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News
& Info
Social Committee BBQ
Over 320 suppers were served at this year's Social Committee BBQ held on Saturday 16th June at Lawrence House, Levens, at the invitation of President Chuck Mason. Thanks go to the many volunteers who helped - both on the evening and during the preparations. A marvellous array of salads and puddings were served alongside the BBQ, with all the meat being sourced locally. A variety of games, raffle and tombola ensured everyone was kept busy and we are delighted that over £2,400 has been raised for the Lancaster Special Care Baby Unit. Jonathan Mason (Chairman)
Hospitality at the Show
Opportunities are available to businesses and individuals for a unique experience in the prestigious Westmorland Lounge at the County Show. A four-course, locally sourced lunch along with scrumptious afternoon tea and a dedicated seating area overlooking the main ring, are some of the benefits included in a hospitality package. For more information contact the office on 015395 67804
Join the Show Team
Do you want to be part of the winning Westmorland County Show Team? Anyone wishing to volunteer to help or steward are encouraged to contact the office for more information.  Fire Wardens
Ever dreamed of being a fireman?
To comply with the new regulations, we are looking for people willing to train as Fire Wardens for the Show.Full training will be provided.For further details, contact the office 015395 67804
The New Transport Regulations - How Will They Affect You?
A new Regulation on the protection of animals during transport comes into force across Europe as from 5 th January 2007, replacing all existing legislation, and states that: "No animal shall be transported unless it is fit for the intended journey, and all animals shall be transported in conditions guaranteed not to cause them injury or unnecessary suffering."
There are two stages to the implementation of the new rules, part being applicable from January 2007, with the remainder coming into force from January 2008. The Regulations are complex, open to local interpretation and will be enforced by local authorities, which also adds to the confusion. It applies to all those involved with the transport of vertebrate animals in connection with an economic activity, including farmers, livestock and equine hauliers and those working at markets, assembly centres and slaughterhouses.
The EU Regulation sets out additional requirements for journeys over 65km:Hold a transporter authorisation Ensure drivers and attendants are in possession of a certificate of competence (from January '08). Demonstrate appropriate staff and equipment. Complete an Animal Transport Certificate. Vehicles to be clearly marked "Live Animals"
Further requirements apply for journeys over 8 hours: Long journey transporter authorisation. Vehicle inspection and approval. Completion of journey log. Emergency contingency plans
Transporter authorisations are valid for 5 years and are issued on a "per holding" basis, whilst certificates of competence apply to individuals and have no expiry.
For further information contact SVS Worcester 0845 603 8395 or the DEFRA website www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare
What a Load of Rubbish
To be precise, loads and loads and loads of farm plastic was brought to the Showground in July - well over 60 tonnes in total. The demand was overwhelming with tractors and trailers waiting patiently all the way back to the canal bridge, and some farmers even contacting the office for progress updates! This collection was one of a series organised by Cumbria Farm Network's Farm Plastic Recycling Scheme around the county which was clearly a much-needed solution to an increasing problem.
The response by local farmers was praised by Alison Hargreaves and Ellen Ellis from Cumbria Farm Network, who were kept busy all day checking in the rubbish. Even though the scheme is non-profit making there is a charge for accepting the waste, and farmers must be a member of the CFN (£20 per year). Anyone interested should contact CFN on 01768 868615 or www.cumbriafarmernetwork.co.uk for more details.
CLA well settled in new home
 After six months in their new home at Lane Farmhouse the CLA has certainly settled in well. The office is the base for the CLA North regional team who deliver member support and lobbying services for the North West , supported by its office in the North East nr Alnwick. Relocating to the showground was a move which says the CLA, demonstrates the organisation's support for the agricultural industry.
Douglas Chalmers, Director CLA North said: "This is an exciting move for the CLA, at a time when the influence of organisations such as ours is much needed by rural businesses. Agriculture is getting to grips with constant reform and change, and rural businesses in general are facing increasing costs, problems with infrastructure and a shortage of affordable housing for their staff. That we decided to relocate to this hub of agriculture and rural business is no co-incidence.
Members will find us easier to visit, we have good access to the national road and rail networks, and we already have like-minded organisations on the same site, with hopefully, more to follow.
The office is at Lane Farmhouse, next door to the WCAS headquarters, and the CLA says that it will welcome visitors, Members or those who simply want to find out more about them.
To contact CLA North call 015395 67597 email info.north@cla.org.uk or just pop in the next time you visit WCAS. The CLA will again be at the Westmorland Show this year.
Rural Links – Farm Open Days
Advance notice that the Society will again be holding Open Farm Days for primary schools at Heaves Farm, Levens on 26th and 27th June 2007. More details to follow, but offers to steward would be welcome.
Training at Lane Farm
Over the last number of years the Society has been providing training in the classroom, introducing many to a computer and how to make it work for you. Courses have included Excel, Word, DTP, Digital Imaging and Website building. More recently there have also been all the practical courses from Pest Control, Chainsaw Handling, Telescopic Arm Handling and Trailer Handling to First Aid, Food Hygiene and many more.
Here’s one story of many we could publish by Sarah Clegg
“Having passed my driving test after 1997 I knew I needed to pass another test so that I could tow my horse trailer legally, even though I had already done my HGV Class 2. I really didn’t know how to go about this but I saw an advert in the Westmorland Training Brochure for a trailer course they offered. I enquired and was soon booked in for three days of training culminating in my test – which I passed! The standard of training was excellent and everything ran really smoothly. Thanks to Christine and Lesley and I can now tow my horse trailer as well as towing trailers at home for my father legally and safely.”
However there are only three months of DEFRA funding left - up to the end of March - when we will be able to provide the level of training at the very reasonable costs we have been able to so far. The VTS scheme has come to an end and at this point, future funding is unknown.
We have a full timetable scheduled until April with many courses already over-subscribed. If you have read the article on Transportation of Live Animals now is your opportunity to qualify for a Certificate of Competence at Lane Farm—one of the very few centres where this is available. Contact the office on 015395 67804 or email: manager@westmorland.org.uk to find out more details about this and other courses.
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Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain
It is now over two years since the Association took up residence at the Westmorland County Showground, the initial project based at the site has now been completed. The office provides a very useful focal point for enquiries, whether by phone, email or in person.
The outdoor display of walling and interpretation panels depicting the geological variations found throughout the country has been finished. A full colour leaflet accompanies the display and is available free of charge, group visits to the site can be arranged by contacting the DSWA office.
During the course of the project, a training site has been established, which will enable DSWA to run courses giving people chance to build with a variety of stone including features such as curves, pillars and retaining walls. The site will also play host to test days and the DSWA Examiner Standardisation course which is held every two years. We are very grateful to students from Craven College for all the work they have put into building up the site to date.
An official opening of the Centre took place on Monday 17 April 2006 when Lord and Lady Cavendish kindly performed the ceremony, which was well attended.
We look forward to working with WCAS to further develop the work we have started and are grateful for the support shown to date.
For more information contact the office on 015395 67953 or visit www.dswa.org.uk
Alison Shaw, Project Manager
Welcome
I am delighted to welcome the newest member of the office team, who possibly needs little introduction to many … Mrs Pat Bell. A farmer’s daughter from New Hutton, Pat has been “Mrs Catalogue” for a number of years, organising the merry band of catalogue sellers, along with husband Phil who looks after the cattle vehicle parking. Earlier in the year, having “retired” from SLDC, Pat offered her services and helped out in the office in the run up to this year’s Show. Between Lesley, Veronica and Pat the office is now covered daily 9-5 ensuring a warm welcome whether in person, on the phone or via e-mail. So, welcome to Pat and I hope you will enjoy working for the Society
Tim Farron - The Interview!
Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Westmorland and Lonsdale
Tim is a Lancashire Lad, but we wont hold that against him. Born near Preston he was brought up in a semi rural area between Blackburn and Preston. He joined the Liberal party at 16 and went on to study Politics at Newcastle University. In Newcastle he did community work while he was a student, helping out at a soup kitchen. After University he worked in the Extra Mural Studies Department of Lancaster University spending some time at the Charlotte Mason College, Ambleside. A family man, he lives at Milnthorpe with his wife and soon to be four children.
Tim served on the County Council in Lancashire for seven years. A football fanatic, he supports Blackburn Rovers, but doesn't get time to watch them much and staying local watches Rovers Reserves playing at Morecambe. He plays in goal for a local Sunday league team
Very much a grass roots MP Tim still knocks on doors to find out the real issues which are important to people. One of his mottos is "Never say No" and since he has won his seat he has held 106 surgeries and dealt with 2,600 pieces of casework. Check out www.theyworkforyou.com which lists the work carried out by various MPs. He attributes his success in May to the fact that the young people came out and voted for him. Recent work in the House includes an adjournment debate on affordable housing and support for Ann Widdecombe in opposing the closures of rural Post Offices. He has set up an all party Committee on Hill Farming - and is chairman of the Committee. They recently met Lord Bach, who is appalled by the power of the supermarkets.
Many people will have seen Tim at the show where he had a stand and also did a walk about. Leading on from his visit to the Learning for Life Tent he will be visiting several schools in the area. He feels that the Society is the leading light for a major part of the community. The show brings people from all walks of life together.
Tim will work tirelessly for the future of farming and our communities, which must be sustainable with local shops, Post Offices and schools. Farming is viable but the Supermarket stranglehold must be stopped. If farmers are paid a fair price they will be able to maintain their land without subsidies.
Interview by Gordon Capstick and Christine Linley
RRC Funding
The Society are most appreciative of the support given by Rural Regeneration Cumbria, who have approved a £39,300 package of grant funding over three years. Items include pig pens, horse jumps, market research, skills training, signage and development work.
Thank a Farmer
If you ate a meal today
Thank a Farmer.
If you enjoyed your food today
Thank a Farmer.
If you had a drink today
Thank a Farmer.
Please stop for a moment
And thank their work and the soil.
Read the full poem by James Stewart
200 Club
How would you like to win £100 or even better £250?
With odds of winning a prize better than on the National Lottery, why not take up one of the vacant numbers on the 200 Club?
Started many years ago as a means of raising much needed funds, the Society's 200 Club has recently been reviewed and now most of the income is re-distributed in prize money. There are 10 draws a year, April to January, usually made at Management or Board meetings.Members pay just £10, preferably by standing order. Currently there are 19 vacant numbers available on a first-come-first-served basis. Simply contact the office on 015395 67804 to take up this opportunity.
Torchlight 2006
“Let’s do a float for Torchlight!” someone suggested back in the depths of winter. And so the idea was born. Being the week before the Show this year presented the ideal opportunity to advertise our event and take a little part of the country to town.
The band of volunteers worked so hard designing, building, painting, sorting costumes, wiring … and created a fantastic float. The Society land rover, complete with nodding bull’s head and huge champion rosette, pulled two trailers – the first featuring cut-out farm animals on 2 turntables covered by a marquee (sponsored by Todds). A pen with herdwick sheep & a model horse jumping over rails filled the second trailer. A band of walkers, all dressed as animals or farmers, accompanied the float, handing out leaflets about the Show and the Society.
The reception received around the town was amazing – many of our band, especially the chickens and cows, interacted with the crowd and hundreds of “ooh’s and aah’s” and “are those sheep real?” could be heard. The evening was crowned when our entry was awarded the best in the charity section.
Huge thanks to all involved. A lot of work but well worth the effort. Christine Knipe
Your Views are Important
In a joint initiative, students from Lancaster University are undertaking market research in conjunction with the Westmorland County Agricultural Society. They are seeking opinions and views about the Society and the County Show from many different types of people - members, non-members, rural residents and urban dwellers - in a number of different ways. This is your chance to have your say! If you would like to take part in the research, volunteers are being recruited for meetings on 17 th and 18 th January.
For more information or to register contact:
k.mcgroarty@lancs.ac.uk Tel: 07845620370
t.leslie@lancaster.ac.uk Tel: 07775592434
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