Two Warwickshire farmers are to play a key role in one of the Midlands’ biggest and well-established one day agricultural shows.
The Kenilworth Show returns for the 73rd time to the grounds opposite Stoneleigh Park on Saturday, June 4, and the new president and chairman of show organisers Kenilworth and District Agricultural Society (KADAS) are keen to inspire the next generation of farmers at this year’s event.
Wallace McCurdie, who lives in Birdingbury near Rugby, has been elected as the new KADAS president. He has entered sheep into the show’s livestock competitions for over 20 years as part of his role as chairman of Lleyn Sheep Society’s Breed Development Committee.
Joining him is Brian Dalby, the new KADAS chairman, who has been selling his fresh, thirst-quenching Ringswood Ice Cream to thousands of the show’s visitors for over 15 years, as well as entering livestock into the show’s competitions, all from Cestersover Farm in Pailton.
Wallace and Brian have over 60 years of KADAS membership between them, and they will work alongside show director Charlie Weetman and the Kenilworth Show organising committee to continue to grow the standing of the event.
Wallace, who has carried out pastoral and arable farming at Bondon Farm since the 1970s, said: “The Kenilworth Show is a fantastic stage for the agriculture industry to sell itself to the youth of today, and we think we are developing a line-up that will do just that.
“Agriculture isn’t all about your traditional farmer with flap caps, dog and sticks – it’s now become very technological which visitors will see at this year’s machinery parade.
“We’re also keen that young people can come along to learn about farming and agriculture. So there will be an area where they can learn how to grow crops, right through to learning about the different types of sheep and how they are sheered.”
The Kenilworth Show has gone from strength-to-strength in recent years, with over 11,000 people choosing to spend a family day out at Stoneleigh Park. KADAS, the show’s organisers, has also received a boost by recently gaining charitable status.
Brian added: “The society is full of people who are passionate about safeguarding and promoting the agricultural and farming world, so it’s great news that we’ve now secured charitable status.
“We have a tremendous team of volunteers that work tirelessly months before the Kenilworth Show to ensure the day is a success.
“While the show is growing in popularity, we’re also keen to grow our membership too. You don’t need an agricultural background and we’re always on the lookout for new faces.”
The Kenilworth Show will host all the usual agricultural and equestrian classes and feature a wide range of homecraft competitions, trade stands and an 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.
