Royal Three Counties Show - Final Day

Bright sunshine here on the Showground, and as I haven't yet 
mentioned horses, I took this around 8.00am

My last post from the Show here at Malvern; a beautiful day and the 'backdrop' as lovely as ever. Ir's been busy on all parts of the showground; I just wish I had been able to share more with followers of this blog. But if I sat in the press tent all day writing, I would have nothing to report!

from Busking vicars to glow-worms!

My Sunday collage is a mixture of what I have seen and done - Jack's Blog covered the farming side of things, though I have sneaked in a couple of animal images, and will post a final collage of farming pics once back home. Animals, plants, shopping, and not forgetting the Orchid Show (the plants middle right were grown by schoolchildren).

A true champion

But my abiding memory of the Show was seeing two very small boys with their daddy; the boys carrying sleeping bags, the father a picnic bag with thermos. It was Friday evening and they were going to spend the night in the livestock pens with their animals. Dedication, love and care surely sum up the farming community. What will 2014 bring?

Food, glorious food at the Royal Three Counties Show

Truly, the sun has been shining today (this taken Friday)

It’s been a day of sunshine and showers, but nothing to deter the visitors who have thronged here from far and wide. The hills must be in watching mode, looking lovelier than ever in the greens of early Summer. My day has been as busy as was yesterday’s, striding between venues and exhibits. WiFi has not caught up with necessity to broadcast speedily so I am actually ahead of the facility, but have spent such a varied an enjoyable time. 

So much more than is shown here - come and see yourself

Farming is all about FOOD and what with mouth-watering treats, and the need to purchase supper, I guessed a Show food collage might give pleasure. A mosaic of seven images can hardly show the diversity of products on display and for sale: there are culinary treats fit for a queen. From tasty meats, artisan breads, jams and pickles to succulent vegetables and scrumptious wines and cordials – and plenty of eateries – no-one need go home hungry! Added to all that is on offer has been a series of demonstrations in the Cookery Theatre, hosted by Katie & Glyn Johnson of Wot’s Cooking, who apart from supplying the ingenious, fully operational travelling kitchen, also run their own ‘small’ smallholding on the Shrophshire/Welsh border. A full programme is also available on Sunday.

In the Collecting Ring

The farm animals are magnificent, with more breeds being shown at the Royal than in any previous year. But talking about farming is not part of my remit, as farming is not in my blood and I know very little about it. So please, for the agricultural aspect of things, do read “Jack’s Blog” written by a local young farmer with his own flock of sheep.

Snapshots of the Royal - day one

Packed with visitors - and how marvellous to see so many 
school children - some may be inspired to work in farming

The former Three Counties Show - just granted the Royal seal of approval, and thus now known as the Royal Three Counties Show - has kicked off to a fantastic start. Royal status will almost certainly affirm its place as one of the top agricultural shows in Britain; the venue has in fact been a favourite with the Royal family since the early days on its permanent site at Malvern, with HM The Queen Mother visiting the first showground show in 1981. The Show’s new title acknowledges its contribution over two centuries to the promotion of breed development, commercial farming and food production, together with its efforts to create opportunities for “educational interface between farmers and consumers”.

The RBST has joined forces at the Show with NFU Countryside

Additionally, it is a grand day out for families from all over the region, and beyond, and allows those seeking to support rural endeavours the chance to do so. I have selected six organisations offering family-friendly advice and activities related to farming and the country side, and all of whom welcome the public’s interest. Starting with the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) – the leading national charity working to preserve the UK’s rare native breeds of farm animals and poultry from extinction. Become a member and you will be helping to support a vital genetic resource. Stand OS608

Farmers helping the countryside

The RBST have teamed up for this Show with NFU Countryside (also on Stand OS608) – a membership organisation for people who are passionate about rural life. The NFU supports farmers professionally of course, but the NFU also realised the tremendous appetite of consumers for farming news, and created a separate division, and magazine, specifically for those interested in food and farming, wildlife and gardening; plus country homes, dogs and horses. Reconnecting with a rural lifestyle and keeping rural traditions alive is top of the agenda for many Show visitors, so do take advantage of reduced membership fees when joining both organisations, an opportunity only available when subscribing over this weekend.

The CRT are establishing a network of demonstration farms

To my shame, I had not heard of the CRT – The Countryside Restoration Trust (and I had though I was completely au fait with most initiatives connected with farming and agriculture). The Trust is committed to promoting the importance of a living and working countryside through education, demonstration and community involvement. As such, it is establishing a network of demonstration farms across Britain, which, using sensitive farming methods, will show how to protect wildlife whilst producing good quality food and preserving our countryside for future generations. Launched 20 years ago in response to fears about over-intensified and industrialised farming, it now manages over 1,000 acres of land with properties throughout various counties. Become a friend of the Trust, to receive special invitations and details of guided farm walks, talks and other events.

Each of the above national organisations provide regular magazines as part of your membership fee.

Enjoying birdwatching at the RSPB's Lock Garten reserve

All visitors to the Show must surely be familiar with the RSPB – Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. As well as their many reserves open to the public,  they provide detailed information on planting gardens for birds and other wildlife. As urbanisation creeps into more and more gardens, those sympathetic to maintaining a viable eco-system, can help enormously; counteract the

And finally, the Malvern Hills Conservators are caretakers of over 3,000 acres of hills and commons and manage them for public benefit.  Directly relevant to the Showground as it sits below part of this magnificence and created a stunning and theatrical backdrop for any show. A distinctive range of peaks and gullies, the Malvern Hills (an AONB, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) comprise a number of diverse landscapes, rich in wildlife, flora and fauna – and with easy access. The aim of the Hills Conservators is to keep the land as close to nature as possible whilst keeping it as open space for public recreation and enjoyment.

Now to explore the rest of the Show - only two more days - today and Sunday 16th June - to do so.

Discover more at the exhibitor websites:

RBST: Rare Breed Survival Trust 

NFU: NFU Countryside 

CRT: The Countryside Restoration Trust

RSPB: Royal Society for the Protectionof Birds 

The Malvern Conservators:  www.malvernhills.org.uk

Interim post: pre- 'Royal Three Counties Show'

All it needs now are the visitors and action in the main arena

I'm back on the Showground in readiness for the opening tomorrow of the 'Royal Three Counties Show'. Trawling through an advance copy of the Show Guide, it is going to be bigger and better than ever before. (If only my technology hasn't been misbehaving, I could add more photos and up to the minute news.) All should be sorted once I am in the Press Area tomorrow. Meanwhile, do click on the Show website, and do come along and enjoy the very best in "Food, Farming, Countryside" - Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire at its most beautiful.

Clear signage all around
the Showground will
facilitate your visit

My husband (photographer Ray Quinton), has been all round the Showground, taking images which he is now downloading and which I will have ready to post tomorrow. Though there is so much I want to see that it may not be until evening that I get around to it! He has also been talking to many of the farming community - it really IS a farming show, and how magnificent that it should be so.

My other announcement is that I have created a photo scrapbook of images we have taken at the various shows we have attended here over the years. It's called 'Malvern Three Counties Showground Scrapbook' and as yet it has only two images in it! We have thousands which I will add bit - a memory of the enjoyment that we - and so many others - have gained from visiting here. Log into it here.

Royal Three Counties Show - Second Preview

Cattle lineup in the judging ring

Looking back at my first preview – and an introduction no doubt for many readers to the fact that someone called ‘Ann’ was also blogging about the first ever ‘Royal’ at Malvern, as well as young farmer Jack – I did not have space for that much and concentrated on food. Food is essential to us all and a great aspect, but there’s far more to this Show than that. For a start, what a grand day out you can have as a family for very little cost. Come for as little as £8.00 per ticket (based on advanced family ticket price) – tremendous value for families: food, shopping and entertainment – and of course farming. If you haven’t already done so, do purchase tickets now to take advantage of this special offer.

Adam Henson with
a young admirer

Just look at some of what is on happening: Exciting Entertainment, Farming Village, Countryside & Forestry, Horse Village, Discovery Zone, Village Green, Food & Drink, Rural Business and the International Orchid Show. You can even say “hello” to one of the nation’s favourite farmers, rural TV presenter, Adam Henson (Saturday 15th only).

Skill and daring to delight the crowds

I still don’t have space to cover the Show in its entirety but will outline what I can. Take the Main Arena, situated at the heart of the Royal.  It’s a hub of entertainment and action with a jam-packed timetable of displays, competitions and exciting shows. Many of the activities are repeated every day, though not necessarily at the same time, so check your Show Guide on arrival so you don’t miss something you really want to watch. Don't miss the Royal Signals White Helmets motorcycle display team; the Devil's Horseman with an exhilarating Jousting and Cossack show; the Red Devils Parachute Team; the brilliant Paws for Thought Dog Display Team; Horse & Hounds; Show Jumping and Heavy Horses and the prestigious and ever-impressive Grand Livestock Parade! WOW, if you did nothing else, you could be entertained from show opening to closing.

Where else could you get so close to magnificent farm animals?

The Farming Village is perfect for becoming acquainted at close quarters with livestock of all types and breeds. There are livestock competitions each day and you can watch the live judging and competitions as exhibitors show off their fine animals – you will become absorbed in this fascinating experience, and be amazed at the very young age of some of the handlers. Walk the livestock lines and meet your favourite farm creatures from cows and pigs to sheep and goats. Equally entertaining, and equally serious, is the Sheep Shearing: you can watch the amazing talent of shearers from all over the country, and even the world, as they demonstrate with each other in competition their amazing speed and skill. The show counts as a qualifying event for the English team so the pressure will be on!

Showing how it's done in the Blacksmithing & Farriery area

Visitors who would like to learn more about the countryside will be able to enjoy a day equally packed with activity. Just head for the popular Country Pursuits Village for a full timetable of country displays including gundogs, ferrets, threshing, Jive Pony, Doug Joiner Horse Logger, Sheepdog Training and much more. There’s Blacksmithing & Farriery (situated by the Lake) where you can watch skilled craftsman take part in live competitions throughout the day. The Poultry Marquee and Championship Poultry Show is home to an impressive display of a wide range of birds including bantams, large fowl and waterfowl, again at close quarters. And if your children are looking for a pet other than a dog or cat, think Rabbits - Britain’s third most popular choice of pet. The Rabbit Section is the ideal place to talk to the experts about keeping them.

Spinning demo

Forgotten Skills? Discover how to use a pole lathe and have a go at butter-making, candle-making and wool craft. Head for the Forgotten Skills Marquee, with its demonstrations of traditional crafts that were once part of everyday life. All the items on display at the Show are unusual and individual, produced by the craftspeople themselves and rarely found on the average high street – a trip down memory lane, perhaps, or the beginning of a new hobby.

A real treat - shopping for hand-spun yarns, clothes and accessories

If this is your first online visit to Ann’s Malvern Jotter, take a look at the previous post to familiarise yourself with what will be happening in the Cookery Theatre, hosted by Katie & Glyn Johnson of Wot's Cooking;  savour in your imagination the numerous food stalls. And if you love shopping, make time to browse for antiques. With an eclectic mix of unique treasures on display, you will surely find a truly special gift or ‘must-have’ piece to add to your collection. The Antiques Fair boasts a variety of antiques and collectibles from around 30 dealers including small furniture, vintage and retro clothing, 19th & 20th century ceramics, jewellery, bronzes, pictures and books.

Food, farming and the countryside - a celebration

A right royal occasion? I know it will be and will be there myself next week on all three days – 14th, 15th and 16th June – blogging live (WiFi permitting). You too can be a part of a great day out in the British countryside, celebrating a truly unique way of life. Enjoy yourself, for apart from the busy, busy Show, there is of course its stunning location. Who could not be captivated by that backdrop of hills?

Royal Three Counties Show - first preview

Previewing the Royal Three Counties Show
(food, farming and countryside)

Welcome back to those of you who have been following my gardening posts, and ‘hello’ to those of you who are joining me for the first time. Ann’s Malvern Jotter (this Blog) now encompasses other activities on the Showground.

Much more to entertain visitors than just food and farming:
The Red Devils in tandem as they descend towards the main arena

I’ve been visiting the June show every year for as long as I have the gardening shows. Of course, it wasn’t the ‘Royal’ then, but plain ‘Three Counties Show’. In its new guise (and since the demise of the royal event at Stoneleigh), the Malvern ‘Royal’ is growing; so much so that it now utilises almost every square metre of the 98-acre showground. Bursting at the seams in fact with a profusion of fantastic activities to inform and entertain you. I will need all three days to see it all!

There will be six food
and cookery demos
every day

Food, Glorious Food: Billed as ‘the best of British food, farming and countryside’, I am concentrating in this preview today on the food aspect. Centrally placed within the Showground is the ‘Regional Food & Drinks Village’ in the Severn Hall. Included in this spacious permanent building, and in no particular order, will be artisan food stalls; the Three Counties cheese competition – open to producers in Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire and neighbouring counties.

Feeling hungry? Stalls to buy local produce will tempt you ...

Meat lovers will enjoy the butchery demonstration from EBLEX plus the Three Counties Cider Show together with a People’s Choice competition; local cider makers selling their produce and giving tastings; education on cider and how to make it, plus cider making equipment; a new class for Hotels and Restaurants and a stand featuring the HEFF Diamond Food award winners 2013. Additionally, farmers’ market stalls will lead into Severn Hall from Avenue F to create the Food Market. (For the uninitiated, EBLEX: the organsiation for the beef and lamb industry; HEFF: Heart of England Fine Foods.)

Cookery Theatre hosts
Glyn & Katie Johnson

Returning to the Show will be the immensely popular 'Cookery Theatre' (also within the Severn Hall) featuring local chefs and products in an immensely packed programme of demonstrations. The theatre programme will be hosted by experienced broadcasters, Katie & Glyn Johnson of ‘Wot’s Cooking’.

The 2013 Cookery Theatre in the Severn Hall 
(image copyright Wot's Cooking)

Reading through the advance list of what is on offer in the Cookery Theatre is tantalizing. On Friday 14th: Robert Swift, a 5th generation baker, who has recently opened his own artisan bakery and baking school in Ludlow, producing some of the most delicious and inventive breads imaginable. Vegetarian Cooking ideas will be demonstrated by Lizzy Hughes who runs ‘Our Lizzy’ Cookery School in Malvern Link – discover how to prepare simple, tasty, nutritious food. Daren Bale of The Hop Pole in Bewdley, recently recognised for his commitment to cooking by Worcestershire and Warwickshire Life Magazines, will feature Cooking Local & Seasonal; Rayeesa Asghar Sandys runs Herefordshire’s first and only authentic Indian Cookery School from her home in Mordiford and is a regular at Herefordshire Farmers' Market.

Bread - a necessity of life

Saturday 15th: Daniel Jones – All About Chocolate – worked at Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's River Cottage but his real love is as Master Chocolatier and Owner of 'Daniel Jones - Artisan Chocolatier'. Felice Tocchini – Ready Steady Cook; Felice has appeared on numerous TV programmes including The One Show, Countryfile, and The Gadget show as well as in the media worldwide for his innovative creations. Robert Swift (Artisan Baker) also returns on Saturday.

Cider, fruit juice and
perry all on tap

Sunday 16th: Steve Brown – head tutor of the cookery school at Daylesford Farm; following years of cooking in Michelin-starred kitchens, Steve followed his passion for local, sustainable, organic food, allowing the ingredients to do the talking. Matt Slocombe – It Has To Be Local – serves the very best food and drink that Herefordshire has to offer at the traditional Crown Inn, Woolhope; he is a huge supporter of the region’s produce, especially the cider! Daniel Jones reprises ‘All About Chocolate’.

Starting young - chefs in the making

A Recommendation: With less than three weeks to go until the opening of the Royal Three Counties Show, may I suggest that you purchase tickets now, for advance purchases come for as little as £8.00 per ticket (based on advanced family ticket price) – tremendous value for a grand day out for families: food, shopping and entertainment – and not forgetting the farming side of things.

All the fun of the fair - and Adam Henson (second left -
presenter of BBC Countryfile) will be
at the Show on Saturday 15th June)

And if you love Malvern and their shows as much as I do, it’s worth considering purchasing Showground Membership for yourself or family, or as a gift for friends. For this, you obtain free admission to three Show days in total per year, VIP Parking, Members VIP Areas at the Malvern Spring Gardening Show, Royal Three Counties Show and Malvern Autumn Show. Most importantly save some money!

Up close and personal with the sheep

I’ll be back in two weeks with my second Show preview, and look forward to welcoming you again, Meanwhile, do also follow the posts of sheep-loving young farmer Jack, in Jack’s Blog. And for all aspects of the Show continually updated visit the Royal Three Counties Show website.

In between Shows and an announcement

My tiny hand-made 'Malvern Jotter'

I was back at the Showground yesterday and it hardly seems possible that so short a time ago I was heavily into writing about gardening. All those beautiful gardens are no more, though I spotted the odd olive tree looking somewhat forlorn by the roadside. The positive news is that I will be back very shortly with news of the next major Show at the Three Counties Showground. Meanwhile, you might like this little sketchbook page which I created at the Spring Gardening Show in my tiny hand-made jotter.

watching the bees - and honey for sale

Visitors to the Spring Gardening Shows may not be fully aware of just how exciting is the  June show  (14th-16th) featuring 'food, farming and the countryside' - known previously as the Three Counties Show, but now with a royal seal of approval it has become the 'Royal Three Counties Show', and vastly augmented in its new status.

Delicious organic cheese - time for a tasting

Yesterday, I was asked to preview this Show as well as the gardening shows and whilst I am getting to grips with all the exciting things on offer, here is a tiny taster of what you may expect. There is so much to cover in the short time available - informative and above all full of family fun, and incredibly good value if you purchase family tickets in advance.

Top quality animals can be viewed at close quarters

From fabulously fresh regional food to dancing sheep; grand parade of livestock and lifestyle farming; equestrian events, country pursuits village, discovery zone and rural skills; shopping opportunities galore plus a full programme of entertainment, there is something for everyone, young and old alike.

Images from past June shows, before acquiring 'Royal' status

I'll be posting more news on Friday, once I have assimilated all that is on offer. Apart from my view of things, do read Jack's Blog. Jack is an enthusiastic young farmer who is definitely going places whilst writing regularly about his farming experiences. He owns his very own Suffolk sheep and hopes in the future to expand his flock and produce meat to sell and eat. Don't miss what he has to say. (And do make a diary date with me late Friday for the first proper preview of the 'Royal' - tickets available to visit the show by clicking the ticket on the right.

Signing Off .....

Final scrapbook collage of the Malvern Spring Gardening Show

The Final Day



Hills and crowds

And so to the final day and the last post at this Show. And what a Show it has been, struggling with rain and high winds, and yet visitors have not been deterred. But that’s Malvern with its own micro-climate; something to which I have grown accustomed over the years. And it’s still such a wonderful place to be. Little things have made such a difference to this year’s visit: hard-surfaced walkways between the Show Gardens and in the Floral Marquee; plenty of seats around the Showground; ample places from which to buy refreshments – and lots of new exhibitors, activities and events.

Watching the crowds

It can’t have been easy for exhibitors of plants. Indeed at the Press Briefing on the first morning of the Show, RHS Head of Judging, Bob Sweet commented on the bravery and commitment of nurserymen to exhibit at all, and that to have achieved what they have must have involved an enormous fuel bill. And despite conditions earlier in the year, there are more gold-medal gardens than ever before. I still have my favourite, regardless of medals!

Start of the Malvern Spring Sportive Cycling Challenge

And those of us up really early this morning were able to watch the start of the Malvern Spring Sportive Cycling Challenge, organised by Velo Events, which the Showground is hosting for the first time. Each of the three races of 50km, 100km and 160km take place on public roads, and the 160k event is truly challenging.

James Alexander-Sinclair in the Plants & People Theatre

I have yet to find time to attend one of the talks in the Plants & People Theatre and am determined to do so this afternoon, so this will be a shorter than usual post. I would have liked to have heard the talk on Edibles but will take pot luck today and know that as always, hosting by James Alexander-Sinclair will be informative and enjoyable.

'The Team' : Isobel (left), Sharon (centre), Ann (right)

It will be strange not to be totally consumed by the Spring Show. I shall miss the camaraderie of being one of an extremely busy team and of the support of both Communications Manager, Sharon Gilbert, and Isobel Coulter (Communications Officer) – we are a team, even though it may be my name that heads the Blog. And a huge ‘thankyou’ to all our blog visitors; statistics show that in just three months, we have had over 5,000 hits, which is so pleasing for a site that did not exist until this year.

Sunset over the Malverns

I will miss the spectacular hills but will be back blogging again prior to the Royal Three Counties Show, and then again in late June, starting previews of the Autumn Show – “a charming celebration of food, gardening and nostalgia”. Meanwhile, thanks for being with us, enjoy your gardening; and please keep visiting.