SPECIAL FEATURE: Vale of Glamorgan Agricultural Show is tomorrow

Glamorgan Star news 09/08/2022

13 minutes read

SPECIAL FEATURE: Vale of Glamorgan Agricultural Show is tomorrow:

Back with a bang.

The Vale of Glamorgan Show is back with a bang after a Covid break – and the organisers are inviting Vale residents to a great day out tomorrow – celebrating all things rural.

A fantastic day of entertainment is planned for visitors on this, the 250th anniversary year of the show.

Merion Owen and the Quack Pack will start the afternoon in the main ring followed by a unique demonstration of farming machinery (sponsored by Edwards Machinery).

After the grand parade of prize-winning animals, there will be a display by the fast and furious Rockwood Display Team. Also, a new attraction this year is a heavy horse demonstration (sponsored by the Caravan Hospital).

There will be a chance to have a go at parkour with the Madness Events Parkour Stunt Show. There really is something for everyone at the Vale Show.

The organisers are very pleased to be able to offer shuttle buses from Llantwit Major (hourly) and Cowbridge (half hourly) to the new show ground in Penllyn (CF71 7RQ). There is plenty of free parking at the show which will be very well sign-posted from all routes.

THE Vale of Glamorgan Show is extremely grateful to its sponsors and supporters, especially to Nathaniel Car Sales and Wayne Griffiths (the show’s outgoing president) for their continued and vital sponsorship.

You can make a saving by buying your ticket in advance of the show here.

The new show ground is in Penllyn, Cowbridge CF71 7RQ

Join NFU Cymru and NFU Mutual to celebrate 250 years of agriculture in the Vale

AS the Vale of Glamorgan Agricultural Society celebrates its 250th anniversary – quite the feat by any measure – the NFU Cymru and NFU Mutual Show stand looks back on a quarter of a millennium of agriculture in this year’s Vale of Glamorgan Show.

All Show attendees are invited to visit the NFU Cymru and NFU Mutual Show Stand to see how agriculture in the Vale has evolved over the centuries, both in terms of equipment and farming methods, and the difference this has made to how we produce the food we all eat.

Before the Agricultural Revolution of the 18th Century, farming was done by hand. This was exhausting work and resulted in poor productivity, as well as meaning the same crop was grown in the same field year after year, with portions of the farm left periodically empty – or fallow – every few years to recover.

Jethro Tull

However, this changed when, in the first half of the 18th Century, Jethro Tull and John Worlidge devised and built both the hand seed drill and the horse-drawn hoe. Along with Charles Townshend – known as ‘Turnip’ – the men were instrumental in devising a new method of crop rotation in which a field could be divided into four sections, with each section housing a different crop.

The four sections were wheat, turnips, clover or rye grass and barley or oats. Each provided a different purpose, whether for animal or human consumption, but the crops also provided a different nutrient to enrich the soil for the next period, increasing both yield and quality and negating the need to leave an area of the farm fallow.

Farming has continued to evolve and is today very different to 250 years ago. The NFU Cymru and NFU Mutual show stand holds two different types of seed drill which show this clearly. The types of activities carried out on 18th Century farms and those carried out on today’s farms are vastly different. Ever since the National Farmers Union and NFU Mutual were founded in the early 20th century, farming has altered beyond what many of us would recognize.

But through all the years, the importance of efficient, professional farming to feeding our country has never waned. We hope you will join NFU Cymru and NFU Mutual at the Vale of Glamorgan Show to celebrate both 250 years of advances in this vital industry and a quarter millennium of the Vale of Glamorgan Agricultural Society.

— ⁘ —

A message from the Show chairman – Ian Thomas

On behalf of the Show committee, I am delighted to be able to invite you to the 2022 Vale Show – our 250th anniversary.

I have the honour to be the Show committee chairman for the next two years and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Lynn Price, our past chairman, for his exceptional contribution to the Show over the years.

A very warm welcome to our president Mr David Harris and his wife Pamela. Dai and his family have worked extremely hard over the years to help make the Vale Show one of the biggest and best one-day shows in the country. I hope you have a memorable day.

In the main ring there are many and varied horse competitions which will be followed by the grand parade of the winners of the livestock section.

There will be lots going on throughout the day such as the Quack Pack, agricultural machinery demonstrations and the Rockwood dog display team and much more.

Please visit the horticulture and dog shows, along with the home produce, farmers market food court and craft tent. There are also over 250 trade stands.

Thanks must go to the Llewellyn family, the judges, stewards, Young Farmers and other volunteers. Also, thanks to the other committee members for their commitment in setting up the Show over the past few weeks to make sure this 250th Show is a great success.

I hope that you have an enjoyable day.

— ⁘ —

A message from the Show president – David Harris

After the devastation caused to our everyday lives by the Covid 19 pandemic, I am thrilled to welcome you all to our 2022 Show, a year in which the Vale of Glamorgan Agricultural Society celebrates its 250th anniversary.

When asked to be ‘president elect in 2019, little did I know that I would have the honour and privilege of serving my year in office during this very special year for the society.

As a local farmer’s son who was born in the parish of Penllyn, this year`s show has an extra sense of nostalgia as we return to the original Show Field site in Penllyn, having been hosted at Fonmon Castle for a 21-year period.

On behalf of the society, I would like to record our sincere thanks to Sir Brooke Boothby and Mr Nigel Ford for our tenure at Fonmon over the years and going forward, to the Llewellyn and Homfray families with whom we now take the show forward over the next decade.

My involvement with the society started some 35 years ago, when my wife became general secretary. The move to Fonmon in 1998 saw me elevated to the position of ‘Show director’, but to become your president this year is the pinnacle of my involvement with the society

It is a huge credit to the board of directors, committee members, section stewards and, of course, not forgetting the work of our general secretaries over the years, who have established and organised our show to become the largest outdoor event in the Vale of Glamorgan. Our current show director, John Hanks, chairman Ian Thomas and secretary Sarah Fenner continue to lead our volunteer workforce in staging such a fantastic event.

It is also incumbent on me to thank the people that make the show – I am of course referring to all our exhibitors and trade stands, without whom the show simply would not take place. I appreciate the time and expense that you all incur in exhibiting at the show, whether it be a trade stand, livestock, horse, dog or horticultural exhibit, and for your efforts, the society is extremely grateful.

Please join with me in wishing the society a successful and enjoyable 2022 Show!

— ⁘ —

Dog show is back and its bigger!

Firstly, may I say how pleased the officers and committee of the dog section are that the Vale of Glamorgan show is going ahead in this the society’s 250th year.

The cancelling of the event over the last two years was disappointing but very necessary in the circumstances and we are all back with renewed vigour and the desire to make this show something very special.

The number of breeds being exhibited this year has increased and we look forward to you all coming to see them. We are an integral part of the agricultural show experience and for those attendees who are not showing, you will find a wide range of dog breeds owned by people who are only too pleased to chat and provide information on their respective breeds.

We look forward to giving you all a warm welcome tomorrow and hopefully help expand your knowledge of dog breeds.

Peter Pask, Secretary (Dog Section)

— ⁘ —

Huge variety at the Vale Famers’ Market Food Court

The Vale Farmers’ Market Food Court will once again be the ‘must do’ destination on the show field, especially for families.

As well as offering cooked food, drinks and a wide range of artisan produce to browse over and buy there will be play activities delivered by the Vale Council’s play development team. Ample seating in the form of hay bales will be available, so you can sit or browse the huge range of produce while the children enjoy the numerous activities.

To whet your appetites as to what will be available to eat and drink while the children play, there will be pies and sides, smash burgers, fish curry and prawn rolls, pasta boxes, as well as tea and coffee.

Add to that artisan cheeses, charcuterie, preserves, honey, rapeseed oil, curry sauces, pasta, local cider, beer, gin, whiskey and liqueurs, cakes, brownies, marshmallows, sourdough bread, veg boxes, herb infused vinegars, spices, olives, gourmet mushrooms, oils, sausage rolls and so much more. I think it’s safe to say there will be something for everyone!

Every producer is from within Wales and the majority within 30 miles of the show field.

So, when you have watched the main ring attractions, admired the farm machinery, and marvelled at the huge varieties of livestock, make your way to the Food Court, for a sit down and a bite to eat. The producers look forward to welcoming you to the Food Court on Show Day.

— ⁘ —

Home produce committee will be opening the doors

The home produce committee will be opening the doors once again to a delight of delicious home bakes, clever crafting, as well as beautiful floral arrangements and those special captured moments in the photography section!

The committee spend great time thinking of inspirational themes to suit all interests and it’s always very popular with people attending the Show to visit once the judging has been completed.

This year as you know is a very prestigious year for the society with its 250th anniversary! Good luck to all those competing. (Sponsored by Ogi)

— ⁘ —

An award for Myfanwy Edwards, director of the Food Court

Myfanwy Edwards, who is our Food Court director at the Vale Show, has been made an Associate of the Royal Agricultural Societies for her work in the promotion and increased accessibility of local food.

Myfanwy established the Food Court in the Vale of Glamorgan Agricultural Show in 2014. Showcasing the very best of local food, it has become an important part of the show.

Along with her husband, Richard, she has helped develop the Vale of Glamorgan Farmers’ Market since it was established in July 2000. She became secretary in 2005, a position she still holds. Markets are held every Saturday morning in Cowbridge.

In 2018, Myfanwy set up the Cowbridge Food Collective, which is an online Farmers’ Market. Working with a local web designer she set up a website that enabled multiple producers to offer their produce for sale. There is no commitment to sign up and people can dip in and out as they wish. The market then closes at midnight on Tuesday and customers collect their boxed orders on Thursday evening. Unlike a farmers’ market, there is no waste as every order is individually produced.

Both the farmers’ market and the Food Collective have enabled many, many small artisan producers over the years to establish a business and follow their dream of producing local food, and the Food Court at the Vale Show is an amazing showcase. During the Covid pandemic, both the Collective and Farmers’ Market proved invaluable in providing excellent quality, affordable local food safely and easily. With people now enjoying more freedom, both the Farmers’ Market and the Food Collective continue to provide a fantastic range of local food on a weekly basis.

An Associateship of Royal Agricultural Societies (ARAgS) is a prestigious honour – a recognition of outstanding contribution to the understanding, efficiency and well-being of UK agriculture. Members are identified as those who have demonstrated excellence and achievement to contribute to the future development of UK agriculture, its associated industries and to wider rural progress for public benefit. It is awarded to those who can demonstrate the required high level of achievement, and to those deemed to have made truly outstanding contributions to UK agricultural progress (beyond simply doing their jobs well)

Myfanwy said: “I am honoured to be recognised in this way and very proud that local food is so readily available and appreciated in this area, and the small part I have played in it.”

For more information visit www.cowbridgefarmersmarket.co.uk and www.cowbridgefoodcollective.co.uk

— ⁘ —

A warm welcome at the Countryside Marquee

A guest at a previous Glamorgan Smallholders’ event.

Glamorgan Smallholders, after a long absence and a change of venue, will be ready to extend a warm welcome to visitors to the Countryside Marquee where the smallholders will play host to a number of other organisations and people who support our countryside. There will be lots to see and do for the whole family.

Rare Breeds – These animals are just a few of the amazing British Native Breeds that make up part of our national identity and heritage and they represent a unique piece of the earth’s biodiversity. These animals have for many years sculptured our landscape and ensured that we are clothed and fed. Come along and meet them and learn more about the rich variety of livestock breeds we have inherited and why they are so important to conserve for future generations. For many of us they also enrich our lives, health and wellbeing.

The Fleece Competition – Ever wondered what the differences are with the fleeces of all breeds of sheep at the show? And some who aren’t? This competition is open to everyone who has a fleece to show. It’s all about wool! Judged by British Wool representative Mr Brian Jones from the Brecon Depot, it is a hotly contested part of the show and a real feature of the Countryside Marquee.

Bro Radio will be broadcasting live throughout the day, with music and interviews from local people, bringing a flavour of the countryside to the listeners at the show and back home. There will be the opportunity to hear and meet smallholders, listen to their stories and hear them chatting about the type of holdings that they farm, the livestock they keep, and the numerous products that they produce. Familiar voices and people will bring a special warmth to the marquee for everyone to enjoy.

The Glamorgan Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers will be on hand to demonstrate the various ways in which they prepare wool and fibre to dye, spin and weave. They will also have a display of finished projects to inspire and some of the wide range of equipment that they use for their craft. Guild members are always happy to chat, answer questions and share their knowledge of fibre and its range of uses, so don’t be afraid to ask.

Rev’d Victoria Ashley from the parish of Cowbridge will be joining the countryside community to bring joy, laughter and activities for younger show goers as well as being on hand for chats, both spiritual and practical, for anyone who would like to talk. She especially enjoys old farming tales so come along with stories to share.

South Wales Police Rural Crime Officers, will be helping you to help them to keep our communities and countryside safe. This team has been brought together from officers who have shown a particular interest in solving rural crime and improving communications between rural communities and the police. Come along to chat and allow them to be introduced to you.

So, come along for a fun time, listening, learning, meeting new folk and their animals. You can even milk a cow and see farm equipment large, small and the unusual.

For a great day out, the Vale Show has something for everyone and a warm welcome awaits.

(Sponsored by Ince).

— ⁘ —

Rabbit enthusiasts want to share their hobby

The Rabbit show was new pre pandemic and was a great hit with the public. The show will be bigger and better this year.

The South Wales Rabbit Club (SWRC) was established in the early 1970s. It is one of the many rabbit clubs affiliated to the governing body, the British Rabbit Council (BRC). The main aim of the club is to promote the ethical breeding and exhibiting of show rabbits, to promote rabbit welfare and husbandry, and to aid and inform new rabbit owners about their beloved pets. We at the club are all members of the BRC and our rabbits are important family members.

The SWRC meets regularly throughout the year to share in this hobby. We hold two shows in Castleton, near Cardiff, and also run the rabbit section at the Usk Agricultural section. Anyone who shows rabbits must be a full BRC member, with the rabbits being registered to them alone.

Rabbit breeds are split into four sections; Fancy, Lops, Fur and Rex. All of the breeds listed within these sections (listed on the BRC website) have a specific breed standard they have to adhere to and each standard is marked out of 100 points. When the judge judges the rabbit, they will be looking for the rabbit that best matches their standard, in order to secure that elusive first prize.

The judge assesses the coat quality, the colour, the pattern, the type (shape) of the rabbit, and the overall presentation and condition. The rabbit who secures the most points will win the class. The overall winner of each of the four sections then goes onto compete for the Best in Show prize.

It is a wonderful hobby and one that has existed for over 100 years. There is no money in it; it is purely for the love of the breed.

We are delighted to be at the Vale Show this year. Please come and talk to the exhibitors, as we all enjoy a good chat! We can help with any rabbit-related queries or questions you may have, from keeping rabbits together to vaccinating against RHD2.

If you would like any further information, please feel free to contact the section secretary, Donna Nicholson. Tel: 02920 634903.

— ⁘ —

Sponsors of this special Vale of Glamorgan Agricultural show feature: