Frome Show goes ahead despite foot and mouth outbreak

IT'S VERY MUCH wait and see for the organisers of this year's Frome Cheese Show following the shock outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Surrey last week.

"Things are moving very quickly and it looks like the source of the outbreak has been identified which makes tracking its progress and dealing with possibly infected stock much easier," show chairman Jim Salmon said on Monday.

"However, we have no idea how long the movement restrictions will stay in place and this could of course mean that our livestock classes – cattle, sheep and goats – may have to be cancelled and also that some of our exhibitors will not be able to join us.

"Whether or not the restrictions are lifted, our bio security team under David Francis will be working closely with Defra and other animal health specialists to make sure Frome Show is as safe as it is possible to make it."

He added: "We are continuing to make plans to accommodate the livestock classes in case the restrictions are lifted in time but even without them the show is shaping up to be a great day out for the family.

"The Rural Crafts Hall is fully booked, so is the Fine Food Hall. Almost all of the trade stand space has gone, there are record entries for many of the show's classes and there's a fabulous programme of entertainment lined up.

"So make sure you've got the date – Saturday September 8th – and the place - the West Woodlands Showground – in your diary. You won't want to miss it!

"Meanwhile we just wait and see – and hope that this outbreak is quickly dealt with so that our farmers, and their animals, can get back to normal as quickly as possible."

Schedules for all classes at this year's show are still available. Contact Brenda Scott, Brenda Scott, Frome Show Office, 01373 463600. Full details, including ticket prices, are available from the show's website, fromescheeseshow.co.uk.