MAY 5, 2009: There will be an extended smallholding area at this year’s Royal Show in Warwickshire from July 7-10 – and Country Smallholding will be there with a stand.
It is hoped writers from the magazine will also be giving presentations at a special ‘interactive theatre’ in the smallholding area. The show – the last in its present format – takes place at Stoneleigh and is organised by The Royal Agricultural Society. A show spokesman said the smallholding area is expected to prove very popular. “As the number and variety of activities in the smallholder area demonstrates, keeping chickens and growing your own vegetables is just the start. “For both the experienced smallholder and those setting up, the show has an enormous amount to offer. This includes excellent advice and practical demonstrations on a host of topics including the artificial insemination of goats and how to prepare a pig for slaughter. Visitors will be able to try their hand at a wide variety of activities too – from milking goats, to dyeing and spinning wool and mastering machinery. BBC Breakfast’s Bill Turnbull will be giving a bee keeping demonstration. If you have a burning question on any aspect of smallholding, then register it at www.royalshow.org.uk and it will be answered at the show. Bad weather hit visitor numbers at last year’s Royal Show, and from 2010 a new programme of events is planned, including elements of the 160-year-old show. For further information on the Royal Show or to book your tickets now visit www.royalshow.org.uk or call 0844 5811400.
