Kenilworth Show launches education stands for youngsters

The Kenilworth Show takes place on Saturday, June 4
The Kenilworth Show takes place on Saturday, June 4

Youngsters from across Coventry and Warwickshire will get the chance to learn in detail about the earth below them at this year’s Kenilworth Agricultural Show.

For the first time, a series of stands are being set up inside a marquee at the show to teach youngsters about soil in a fun and engaging way.

The University of Warwick Life Sciences Faculty is inviting children to explore the hidden elements of soil using microscopes to spot the different micro-organisms and habitants.

Following on from this, agriculture company Syngenta will be on hand to show families the step-by-step process of how a crop is grown, from planting seeds to cultivation, along with displays of products that each of the crops contributes to.

A presentation by the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust will also allow children to discover the world of insects and creepy crawlies to highlight the importance of wildlife to the Warwickshire countryside.

The new stands at the show were all made possible thanks to a generous donation from the Elizabeth Creak Charitable Trust.

The Trust was set-up at the wish of Warwickshire Farmer Elizabeth Creak who died in 2013, and left most of her estate to the Trust. Its purpose is to help the industry thrive in the years ahead, from encouraging the next generation of farmers to helping others survive in a challenging environment.

The Kenilworth Show returns for the 73rd time to the grounds opposite Stoneleigh Park on Saturday, June 4, and continues to go from strength-to-strength, with over 11,000 people choosing the show for a family day out last year.

This year’s educational area was the idea of the activities group that is part of the Kenilworth and District Agriculture Society (KADAS), the show’s organisers.

Jef Tuyn, president elect of KADAS, believes the activities are essential to the future of the farming industry.

Jef said: "A lot of the society’s members are families, so as well as providing a memorable day out, we feel there is also a need to help parents to teach their children about the importance of the countryside.

"We’re trying to do this in an engaging way so that their experience of agriculture will stick with them, and who knows, it may encourage them to pursue farming and agriculture as a career.

"We’re incredibly grateful for the funding from the Elizabeth Creak Charitable Trust, as without this, we wouldn’t have been able to have added the new education area to the show."

The Kenilworth Show will host livestock and equestrian classes including the ever popular home craft competitions and demonstrations of butter making, sheep shearing, wool spinning, trade stands and expanded countryside area.

Further attractions and various activities for all the family will be announced in the build-up to the show.

For more information log on to www.kenilworthshow.co.uk, and for membership enquiries contact Lizz Clarke on 01788 833910.