Star of hit BBC2 show ‘It’s not easy Being Green’ Brigit Strawbridge is leading Moreton-in-Marsh Show Society’s new campaign to promote greener living and a more sustainable life.

Brigit, along with her family, lived with a BBC film crew for 24 months as they tried to fulfill their quest for a more eco-friendly existence. Brigit now campaigns to save Britain’s bees and, as well as working alongside local farmers to use set aside and verges to encourage bees, she will be manning the Moreton-in-Marsh Show’s Green Education Centre to make visitors aware why bees are so important and how each and every one of us can help to save them.

As well as giving two bee talks during show day Brigit will be armed with educational material to give out including information on how to save water and free samples of products that all of us can use in our homes such as water hippos that go into toilets to save water.

As well as the Green Education Centre, the new Green Living/Self Sufficiency Area will house the re-introduced Craft Tent featuring traditional crafts such as wood turning, basket weaving and any more. The Area will also showcase local environmental companies covering areas such as the installation of Biomass Heating, Heat Pumps, Solar Panels, Rainwater Harvesting and many self sufficiency products, including eco friendly pet supplies, clothing made from recycled materials and natural skincare.

Local allotment owners are also encouraged to get their entries in for the show’s Allotment Competition which is sponsored by Riverside Dental Practice. Group allotments must be within 10 miles of the Show Office and no entry form is needed as entries can be made via phone or letter to the show office. Entry is just £10 and 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes up to £200 will be awarded following the judging which takes place in August.

Those with less space can find out how to grow their own vegetables in small gardens with the help of a specially set up Permaculture garden in the Green Living Area on Saturday 3rd September.

FARMS AND CROPS COMPETITIONS 2011

RESULTS OF FARMING COMPETITIONS

Judges:            Mr James Barner & Mr Will James: NFU Stratford-upon-Avon.

Steward:             Freddie Wilcox

Class 1a – Best Farmed Farm (2 entries)

Best Small Farm

1st            David Fisher – Hampnett Manor

2nd            Alan Smith – Kingham Hill Farm

Best Small Farm – The Tradesmen’s Cup

The TRADESMEN’S CUP for the BEST SMALL FARM has been awarded to David Fisher – Hampnett Manor.

* A PDF of the letter sent out can be downloaded here:2-best small farm pdf

Thank you for your support for these classes.

Clare Foster & Emma Heathcote-James Secretaries, Moreton Show Office, Oxford Street,

Moreton-in-Marsh, Glos.

GL56 ONA.  Tel 01608 651908;  Fax. 01608 651878

RESULTS OF GRASS CROPS COMPETITIONS

Judges:         Mr Matt Hutsby & Mr David Hodges.         NFU Stratford-upon-Avon.

Class 7 – Best Permanent Pasture (5 entries)

1st           Messrs. R. H. & M. E. Oughton & Sons, Lower Rye Farm, Moreton-in-Marsh.

2nd         Guiting Manor Farms Ltd(Mr. N. Bumford), Guiting Power, Cheltenham.

3rd          C. W. Smith & Son, Kingham Hill Farm, Chipping Norton.

Class 8 – Best Long Term Ley (2 entries)

1st           Messrs. R. H. & M. E. Oughton & Sons, Lower Rye Farm, Moreton-in –Marsh

2nd         Guiting Manor Farms Ltd(Mr. N. Bumford) Guiting Power, Cheltenham.

Class 9 – Best One or Two Year Ley (6 entries)

1st           Messrs. C. W. Smith & Son, Kingham Hill Farm, Chipping Norton.

2nd       Mrs. J.A.S Prest, T/a Hill Farm, Eyford House. Upper Slaughter.

3rd         R & J Baldwyn, High Crest, Hidcote Boyce.

CHAMPION CROP

The WILLIAMS AND HAWKINS CUP for the CHAMPION GRASS CROP has been awarded to Messrs. R. H. & M. E. Oughton & Sons, Lower Rye Farm, Moreton in Marsh.

* A PDF of the letter sent out can be downloaded here: Gross Crop Competition 2011 Results

Thank you for your support for these classes.

Clare Foster & Emma Heathcote-James Secretaries, Moreton Show Office, Oxford Street,

Moreton-in-Marsh, Glos.

GL56 ONA.  Tel 01608 651908;  Fax. 01608 651878

For text see here: http://www.eveshamjournal.co.uk/news/local/8813662.___Pretty_good_times_ahead_for_farmers___/

Half Pint, our guest of honour was a credit to the show and he, along with the plough and churns were blessed by the Rev Andrew Keith in our special service which is word accurate dating to Victorian times.

Pictured below with the plough and churn is James MacCurrach, Chairman of Farms & Crops committee, Greg Dancer our Dairyman representative and Charles Coulston our Ploughman representative along with Rev Andrew Keith and of course,  Half Pint.

Press: http://www.eveshamjournal.co.uk/news/local/8785921.Plough_Sunday_is_beginning_of_year/

For full article see here: http://www.eveshamjournal.co.uk/news/8785924.Cattle_do_nicely_for_new_president/

Please could all current members complete and return the new information form and direct debit mandates sent out last month to renew memberships as soon as possible. As am sure you’re aware the Show Office gets busier and busier as the year gathers momentum, so an early return would be appreciated pretty please!

Please also note, that standing order payment is now replaced by direct debut so it is imperative that you cancel your standing order NOW and if willing, either complete the enclosed Direct Debit Form, fill in credit card details or send a cheque.

Due to new systems in the office, all previously active standing orders will now need to be cancelled so that money isn’t paid out to us in January. The enclosed direct debit forms will take over from this hereon in which will make renewals much easier in the future.

Why continue with your membership?

Membership bring benefits beyond the obvious Show day privileges such as forward parking, sun drenched ring side seats, a private bar and the opportunity to fine dine in the Members’ Restaurant. We will also reintroduce the special voucher scheme for members offering fantastic discounts on goods and services from traders at the show, either on the day or throughout the year. You will now also receive invitations to events throughout the year.

Of course all members will be assured in the knowledge that they will be supporting the Society in its aim to improve the standards of local farming and farm craft and improvements in the breeding of livestock and horses. Members who farm within the Society’s Restricted Area, by entering the Farms and Crops Competitions throughout the year demonstrate that this ethos is working!

The Society does rely on its members and in turn, we hope you enjoy a good return on your membership with us.

Gift Membership from only £20 per year

We’ve got the perfect solution for those friends or family who are a nightmare to buy pressies for… Are they members of Moreton Show Society? If not, then how about treating them to a gift subscription which will last a whole twelve months and allow them to enjoy the show with you in the members tent, along with all the other member benefits listed above… Please call the Moreton Show Office for more information, or to pay over the phone or in person and take home the members pack to wrap up with pretty ribbons.
The Cost:
Full Membership – £25.00 per year
Joint Membership (two people, living at same address) – £40.00 per year
Life Membership (only available to individuals) £350.00 single payment
Senior Citizen (over 60 years at 1st January) £20.00 per year
Joint Senior Citizen (two people, at least one over 60, living at the same address – only one “attached” person per Full Member) £35.00 per year

Please contact the Show Office for more info: 01608 651908