The 70th Heathfield & District Agricultural Show will be held on 27 May at Tottingworth Farm, Broad Oak, Heathfield and tickets can be purchased online or from local outlets.Show Chairman, Graham Mosey, said the Show will be a giant celebration of farming, food and country life.“We will be showcasing award-winning livestock, the finest food and drink and rural living at its most vibrant. If you love your local countryside, you’ll love a day out at the Show!”Main ring entertainment includes the monster truck show Big Pete and the Grim Reaper.“Additionally we have launched a brand new website to coincide with offering

tickets for sale,” said Graham.“It is our first fully-responsive website which takes into account touch and slide technologies to give people viewing the site from tablets and smart phones as good an experience as those using computers.”The new site provides information for the Show’s broad audience including exhibitors, competitors and sponsors to visitors and children.The Show continues to offer free entry for children when accompanied by an adult on Saturday, 27 May.Advance tickets offer attractive savings and can be purchased online www.heathfieldshow.org or from local outlets.

“A not for profit organisation benefitting the local community”

Heathfield NewsHeathfield Show Newsletter - Show Issue No. 25 Spring 2017

Big Pete Is On His Way Back To The Heathfield Show

Big Pete Monster Trucks are proud to say that they are the only team in the world who has a driver that is also the commentator which enables them to give you a unique and personal display. Also they are the only team in the world who has a real working monster truck

within the fleet which is the tallest and heaviest m o n s t e r truck out there by far. And, if that’s not enough to get you

excited they are the only team in the UK who has a female monster truck driver.The Monster Trucks, and Big Pete in particular, levitate themselves up into the air before coming crashing down on top of the cars in the main ring. It is an exciting dare devil display which will have you gasping.

Other displays will be the ever popular Sheep Show. The Sheep Show is the brain child of Richard Savoury, a Kiwi from Norfolk. Starting with one 40’ trailer unit when he first came to England, having married an English lady, the popularity of the display now means they have 5 showing units and appears at over 100 shows a year to an estimated audience of over 2.5 million people!“A recent review in the Daily Telegraph stated: “As a parent, it can be hard work trying to interest your family in an outing to the countryside. It’s no good just promising fresh air and open spaces, you have to come up with animals and cuddly ones at that. “This is where The Sheep Show comes in. What does it involve? Well, think of a Britain’s Got Talent act, in which a man in shorts and a microphone gets nine different breeds of sheep to dance on stage, at the same time as delivering a well-informed lecture

on British oviculture (that’s sheep-rearing), and expertly shearing a member of his flock, brandishing the freshly-detached whole fleece as a finale. “All right, so it might never get the Simon Cowell vote, but it’s certainly going down well with the children and grown-ups.”

Six Showing RingsThe Horse Committee have worked hard this year to produce another full schedule of classes for the Heathfield Show. With 93 classes in 6 showing rings, attracting approximately 600 entries and some of the best riders in the south east, Show day looks to be an exciting event.Many of the classes are qualifiers for the Royal International Horse Show so we expect top class competitions on Show day as competitors fight for the much sort after qualifying cards. The show classes, where horses are judged on their appearance, movement, grooming and overall look are some of the most keenly fought equestrian competitions in the UK. “Our show classes really are terrific to watch. Every single horse is in top condition with shining coats and hooves and polished tack. We’re lucky to attract some of the very best show horses and it’s a great way for our visitors to see equine skill of the highest quality,” said Jeni Longley, Chairman of the Horse Committee.The Hunter Weight classes, sponsored by P J Skips are aldo qualifiers for the prestigious Horse of the Year Show in the autumn.

Show Day Again

Heathfield Show Newsletter - Show Issue No. 25 Spring 2017

Written and edited by N

icola Magill M

arch 2017. Printed by S&P Printing.

TB Restriction UpdateYou may remember in our Autumn newsletter I reported that we were plannng to run a full Cattle show again in 2017 and that Kathryn King, our Bio Security Officer and the Cattle Committee were working with DEFRA to make this happen.DEFRA have been notoriously difficult, in past years, to get in touch with and respond to our questions and this year is no exception. At the time of going to print we are still waiting to get confirmation from DEFRA that what we are planning is acceptable. We have got our Animal Gathering License through so we will proceed as agreed unless we hear otherwise.Meanwhile, entries to the Cattle Show

are coming in, both online and through the post, and at this stage it looks like we will be running a full complement of classes with good entries.Our generous sponsors are continuing to support the Cattle Classes with Buckhurst Park once again sponsoring the Supreme Beef Champion and Reserve Champion and Silcocks Farm Shop sponsoring the Supreme Dairy Champion and Reserve Champion. Our Sponsors are the icing on the cake for the Show and enables us to award our Champions and winning entries with substantial prize funds. This year, the Supreme Beef Champion will be awarded £250 with £30 going to the Herdsman.

Human Tractor Pulling New at the 2017 Heathfield Show will be Human Tractor Pulling. Setting up a ‘new attraction’ has more pit falls than anybody can possibly imagine. How long to make the pulling rope? Who will sit on the tractor and apply the brakes if necessary? Does our insurance cover the event? Do we need to do a health and safety assessment? Do the contestants need to have a set of guide lines? What width rope should we use? On and on it goes.

Nevertheless, our Chairman, Graham Mosey, is determined to make it work and he has jumped all the hurdles and

been through all the hoops and we now have a modus operandi in place. After all the palaver, its simple really – a team of six people will endeavour to pull a tractor across Ring Two. Six teams will race individually against the clock. The fastest time wins.It sounds exciting, it is exciting. Already we have

the teams entered for the event, which will take place in Ring 2 at 11.30 and 16.00. If it is successful we may well transfer it to the Main ring in 2018 and open it up to more people. Make sure you are around at the specified times to cheer the teams on.

Sheep & Pig Classes

The High Weald area has always traditionally been a sheep grazing area, helping to define the landscape over centuries, with the Pevensey Marshes to our south and the Romney Marsh to the east this reinforces the area’s reputation for quality animals and products. The 2016 Show had high sheep entries and we are very much hoping that 2017 will be similar. Entries are certainly coming

in thick and fast at the moment.The Pig Section also runs a keenly fought c o m p e t i t i o n . Many farmers are turning to

pigs to increase the diversity of their business profiles and bringing pigs to the Heathfield Show to compete with some of the best breeders in the country helps endorse their choices.

Exploring Other Areas Of The Showground

We are striving to make sure every area of the Show ground is visible from different areas and there are no dead end rows. Circulation of visitors is a difficult science but we are endeavouring to open up sight lines so people can see where they are going when they enter a row of trade stands. There are many different areas to the Show ground which makes it important that people can orientate themselves as they browse the stands.The Country Ways area greets the visitor as they arrive via the White

Gate. The artisan stalls always tempt the visitors and with the raptors (not restricted by avian flu movement restrictions) will once again be flying at various times during the day. Other displays in the Country Ways ring include the South East United Retriever Club demonstrating their dogs’ skills and also the Working Horse Trust reminding us how the heavy horses used to work the land. Did you know that you can hire these horses to come and do traditional work on your land, such as clearing

timber from woodland? A much more sympathetic way of working your woods.This year Plumpton College, the Young Farmers and Young Haymakers are combining to present the Education Marquee. With lots of hands on activities for all age groups this will be an exciting place to visit. The Young Farmers’ are organising a ‘Tractor Factor’. Two radio controlled tractors will be racing over a newly designed course set on a farm. Come along and try your skills.

Heathfield Show Newsletter - Show Issue No. 25 Spring 2017

The Farmers’ Country Showdown• Foxhounds are always counted

in pairs – it’s the quickest way to take a roll call when out in the field.

• Cows have been bred to produce more milk than their calves need. That’s why they need milking so often.

• Half the British population can’t recognise an oak tree.

• The first two letters of a foxhound pup’s name are the same as his mother’s (she’s Sawdust, he’s Salad).

• Pupils can go on a ‘virtual’ trip to the countryside, via the Countryside Alliance Foundation’s interactive website

www.countrysideinvestigators.org.uk.

Many of you will have been watching the recently screened TV series on BBC following the life of farmers preparing their livestock for their local agricultural shows. I unfortunately missed the beginning of the series but caught the last four episodes on catch-up. Programmes give shows like ours such great publicity, even though we weren’t actually featured in the Series. We are using exerts from the programmes to build on our publicity and remind people that they, too, have a local agricultural show.We are always looking on unusual

ideas to feature in our advance publicity during the run up for the Show. If anybody reading this newsletter has anything to contribute please get in touch with me, Nicola Magill: Secretary@heathfieldshow.org.This also applies to any feedback regarding the Show itself. Every year we strive to develop and change the Show formula to keep the Show

interesting and innovative. We can achieve this by receiving feedback from our members, sponsors and visitors, but also new blood is always needed on our Show committees. If you, or anybody you know, would be interested in becoming more involved in the running of the Show please get in contact.

Chairman’s Welcome.

Friends, As the sun streams in, and the days warm up, it must be getting near Show time. Funny isn’t it how everything seems months away then wallop, it’s full on and everything needs completing. Well this year’s show is full of new interesting features, plenty to see, and a fair share of excitement. Remember our New Enterprise Zone? Well this weekend we have the task of interviewing candidates, and have to pick just ten of the many who have applied. Trouble is they are all good but I ask you to please support and encourage them when you visit the Zone on Show day. A little bit of praise goes a long way and, who knows, you might just need them in the future.Now a little plug – please encourage everyone to become a member of the Society. Not only do they enjoy the positive aspects of Show day but they are also helping the many charities and community groups we support. Wheels within wheels! You know how

it works!Don’t let anyone get away with the comment “it’s always the same”, because it’s not! Unfortunately we haven’t found a way of making the odd sheep a human cannon ball, but there are the Monster Trucks, or perhaps the bigger better food marque with more exotica not only from far off lands to entice you. But rest assured there is a lovely selection of local, superb produce as always. Who knows how the Human Tractor pulling will go with a telecoms company, a local gym and a bunch of vets amongst others taking part! What could possibly go wrong? For those who want to see dignity at its best, have a good look at the superb Side Saddle class in a new contest, beauty in motion.This year we have many more new trade exhibitors which we are very pleased to welcome. Don’t forget everyone, they are here not only to meet old friends but make new ones. There is always a down side, and it is with regret that due to the national ban on the movement of poultry, neither us, nor any other shows

will have our lovely birds on show. It’s a problem with all livestock that there are constant outbreaks of very serious diseases and our Government gives instructions that we have to follow as a responsible Society. Well, let’s look forward to another super day. This year is the Society’s 70th show and come rain or shine we will be enjoying ourselves with friends and families. Look out for our smiley face rain ponchos which are on sale at the Secretary’s office, a low cost gift or a blessing in waiting – just £2.00.Thank you for your support, and a big thank you to the ever supportive and hardworking Show Council, Committee members, sponsors and supporters who make it all possible. There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes in order to have our Show rated the ‘Best in the South East’.Any suggestions you think we should include, please just stop me at the Show and tell me.

Best regards to you all,Graham

CHAIRMAN’S LETTER

Did You Know?

Heathfield Show Newsletter - Show Issue No. 25 Spring 2017

One of the best ways of supporting the Heathfield & District Agricultural Society is by becoming a member. Membership is open to anyone who wishes to support the Show. The support of our Members is vital to the success and longevity of the Show. As a Member you will be able to enjoy the Show more because of the following benefits:

• Free admission to the Heathfield & District Agricultural Show

• Free admission to the Members’ Enclosure

• Free programme

• Use of Members’ marquee catering and bar (plus complimentary tea & coffee between 10-12 noon and 3-4.30pm)

• Seating on Members’ lawn where you can relax and watch the action in the Main Ring

• Car parking in the Forward Car Park on Show day (prior to 10am and then subject to availability)

• Members’ executive WCs

• Right to apply for advance purchase of Members’ Guest Badges

• Up to 15% off exhibitors’ entry fees

• Discount to other Heathfield Agricultural Society events during the year and right to vote at AGM

• Newsletters to keep you informed of events

• Right to vote at Society AGMs (excluding Junior members. Junior members are, however, welcome to express their views to the Society)

Not only will you receive the above, but you’ll be joining a group of friendly, passionate people who really do wish to promote ‘The Best of the Region’, and all the wonderful food, farming and agricultural work that goes on around the High Weald, and the rest of Kent and Sussex. You don’t have to be rich, famous or even a farmer to be a part of this members’ club!

Membership

THE 2017 HEATHFIELD & DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL SHOWMembership Renewal/Application Form

Forms must be with the Membership Secretary by Monday 15th May 2017 latest in order to qualify for tickets to this year’s Show.

Title: Mr/Mrs/Miss Initial: ......................... Surname .................................................................................................................................................

Address ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

.................................................................................................................................................................... Postcode ..........................................................

Telephone ................................................... Mobile ................................................... E mail .........................................................................................(If you have moved home within the last 12 months, please indicate here:.......................)

INDIVIDUAL £22 DUAL £40 FAMILY £45 GUEST £22 I require a receipt (Please tick)

[For office use only (receipt no) ………………………………………...]

I/we agree that you may keep these details on the Show database and that I/we can ask at any time to see the details according to the Data Protection Act.

SIGNED: ................................................................................................................................. DATE: ............................................................................

Membership Secretary, Pedlars Cottage, Swife Lane, Broad Oak, Heathfield, East Sussex TN21 8UU • Tel: 01435 883357 (between 6-9pm only please)