shake, Muddle and Stir at Home, which is available from all good book shops.

INGREDIENTS

• 200ml (4 parts) gin

• 100ml (2 parts) lemon juice

• 50ml (1 part) maple syrup

• 1 egg white (or 2 tbs of aquafaba)

• 200ml (4 parts) sparkling water

• Handful of ice Cubes

To Garnish:

• One whole orange

METHOD

1. Put the gin, lemon juice, maple syrup and egg white in a cocktail shaker and shake for about 10 seconds.

2. Add a handful of ice cubes and shake for about 20 seconds until the shaker is extremely cold to the touch.

3. Strain into the glasses, add the sparkling water to taste and stir gently.

4. To garnish, cut two thin shavings of orange zest, twist to release the oils, then add one to each glass.

Andy Clarke

FIELD TO FOOD

THE FIELD TO FOOD LEARNING DAY WAS ANOTHER SUCCESS IN 2024, TO THE DELIGHT OF MORE THAN 1,000 SCHOOLCHILDREN. LILANIE SELF, BATH & WEST SHOWS AND EDUCATION CO-ORDINATOR EXPLAINS WHAT THE DAY IS ALL ABOUT...

The Field to Food Learning Day was held on April 17th this year.

Part of the Royal Bath & West of England Society’s charitable objectives, it has become an integral part of the Society’s work in informing and educating young consumers about where their food comes from and the hard work farmers do to make sure we eat the very best of British food.

This year, the Royal Bath & West of England was delighted to welcome The Duchess of Edinburgh to the invaluable learning experienced by the school children during a day packed with activities. For the children, being able look, hear, smell and get their hands dirty must be the most

effective way to learn. They had the opportunity to get up close to livestock and pretend to be a cow in an auction, they made butter, tasted cheese and watched sheep shearing.

Field to Food was made possible by the enthusiastic participation of local businesses and farms including, among others, Redlynch Machinery, Denela’s Bakery, Pearce Seeds, Wessex Water and Wyke Farms.

“It was brilliantly organised, and the guides were absolutely fantastic throughout the day,” says Mrs Brown from St Benedict’s School. “The children loved every activity, learning so much from the patient, informative farmers and volunteers. I have taken

children on many trips over the years and this was by far the most enjoyable – and definitely the best one I have ever attended. Thank you very much.”

It’s not surprising many children don’t realise what goes into getting food on to the supermarket shelf and the Field to Food Learning Day helps them understand the hard work that farmers put in. There’s ample opportunity to ask questions and teachers have plenty of inspiration for further learning back in the classroom.

With an ever-increasing

curriculum emphasis on STEM, we especially focused on sourcing a company that could provide a suitable science or technology activity. We were thrilled when CGI joined us – and gave students the opportunity to learn how to programme their own Lego tractor. It was a huge hit!

Our volunteer supporters that ensure the day can happen also thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and we are very grateful for their continued support with this worthwhile event.

The Duchess of Edinburgh talking to the school children on the Field to Food Learning Day

THE CHARITABLE IMPACT OF THE SHOWS

THE CHARITABLE OBJECTIVES OF THE SOCIETY REMAIN CORE TO ITS VALUES – EVERY YEAR WE MAKE SURE WE FOCUS ON OUR EFFORTS TO IMPROVE RURAL LIFE AND THE FARMING ECONOMY.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE CAROL PARIS OUTLINES HOW WE ACHIEVE THIS:

The Charity Committee’s objectives are to encourage and facilitate research, education, knowledge transfer, innovation and related activities for the benefit of agriculture, the countryside and the rural economy. Also, to build an understanding of farming, food and the rural economy among the wider public.

The Royal Bath & West Show:

Our showcase event to build an understanding of farming, food and the rural economy among the wider public. Several sections of the show provide a direct public benefit with skills development and education to competitors and visitors. The Show also provides a platform for a range of organisations who work with us for mutual benefit and to fulfil our charitable objectives.

The Dairy Show:

Now the largest dairy show in the UK, attracting exhibitors from across the country for the one day show attended by farmers, growers and industry leaders. Innovative technologies seen at the Dairy Show include milking and feeding robotics, automatic yard cleaning, dronedriven cattle husbandry tools, diet, feed and nutrition regimes, dairy cow health including feet and dry cow therapies, crop

management, young stock management, genetics and fertility management.

Farm Vet of the Future Award - A new award, won in 2023 by Heather Hemingway-Arnold who impressed the judges with her dissertation on the use of

Carol Paris, Chief Executive, Royal Bath & West Society

technology and data to predict lameness in dairy cows.

Under 16s Funding – for courses that are relevant to the core values of the Royal Bath & West of England Society.

Brymore scholars - the Charity Committee supports between five and ten Brymore students each year. The award is usually £500, used for extracurricular activities.

Further Education - the Charity Committee supports between five and ten FE students each year. Each student is asked to steward at one of the Shows, and to contribute an article to the Society’s journal. Bursaries range from £500 to £2,000 and courses have included: BSc Agri Food Marketing with Business; Veterinary Medicine; MSc Food Security and Sustainable Ag; MSc Food Chain Systems and MSc Applied Ecology Art scholars – This is a bi-annual award, for artists between the ages of 18 and 30

who are inspired by rural life in the UK. The scholar receives £2,000, and is invited to exhibit a selection of their work at the Show.

West Country Dairy Awards - Established in 1925, the WCDA provide grants to people studying in the dairy industry.

RASC Commonwealth Conference - The Society has partially funded attendance for several Next Generation council members. In 2024 the conference will be held in Edinburgh and Jess Madge will be receiving a bursary to assist her to attend.

The Somerset Mental Health in Agriculture Group – formed to support, promote and address the growing issue of poor mental health for those working in agriculture. The group creates a pocket-sized Z-card information flyer which sets out some of the symptoms of mental health and what to look out for in a family member, colleague or friend and contains information of

Holly Bendall, our Art Scholarship winner for 2023/24

who can help – the Farming Community Network, the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution and the Samaritans. Prince of Wales Award – for communityrun projects. Previous winners have included West Somerset Flood Group, St Johns Place, Stogumber Cricket Club, Kempley Produce Market and this year’s winner Somewhere House Somerset Long Service Award - presented at the opening ceremony of the Show to those who have worked in agriculture for more than 40 years. In 2023 three individuals were recognised who cumulatively had worked in agriculture for 157 years!

Andrew Hedditch, Gerald Hussey and Charlie Oram were all presented their awards by joint Society Presidents Lord and Lady Radnor.

Environmental Youth Award – this award began in 1996 and covers four counties: Somerset, Dorset, Bristol and Wiltshire. Promoting a better awareness and understanding of conservation and environmental matters, the award is given at the RB&W Show to schools/ youth groups who have made a significant contribution to conservation or environmental management.

Bath & West Education Hub – Launched in March 2023, masterminded and curated by Lilanie Self. It has been devised to deliver resources that would

be used to learn all about British farming, conservation, natural capital and the process of plough to plate.

Field to Food Education Day – In 2024 we welcomed 1,400 Key Stage 2 children to the Showground, with 96 stewards helping in up to 34 activities.

South West Holstein Club - Affiliated to Holstein UK and Holstein Young Breeders, the South West Club hosted the annual National Holstein Young Breeders Weekend Rally: an opportunity for approximately 150 Holstein Young Breeder members to participate and compete in stock judging, linear assessment, and cattle preparation as well as to meet other likeminded young people from all over the country.

Community Support – Various local community groups are supported, including kit for the Under 12s Shepton Mallet FC (who finished top of the league table) and kit for Vixens Ladies netball team, who play in the Yeovil & District Summer League.

All the shows that we run, and all the events held on the showground, help the Society fulfil its charitable aims. By supporting us you are helping the rural and farming community survive and thrive. We – and they – thank you.

Brymore Students on the Field to Food Learning Day