Upon the opening of the 160th Bath and West Show, there was a celebration of farming, community and veterinary expertise, with the Long Service, Prince of Wales and Farm Vet of the Future awards.
As crowds gathered on the main lawn, visitors heard from honorary show director, Rupert Uloth, about members of the local community who have dedicated their lives to farming, or the Bath and West Show – the recipients of The Long Service Awards.
These included Mike Bethell, Ann and Geoff Groves, Will Bougourd, Keith Selway, David Carpenter, Paul Murray, Graham Rolls and Mike Gray. “We are celebrating often the unsung heroes of the farming industry as well as people who have spent a long time in service for the Bath and West Show,” said Mr Uloth.
One couple synonymous with livestock at the Bath and West is Ann and Geoff Groves. “Ann and Geoff came as a pair, originally helping with the Young Farmers section, then moving onto the sheep section, before running the stock office at the Bath and West as well as the Dairy Show – with Geoff maintaining the milking parlour for both,” explained Mr Uloth.
“Between them, their knowledge of helping to run the livestock section is invaluable.”
Ann is still running the livestock office and is well known to exhibitors and stewards alike. “We were very excited when we received the letter to say we had been selected for a Long Service Award,” said Mrs Groves. “Geoff and I started with Wool on the Hoof, and we did that for 45 years.
“I have always been involved in the show, it’s an important way of showing the general public what we do – it’s a showcase.”
The Prince of Wales Award
An award celebrating organisations and initiatives run by communities, for communities, is the Prince of Wales Award. “The judges and I met in early April, and we reduced a broad and varied entry of 14 projects down to the four we visited later in the month,” said James Bardwell, Chairman of the Prince of Wales Judging panel.
“Despite our restricted timescale, we were always welcomed with open arms and open doors to see and hear about the wonderful work done by all,” said Mr Bardwell.
Winning the award, Redcatch Community Gardens, was represented by head gardener, Louise Matthews, and CEO and co-founder, Katie Swain. “We’re delighted to win and to represent smaller community growers,” says Ms Swain.
“We might be small, but we have a huge engagement, and it’s brilliant helping people better understand where their food comes from.”
The judges were impressed with the inclusive space for the community that Redcatch has created, and how it has grown to become a vital hub addressing diverse needs and improving physical and mental wellbeing.
“It is a hive of colourful, energetic, productive and very carefully thought-out activities,” said Mr Bardwell.
Farm Vet of the Future Award
The Farm Vet of the Future Award recognises and celebrates the next generation of farm vets. “This award is a fantastic opportunity to recognise those who have gone the extra mile,” said Paddy Gordon, director and farm vet at Shepton Vets.
“The award champions those who choose a farm career and demonstrates that it is a career accessible to any vet student.”
And the winner, Georgia Owen from The Royal Veterinary College of London, demonstrated how you don’t need to be from a farming background to get your foot into farm veterinary. “I grew up in the Midlands- very far from any farms,” said Ms Owen.
“My parents were really supportive and helped me to find someone with a farm willing for me to do some work experience. I loved the combination of using my brain, but also getting to do the physical things – I just fell in love with it.”
So, what are this winning vet’s future plans? “I’m excited for the next chapter, although I want to take a few months off to relax – I’ve been at university for eight years! But ideally, I’d like to work with dairy cattle, and I really like engaging with farmer workshops.”
