Ground-breaking Canon Anna Norman–Walker has been appointed the first honorary chaplain of the Devon County Show, which will be held on May 19-21 at Westpoint, Exeter. “It was a lovely surprise,” said Canon Norman-Walker, who is a passionate supporter of the countryside. “The Show champions the local and the sustainable, creating a vital platform to acknowledge the faithful work of our farmers who are all too often isolated and labouring against the odds. “For three days a community springs into life at Westpoint giving all who attend a taste of Devon and all that there is for us to be...
When the Devon County Show opens on May 19 at Westpoint, Exeter, visitors with cheesy feet are likely to be hot footing it to the Angora goats feature.
For Show Steward and Angora goat farmer Steve Whitley is producing a line of odour resistant socks which he claims don’t smell and don’t need frequent washing.
He said the fleeces of angora goats do not trap smelly bacteria in the same way as scalier wool or cotton fibres, and his mohair socks can be worn for as much as a year without washing.
"Our customers started owning up to the fact that they could wear them for...
A £1 million giant Ferris wheel dubbed the Devon Eye will be one of the stand-out attractions at this year’s Devon County Show at Westpoint, Exeter on May 19-21. The high-tech structure will make its debut at the 121st Show, which is located in the home county of operators Anderton & Rowlands, the country’s oldest travelling fairground company. Simon DeVey, from Anderton & Rowlands, said: “I am a true Devonian and I couldn’t wish to operate this stunning ride for the first time anywhere else but at the Devon County Show,” he said. The huge structure, which stands 33m high and has...
The 121st Devon County Show was launched in style by The Countess of Arran and Show Secretary Ollie Allen at Southernhay House, Exeter.
In Spring sunshine the pair revealed a huge line-up of entertainment and the vital role Devon’s largest event plays in the life of the county.
“Every event likes to bill itself as having something for everyone, but few have quite such genuine appeal across the board as the Devon County Show,” said Ollie Allen.
“This is surely the only event that can cater for people who are interested in food, farming and having a lot of fun.”...
The most powerful man in European farming, EU Agriculture Commissioner, Phil Hogan, will be attending the Devon County Show on Thursday May 19.
Mr Hogan has accepted an invitation from NFU President, Meurig Raymond, to join him as a guest at the Show, and the Commissioner will also be guest of honour at the Devon Farm Business Awards presentation dinner on the previous evening.
Devon County Show organiser, Ollie Allen, who made the announcement at the press launch of this year’s Show in Exeter today, said that the visit was a tribute to the influence of the NFU, and in...
The trend for wedding cakes made of cheese is being reflected in a new class at this year’s Devon County Show held on May 19-21 at Westpoint, Exeter.
Cheesemakers are being challenged to create and decorate a three or five tier cake.
Award-winning Devon cheesemaker Mary Quicke MBE, who is managing director of Quickes Traditional and Devon County Agricultural Association Chairman of Council, is very supportive of this new class.
“We want to add a new dimension to our dairy produce competitions and reflect changing tastes,” she said.
The Devon County Show's Prince of Wales Award has its first urban winner, in the shape of Park Life, Heavitree, in the heart of Exeter. The award, which carries a first prize of £1,000, is given each year for community projects which build local sustainability, which is what Park Life is all about.
It was set up five years ago by three local families with the aim of using Heavitree Pleasure Grounds to bring local people together to have fun, get to know and help each other and lead more fulfilling lives, all in the beautiful setting of Exeter's largest green space. As well as...
Westcountry legends, The Wurzels, will perform at a private event at the Devon County Show again this year, following their highly successful appearance last year.
The band will perform at the County Show during an exclusive invitation-only event organised by leading South West law firm Stephens Scown LLP on the evening of 19 May.
The four-piece group will be playing its famous hits including Combine Harvester and I am a Cider Drinker for livestock exhibitors and invited guests. The Wurzels were formed in 1966 and are still going strong, gaining new fans and playing gigs...
For the first time the Devon County Show has launched Spring gift cards to celebrate the season and offer recipients a ‘big day out’ in May.
Tickets for the 121st Show on May 19, 20 and 21 at Westpoint, Exeter can be purchased inside a choice of two gift cards designed by a local artist.
Show Secretary Ollie Allen said: “These cards make a perfect present for family and friends at any time between now and May and, unlike Easter eggs, they are a lot less fattening!”
The two designs of a chick hatching and a new-born lamb were created by 23-year-old Ollie Eskriett, a...
