Island Life August/September 2018

Interview
through the long winter months,
listening to and contributing to the
plans. All the volunteers in every
area work so hard to produce
this special day, showcasing and
promoting Isle of Wight plc. It is an
incredible effort just for one day
but, under Graham’s
dedicated
leadership, it
has improved
and
expanded.
So we all
feel a real
sense
of pride
in laying
on this
unique and
spectacular,
truly local event. It
is quite right, bearing in
mind the long history and Royal
patronage, that it is called the
Royal Isle of Wight County Show.
Over the last five years the
Show has developed a wonderful
connectivity with the public.
Initially they came to see and get
involved in all that is good within
the Island’s rural community. But
it has now moved on from this and
there is a sense that everyone can
come and have a go, with young
people able to actually get in and
learn how to handle the animals
or taste the produce. From rolling
huge bales of hay around obstacle
courses to sheep shearing
competitions, or
celebrating the
best of Island
food, plants,
gardens,
stock and
riders. Not
forgetting
the
enchanting
and brilliant
poultry section
[my favourite
tent]. There is a
far greater focus on
sharing information, with huge
educational boards explaining
everything from the characteristics
of certain breeds of sheep to
exactly where our milk or eggs
come from. It has retained its
rural character and roots while
broadening its appeal to give the
whole community a feelgood
factor and a great day out.
Today, many locals do not
realise or know the history or
background to the event. Or, more
significantly, why it is important
not just to attend the Show but
also to become a member of the
Society. The Show is the highprofile
face of the Royal Isle of
Wight Agricultural Society. Its aim
is to showcase and promote the
rural sector and give Islanders a
sense of place and identity. It is
definitely not a private show just
for farmers, but aims to reach out
to all the Island and holidaymakers
too. Of course it has and continues
to hold onto its historic roots with
a large section devoted to livestock
and equine events, but now it
has something for everyone.
This year we have worked with
all the primary schools, inviting
them to come for a ‘Taster
Day” to see what goes on at the
Show. There was also a poetry
competition based around Robert
MacFarlane’s book, Lost Words.
This beautifully illustrated book
highlights the rural words that
have been removed from the
Oxford children’s dictionary. For
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