Sheep, horses, pigs, cows with tails like candyfloss and cows kept cool under hose-pipe showers; RAF sky-divers tumbling out of bright blue skies, Anne, Princess Royal, all smiles; family farmers and food-producers, bowler-hatted stewards and crowds dressed to impress in fancy hats, frocks and ties.
The Royal Norfolk Show got underway yesterday with the Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham Usher, as this year’s President.
His packed programme took him across the Showground to meet experts in food and farming, science and innovation, and the countryside and conservation. He welcomed Princess Anne to the Royal Norfolk Show and escorted her to the Royal Box where they watched the Carnival of Cultures, including the African Choir of Norfolk, which performed at the installation of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Bishop Graham hosted the President’s Luncheon where he told guests: “Many folk in recent weeks have asked if I’ve been praying for good weather for the Show. I think I might have overdone it!”
He and his wife, Rachel, met hundreds of farmers, exhibitors, participants, show-goers, and charity workers – including representatives of the three charities he has chosen to support as President.
His theme for his presidency is ‘thriving rural communities.’
He said being President was a huge privilege – and a sheer delight.
“The thing that I love about the Royal Norfolk Show is how it brings together so many different parts of our community. It is a platform for business and industry engagement, it connects the public with farming, honours our traditions, celebrates the best in class, whilst also looking to the future.”
Speaking at the President’s Reception on Wednesday evening, he revealed his first job was picking potatoes for a farmer.
“We were fuelled on her sumptuous homemade cakes, and at the end of the day lined up to receive our agreed £10, only to be given £11. My first and only bonus!” he said.
He went on to say: “The Royal Norfolk Show is a place where we honour excellence, innovation, hard work, and commitment. It is also a place where we tell the story of our countryside and the people who sustain it. Today, we recognise a group of people whose contribution has often been understated, but whose impact has always been profound: the women of British agriculture.”
On the second day of the Show the Bishop and his wife met many more farmers and their livestock. They presented prizes, patted goats and admired gardens.
The bishop presented farming long-service awards, rural business awards and the Timothy Colman Prize recognising outstanding commitment in the agricultural sector, before hosting the President’s Garden Party Lunch.
He also visited the Diocese of Norwich tent, which has been welcoming passers-by throughout the Show. His programme included a church service, visiting the emergency services village and agriculture in action area, as well as presenting trophies at the Grand Parade of livestock and horses, ending with taking the salute from the RAF Falcons Display team and the closing ceremony.