The Official Gillingham & Shaftesbury Pre-Show Magazine 2025!
Dorset’s Turnpike Showground, SP7 9PL
Cat Harris is the first female secretary of the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Agricultural Society
As I write this, it’s nearly August, and we’re looking forward to opening the gates of Turnpike Showground once again to welcome everyone in. I hope the following pages offer a glimpse of a show that holds a special place in the heart of our community.
The whole team is proud of what’s on offer this year – a rich tapestry showcasing the very best in agricultural business and livestock from across the three counties, alongside high-octane family entertainment in the Harts of Stur Main Ring.
I’m always astonished by the dedication of our stewards in the weeks leading up to the show (there are around 350 of them). The time and effort so many individuals give to help make this event so special is what gives the G&S its unique, family feel.
I’d also like to take a moment to thank our sponsors – without their support, we simply couldn’t deliver such a brilliant celebration of rural life.
We’re especially proud that the majority are agricultural businesses or have strong farming roots. We’re equally grateful to the 70+ agricultural exhibitors who take time out of their busy summer season to be part of the show.
So, here’s your annual peek behind the scenes at something that’s been a year in the making… actually longer – we’re already thinking about 2026!
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Big thrills in the Main Ring!
From flying lances to flying bikes – don’t miss the drama of the joust and the high-octane Tigers Motorcycle Display Team.
Minette Batters on farming’s future
This year’s Show President talks to us about her hopes for national policy – and why the cattle lines still matter most.
The Map!
Find your way around with the full showground map – and don’t forget to screenshot it so that it’s handy for show day.
What’s to see in the Turnpike Ring
The smartest dogs, speediest ferrets and the utterly chaotic bedlam of racing terriers – the smaller ring with big entertainment.
The team’s insider guide on what not to miss!
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25 22
14 8 6 26
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Our personal top picks for special moments and quiet showground gems – the must-see bits you won’t want to miss.
Full show timetable – both days
What’s on, where and when – your at-a-glance guide to everything happening across the showground.
Show day survival guide
Top tips, FAQs and essential info – everything you need to know before you set off.
30 things to do – all included!
From axe throwing to live music, a full day of fun that won’t cost you a penny extra.
Wednesday night is party night
A line-up of amazing live bands, great food and a proper summer evening atmosphere – stay late and make a night of it.
32 Meet the makers
From a thatcher to a stonemason – watch traditional skills in action, ask questions ... and maybe even have a go yourself.
Let battle commence
In the heart of the Main Ring, noble rivalry brews as Sir Marc the Brave of Gillingham prepares to face off against Sir Rebekka the Wise of Shaftesbury. With the graceful Lady Rosie presiding as the Lady of the Tournament, the stage is set to decide which town boasts the worthier knight…
But the contest is thrown into chaos with the thunderous arrival of Sir John the Vile – a rogue from the northern wastelands of Trowbridge. Bound by knightly code, the heroes must let him ride… and so begins a storm of trouble, terror – and some distinctly unruly peasant abuse.
Can honour and order be restored before the final lance is thrown?
Minette Batters on hope, uncertainty – and always visiting the cattle lines
This year’s president of The Gillingham & Shaftesbury Agricultural Society is a familiar face to many. Former NFU President Minette Batters has one of the most recognisable voices in farming – but when she visits an agricultural show, she’s not there for the spotlight.
Baroness Batters, who has taken on the honorary role ahead of this summer’s Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show, says she is particularly proud to support a show that has stayed so rooted in its agricultural purpose.
‘It’s the one place where I’m guaranteed to see other farmers I don’t cross paths with all year,’ she says. ‘These shows play a really fundamental role in bringing the rural community together. It’s easy to forget that – or to take it for granted.’
‘A lot of shows have gone very trade-stand heavy, and lost their farming core. But G&S has really retained its rural roots. You’ll still see the land agents, the processors, the livestock markets – the people who farmers actually work with year-round. That’s what makes it so relevant ... and so needed.’
‘We need a plan’
With decades of experience farming in Wiltshire and six years heading the NFU, Minette remains closely involved with national policy – she’s currently leading a government review on farming profitability.
‘At the moment, uncertainty is the biggest issue. Morale’s been
The Right Honourable Baroness Minette Batters is the 86th president of the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Agricultural Society
‘This industry feeds the nation. There’s no more important job’
knocked. Farmers just don’t know what policy is going to hit them next,’ she says. ‘And when you combine that with the weather ... well, in some areas, grass yields are 50 per cent down. That’s huge.’
Minette hopes the new Labour government will listen to one of farming’s most consistent calls: for a long-term plan.
‘We need a 25-year roadmap that’s stable and stretches beyond political cycles.
Farming is a long-term business – it simply can’t afford to flip-flop with every new minister.
We’ve had enough of being told to do one thing and then, at the last minute, it all changes.’
The next generation
She’s also keen to bring more young people into the sector:
‘There has been so much uncertainty that farming has started to feel like an unattractive career. But it shouldn’t. This industry feeds the nation. There’s no more important job,’ she says.
‘It’s fast-changing – climate-
smart agriculture, adapting to new conditions – it’s exciting.
‘And it’s young people who are going to drive that change. I speak to a lot of them, and they are optimistic. We just need to give them the space and support to shape the future.’
It’s always the cattle lines
When she’s at an agricultural show, though, Minette’s focus isn’t on policy – it’s on the people and animals. ‘I always make time
to walk up and down the cattle lines – and to watch the show jumping,’ she says.
And if she had one piece of advice for young handlers entering the show ring for the first time?
‘Taking part is everything,’ she says. ‘When I was showing, if you didn’t win, it could feel utterly soul-destroying – it’s so much work! But just getting to the show is such a huge achievement. Embrace the day. Be proud of being there. That’s what matters.’
‘These shows play a really fundamental role in bringing the rural community together. It’s easy to forget that – or to
Get ready for roaring engines, daring riders and jaw-dropping stunts – the legendary Tigers Motorcycle Display Team are riding into the Main Ring! Formed in 1983, the Tigers are one of the UK’s most established and fearless youth display teams. These talented young riders, aged just five to 16, perform tightly choreographed routines with incredible skill and confidence. Expect precision riding, thrilling jumps, human pyramids and some seriously brave manoeuvres – all delivered with trademark Tiger flair.
The team is run entirely by volunteers and gives youngsters the chance to develop not just motorbike skills, but confidence, discipline and teamwork. Their energy is infectious, their stunts astonishing – and their performances guaranteed to get your heart racing. Whether you’re a petrolhead or just love a good spectacle, don’t miss the Tigers in action. You’ll be cheering them on long after the engines have cooled.
Why C.J. Cox keeps coming back to G&S
When C.J. Cox first took a stand at the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show, it was a modest setup as a small local family firm. Three decades later, not much has changed ... except everything has.
‘We’ve always seen G&S as probably the best agricultural show in the South West,’ says Martin Spicer, who heads the sales team. ‘It’s stuck to its roots – it’s still agri-first. That’s what brings us back year after year.
Other shows have drifted towards the commercial side, but at G&S, we know we’ll see the people we want to talk to. Our customers are right here.’
While many companies view modern rural shows as pure marketing, C.J. Cox still finds genuine value in turning up.
‘Business is definitely still done,’ Martin says: ‘Business is definitely still done, especially on the trailer side. Ifor Williams always draws in the smallholders, the trades and the equine crowd.
‘But it’s also about being seen, shaking hands and meeting people new to the area. And it’s a good launchpad for new products – we might not have something brand new every year, but when we do, the show’s audience is exactly who we want seeing it.’
C.J. Cox started small – just Chris Cox and a van in the early 1980s, operating from a disused petrol station. The company has
Chris Cox is still actively involved and usually found in his overalls underneath heavy machinery
Martin Spicer of C.J. Cox Tractors All images:Courtenay Hitchocck
‘As the farming industry gets smaller, the divide between rural life and the wider public grows.’
continued to grow and now has two depots, more than 35 staff and a reputation for service that Martin believes is its greatest strength:
‘That’s what sets us apart,’ he says. ‘If we take on a new product, we’re already buying the spares for it, asking the manufacturers what we’ll need on the shelf. We want to make sure that when something breaks, we’re ready.’
That approach is rooted in an understanding of North Dorset’s farming life. ‘You’ve got plenty of old machines out there, and they might not be worth much – but farmers rely on them daily. If a telehandler breaks and it’s the only way to feed the cows, that’s urgent.
The cows are their livelihood.
‘So we prioritise – we’ll turn left out of the gate to fix the feeder, and we’ll come back later to sort the trailer that won’t tip.
‘Compared to a couple of decades ago, we’re seeing much more investment in bigger kit. Farms have merged or expanded, and what we used to only sell to contractors we now sell to the farmers themselves. GPS is standard too – we wouldn’t spec a 200hp tractor without it.’
Beyond business, Martin is clear
about why C.J. Cox continues to support the show. ‘It’s not really optional for us. As the farming industry gets smaller, the divide between rural life and the wider public grows. Events like this help bridge that gap.
‘There’s always a buzz. A busy stand, good conversations – that’s what makes it worth it.’
Meanwhile, over in the Turnpike Ring ...
There’s non-stop entertainment in the Turnpike Ring this year, with a packed schedule that’s guaranteed to delight every member of the family.
First up, don’t miss the ever-popular Dog & Sheep Show. The brilliantly entertaining display of smart sheepdogs, unwilling sheep and down-to-earth humour shows how dogs communicate, herd and work as a team. It’s fast, funny ... and surprisingly informative – a crowd favourite for very good reason.
The hilarity continues with ferret racing – listen out for the giggles as the furry
competitors charge down drainpipes in pursuit of glory. Just remember: it’s the tail, not the nose, that wins!
Terrier racing returns too, with the irrepressible Bill Galpin providing his signature commentary as chaos reigns on the course. And yes, your dog can take part – and it’s not just for terriers!
Finally, don’t miss the expert gun dog demonstrations , showcasing skill, obedience and the remarkable bond between working dogs and their handlers.
• Find it all in the Turnpike Ring – both days, with events running 10am to 4.30pm
From Blandford to the beer tent
With nearly 250 years of brewing behind them, Hall & Woodhouse brings Badger Beer, community spirit ... and two bars to this summer’s G&S Show!
You’d be hard pressed to find a business with deeper Dorset roots than Hall & Woodhouse.
The family-owned brewery has been based in Blandford since 1777 and is now in its eighth generation, still proudly independent and still brewing Badger Beer just a few miles from our Turnpike Showground.
‘We call this area our heartland,’ says Alice Kendall from Hall & Woodhouse. ‘It’s where we started and it’s where our support for local events really matters. That’s why we were so pleased to join the G&S Show last year – and we’re excited to be back again this summer as Bars Partner, with not one but two bars on site!’
With a brewing history that stretches back nearly 250 years, Hall & Woodhouse is one of the oldest family brewers in the country. Their first pub was The Ship in Weymouth, and today the business still owns and manages over 70 pubs, with hundreds more operated in partnership with
Hall & Woodhouse has been a family-owned brewery based in Blandford since 1777
local landlords. The Woodhouse family remains actively involved, and part of the business today. Last year was the brewery’s first time at the G&S Show, and they quickly felt at home. ‘It was actually one of our favourite shows,’ says Alice.
‘We had a great pitch near the stage, and the atmosphere was amazing – especially on the Wednesday evening. Most events we do are daytime only, but G&S runs on into the first night, which gives it such a different vibe.’
‘The show really does have something for everyone: my toddler nephew had the best time last year seeing all the tractors and the animals. And my grandma enters the flower arranging every year.
‘And it’s a proper country show still – even last summer, when it was raining, it didn’t bother anyone. I think that’s because it is a country show: it’s filled with farmers, equine people, dog people ... everyone’s used to the rain!’
The Hall & Woodhouse team also see the show as part of their wider commitment to local communities. Through their Community Chest scheme, they aim to donate £1 million a year to local charities, with every pub choosing causes close to home.
‘It’s about giving something back to the areas we know and love – and the G&S Show is a big part of that.’
Anthony Woodhouse behind the bar at the G&S Show last year
The G&S insider’s guide on what not to miss!
The G&S Show team know the ground better than anyone – so we asked them what not to miss this year, once you manage to tear yourself away from the Main Ring:
The cattle and sheep lines
At its core, the G&S is still proudly an agricultural show. You don’t need to be a farmer to find the sheep and cattle competitions genuinely fascinating – and it’s well worth wandering the lines afterwards. Don’t be shy: breeders are usually happy to chat and there’s no such thing as a silly question.
On Wednesday, you’ll see the Commercial Sheep classes, along with Beef and Dairy cattle breeds.
On Thursday, it’s the turn of the
As well as the static display of steam engines and vintage tractors, favourites like the Littlegem Foster and Garrett 4NHP Tractor will be parading in the Main Ring!
rare, traditional and minority sheep breeds, plus the Cattle Championships and the everpopular Young Handlers classes.
• HOW TO SEE THEM:
The cattle and sheep lines are to the side of the main show area – just check the map. Judging starts at 8.30am and runs through until late morning on both days.
Sheep and Cattle Top Trumps
New for this year – keep an eye out around the livestock lines for the Sheep and Cattle Top Trumps trail! Each breed has its own info card, packed with fun facts and stats – from weight and wool type to
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history and rare breed status. There’s one for every breed on display.
• HOW TO DO IT:
See how many you can spot as you wander the cattle and sheep lines.
The Grand Parade
Staying with the agricultural theme, the Grand Parade of Livestock – sponsored by Cornish Mutual – returns proudly to the Harts of Stur Main Ring.
Watch as the day’s champions and prize-winning livestock take a lap of honour around the ring. It’s a proper show highlight – and not one to miss.
• HOW TO SEE THEM:
The Harts of Stur Main Ring, both days, 3.15pm
The Dog Ring
Sitting roughly halfway between the Main Ring and the Turnpike Ring, the Dog Agility Ring is easy to find – and well worth a stop.
There’s a full timetable of demonstrations running all day, covering Fitpaws, gundog work, scentwork and agility. It’s all run by Dogwise Training School, based in Mere, who’ll also have their brilliant dog shop on site
• HOW TO SEE THEM:
The Dog Agility Ring, both days, with regular demos from 10am to 3pm
Thank you for the music
When it’s time for a break, make sure you stop near some music – there’s live entertainment all day across the showground! On the Main Stage you’ll catch everything from the ever-popular wit and harmonies of the Belle Street duo to the electric energy of rock/pop favourites Sugar Rush. Over at the Bandstand, enjoy a rolling line-up including The Pedigree Jazzband (jazz, jive and swing), Acoustic Jass (traditional New Orleans jazz), the Gillingham Imperial Silver Band and the award-winning Significance Sign Choir.
• HOW TO SEE THEM:
Live entertainment runs all day on both stages, with the Band Stand starting at 10am and the Main Stage from 10.30am on both days.
Have a go!
From dry stone walling with top waller Tom Trouton to cutting old pennies into intricate designs with Simon at A Pretty Penny, maybe stone carving or even thatching: there’s plenty to have a go at.
• HOW TO FIND THEM: Wander through the craft areas and see what hands-on activities catch your eye.
Highly
Eco-SustainableChildcare Eco-SustainableChildcare
Extracurricular activities
Extracurricular activities
No-added sugar menus No-added sugar menus
Long opening hours
Long opening hours
Great
WEDNESDAY 13th
MAIN RING
9:15 Jousting 12:30 Heavy Horse Classes 12:10 Hound Parade 11:10 Tigers Motorcycle Display Team 10:00 D1-D4 Driving Classes sponsored by Brown & Brown sponsored by Paul Millard Plant Hire sponsored by BV 13:00 Jousting 14:15 Tigers Motorcycle Display Team 13:45 Steam Parade sponsored by TDJ Hunt Agricultural Services Ltd 15:15 Grand Parade sponsored by Cornish Mutual 16:00 SJ1 - SJ4 Showjumping Classes
TDJ HUNT
MUSIC STAGE
10:30 Rockit Choir 12:00 Conor Smith
Belle Street
Set Ready
Soul Sonics 18:15 Sixteen String Jack 20:00 Balance of Power
TURNPIKE RING
Ferret Racing
Gun Dog Display
Ferret Racing
Dog & Sheep Show
Meet the Hounds 14:30 Terrier Racing
Ferret Racing 15:30 Gun Dog Display 16:00 Dog & Sheep Show 13:30 Ferret Racing
RING B sponsored by Paul Millard Plant Hire sponsored by Brown & Brown sponsored by Peter Harding Wealth Management 16:30 Terrier Racing sponsored by Pawbeck 21:00 Decatonics sponsored by Peter Harding Wealth Management sponsored by Pawbeck sponsored by Pawbeck
BANDSTAND
10:00 Gillingham Band 11:15 Acoustic Jass 12:30 Gillingham Training Band 13:45 Gillingham Band 15:00 Acoustic Jass 16:00 Gillingham Band
CATTLE
8:30 Breed Classes
SHEEP
8:30 Young Handlers Classes 9:00 Commercial Classes
A 13:00 12: ROR In Hand 14:00 13-14: Irish Draught In Hand
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TURNPIKE RING
MAIN RING
9:30 Shetland Pony Display Team
10:00 Tractor Parade
10:45 Heavy Horse Parade
11:15 Tigers Motorcycle Display Team
12:15 Jousting
13:00 Steam Parade
13:45 Tigers Motorcycle Display Team
sponsored by Paul Millard Plant Hire
14:45 Jousting
sponsored by Brown & Brown sponsored by The BV sponsored by Dorset Tractors sponsored by Brown & Brown
15:15 Grand Parade sponsored by Cornish Mutual
16:00 Shetland Pony Display Team sponsored by Paul Millard Plant Hire sponsored by TDJ Agricultural Services Ltd
16:30 Heavy Horse Parade sponsored by The BV
TDJ HUNT
MUSIC STAGE
10:30 Crystal Visions 11:45 Tom Clements 13:00 Onyx 14:30 Dr Beetroot 15:45 Sugar Rush
BANDSTAND
10:00 Charlie Greenwood 11:15 Pedigree Jazz Band 12:15 Signi cant Choir 12:45 Rock Choir 13:45 Pedigree Jazz Band
15:00 Band on the Strum
10:00 Ferret Racing 10:30 Terrier Racing 11:00 Ferret Racing 11:45 Gun Dog Display 12:15 Ferret Racing 12:45 Dog & Sheep Show
14:00 Meet the Hounds 14:30 Terrier Racing 15:00 Ferret Racing 15:30 Gun Dog Display
16:00 Dog & Sheep Show 13:30 Ferret Racing sponsored by Peter Harding Wealth Management 16:30 Terrier Racing sponsored by Pawbeck sponsored by Peter Harding Wealth Management sponsored by Pawbeck sponsored by Pawbeck
CATTLE
9:00 Interbreed Groups 9:30 Young Handlers
10:00 Championships
SHEEP
8:30 Young Handlers Classes 9:00 Minority & Traditional Classes
EQUINE
08:30 20: Open & Una liated M&M 10:00 21 - 25: M&M Ponies 12:30 26: Ridden Veterans 13:30 27 - 28: Ridden Coloured RING A 9:30 29 - 31: Young Horse In Hand 10:30 32: In Hand Veterans RING B 11:00 33 - 34: In Hand Coloured 12:30 35 - 42: In Hand M&M Mixed In Hand Classes
The insider’s tips for the G&S Show!
Your quick cheat sheet to the essentials of your show day – it’s the Show Team’s round up of everyone’s most frequently asked questions:
DOWNLOAD YOUR TICKETS!
The signal can be shaky within the showground: to ensure quick and easy entry, make sure you have downloaded your digital tickets to your phone before you leave home!
BRING SOME CASH!
Again, signal is patchy – relying on contactless can be hit and miss. Back up cash is a good idea, though there is a cash machine beside the show office.
MAKE A PLAN!
Take some time to look at the timetables and map, and make a note of the times and places for those you don’t want to miss. Main Ring attractions are popular, so you might want to bring a chair and bag yourself a spot at ringside!
BRING A BOTTLE!
There will be free water points around the ground, and we encourage visitors to bring your re-fillable bottle and ensure you stay hydrated. It’s a long day!
DISABLED ACCESS.
There is no specific disabled parking – if you have a blue badge you will be directed as near as possible to the show site entrance in each car park. Pre-booked mobility scooters should be collected from just inside Gate 1.
WE LOVE YOUR DOG!
Well-behaved dogs are of course
welcome – but on a short lead, and under control at all times. Please note that NO dogs are permitted within the Cattle or Sheep areas, or in marquees.
BACK UP PLAN!
Because mobile signal is shaky, before you arrive agree a plan with your family or friends in case you get separated – perhaps set a What3Words, and a time to meet up. Handy What3Words locations for you:
• Show Office: regime.perplexed.sifts
• Gate 1, Main Entrance: screeches.rare.tutorial
• Red Car Park: advising.curtail.florists
• Green Car Park pedestrian entrance: prepares.aliens.tonight
• Gate 6, Purple Car Park: backlog.serenade.handlebar
• Gate 8, Red Car Park: hourglass.stated.rainbow
• Blue Car Park: bulldozer.beans.inner
• Turnpike Ring: footpath.hunk.mingles
• Main Ring: reduction.inflation.amounting
HAVE A GOOD TIME!
Do share your pictures on social media – use #GandS2025, and tag us in so we can share them: on both Facebook and Instagram we’re @GillinghamandShaftesburyShow
30 things to do (all
included with your ticket!)
Your ticket doesn’t just get you through the gate – yes, there are over 500 stands and producers to browse, but at G&S you also get a full day packed with great entertainment, hands-on activities, interesting displays and countryside experiences. From live music and showring spectacles to animal encounters, traditional crafts and have-a-go fun, there’s loads to enjoy without spending another penny once you’re in. Here are just 30 things you can do for free on the day...
1. Watch the Jousting –Knights, lances, chaos and chivalry in the Main Ring
2. See the Tigers Motorcycle Display – jaw-dropping stunts and flying bikes
3. Catch the Shetland Pony Display Team – big attitude in tiny packages
4. Visit the Heavy Horse Village –gentle giants with serious pulling power
5. Watch the Cattle Judging – the best of British livestock on parade
6. See Sheep Judging – fleece, form and farmyard rivalry
7. Take in the Equine classes –from retired racehorses to elegant showjumpers
8. See the Vintage Tractor Parade –engines, nostalgia and polish galore
9. Watch the Steam Parade – the clanking, hissing heart of rural history
10. Try dry stone walling – a hands-on go at a timeless skill
11. Try thatching – see if you’ve got the knack!
12. Watch the Gun Dog display –obedience, skill and an overload of wagging tails
13. Cheer for Terrier Racing – total chaos at high speed
14. Enter the Fun Dog Show – rosettes, wobbly sit-stays and waggy pride
15. Watch Ferret Racing – pure mischief on crazily fast feet through drainpipes
16. Watch The Sheep Show – music, dancing and shearing demos
17. Make a coin pendant – hands-on fun with A Pretty Penny
18. Visit the Observation Hive – spot the queen and watch the bees at work
19. Enjoy live music – great bands on the Main Stage all day
20. Watch the Grand Parade –livestock champions take a lap of honour each day
21. Visit the Tractor Dealerships –the latest machines up close
22. See the Dog & Sheep Show –clever dogs and confused sheep
23. Explore the Horticultural competitions – cakes, carrots and creative flair
24. Make a beeswax candle – drop in to the Bees & Honey tent
25. Have a go at milling flour – oldschool power, creating some freshground grain
26. Learn about Grain & Fodder –what goes into feeding a farm
27. Try felting – soft, colourful and surprisingly satisfying
28. Explore Stone Carving – watch and try your hand at carving
29. Meet the Goats – friendly faces and plenty of character
30. Watch the Open Air Dairy milking demo – see how cows are milked in the field, and learn about pastureled dairy farming
Wednesday night is party night at G&S!
Stay on after the showground closes at 6pm on Wednesday 13th for a great night out! Enjoy plenty of live music, and there will of course be bars and food options available throughout the evening around the Music Stage. Kicking the evening off, from 4.30pm The Soul Sonics, a nine piece band, will be playing the greatest Soul, Northern Soul, and Motown songs that will get everyone up dancing. At 6.15, they give way to Sixteen String Jack – a popular local fivepiece Americana band. At 8pm we welcome Balance of Power, set to get the crowd jumping with their set list of 80s rock anthems.
Lastly, the brilliant Decatonics will be on at 9pm to finish off what is set to be an amazing evening with their high energy Ska. Your day ticket lasts into the night, or you can get special Wednesday Late Entry tickets for an incredible afternoon and evening at the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show! These allow entry to the main show from 3pm, and you can join us after the gates close for a night of music, food & drink.
Bandages, burgers ... and the best view
Emma Hallett, on 25 years with Friars Moor Vets and why the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show still matters
After 25 years at Friars Moor, there isn’t much Emma Hallett hasn’t seen. She started training as a veterinary nurse in 2000, and since then she has worked across both the small animal and farm teams, through TB testing, lab work, emergency call-outs – and the chaos of the COVID years.
These days, she manages the daily operations of the busy farm office, and no two days are
Friars Moor was established in 1975 and now has three practices located in the beautiful Blackmore Vale in North Dorset. Friars Moor Vets has a team of vets, nurses and support staff providing excellent care for your dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens and other pets. Friars Moor Livestock Health have a team of vets and support staff practising high quality farm work with dairy cattle, beef, sheep, goats, game birds and camelids.
Emma Hallet is farm operations manager at Friars Moor Livestock Health Image: Courtenay Hitchcock
the same: ‘You never know what’s going to happen. It’s always interesting,’ she says.
A Dorset local, Emma grew up on a dairy farm in Margaret Marsh and remembers the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show as a fixture of the farming calendar:
‘It was a family tradition – the whole village would go. We’d share lifts, someone would always be a member and get tickets.
At the show, the Friars Moor tent is a popular destination for the local farming community
‘I started showing cattle there when I was about 15. Then came Young Farmers, fashion shows, competitions, the dance afterwards – it was a big day out!’
It still is. The Friars Moor Livestock team now runs one of the show’s busiest hospitality stands, offering a place for farmers to gather, grab a burger and meet the team.
‘It’s our way of saying thank you,’ says Emma. ‘Farmers bring their families – it’s nice and chilled. We always try to do something a bit more each year. Competitions, displays – all just showing what we do.’
The team also supports the Food & Farming Tent, bringing hands-on displays from its farm education courses. ‘We want people to learn. Adults too – it’s not just for kids. Bandaging, tubing, basic livestock care ... it helps show what really goes on behind the scenes.’
Emma’s own show day starts early – getting sheep ready with her boys, helping at the tent, and racing back from the young handler classes to put the kettle on. ‘The barbecue’s manic at lunchtime – but we love it. And our marquee’s right by the Grand Parade, so we get the best view in the house!’
Meet the makers keeping traditional skills alive
It’s easy to wander past the artisan stands without really stopping – but if you do, you’re missing something special
The Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show is one of the few places you’ll see traditional skills not just displayed, but properly in action. From stick makers and woodturners to thatchers and weavers, these are craftspeople who really know their stuff – and they’re here because they love what they do, and they’re happy to chat as they work. Whether you’re curious about the tools, the techniques or just how long it takes to get that good, this is the place to ask… and maybe even have a go yourself.
Alex Frost - thatcher
Alex didn’t exactly plan to become a thatcher – ‘It was an accidental career choice. I needed some work experience when I was at Sturminster Newton High School. My dad was a cabinet maker and
doing some work with local thatcher John Butler. I ended up doing one day a week with John… and never really left.’
That was nearly 30 years ago. Alex and his now-business partner Nathan both went on to complete their training to earn the Master Thatcher title, and worked alongside John until his retirement this year. Now Alex and Nathan have taken over the business.
Last year was Alex’s first time visiting the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show and he loved the atmosphere: ‘It’s a proper country show. I always make sure I visit all the other artisans – I could spend all day with the hurdlemakers and dry stone wallers. We’ll be doing a some thatching at the show, and we’ll be set up so people can have a go themselves, too.’ It was the camels that made the 2024
Alex Frost (left), apprentice Lewis and Nathan Curtis, Master Thatchers
show for Alex. His must-see this year? ‘Definitely the jousting. Can’t wait!’
• Alex & Nathan Master Thatchers
Artful Charlie - signwriter
‘I’m a signwriter and mural artist – shop signs, pub signs, murals, canvas tents… if it stands still and can be painted, I’ll paint it!’
Charlie studied product design, graphics and marketing at university, but it was a few creative jobs for her mum’s business (Dairy House Antiques near Shaftesbury) that set her on a different path. ‘People started asking me to do signs and wall art – and I realised I was having way too much fun to stop.’ Her goal had always been to run her own business, and five years ago, she made the leap.
At the show, you’ll catch her in action painting the brand new Turnpike Tavern sign across both days.
‘I’ve been coming to G&S for as long as I can remember – my dad’s a farmer in the Donheads, and I don’t remember a year we didn’t all attend. Now I’m bringing my own little boy too. It’s just such a fun family day out.’
Must-see this year? ‘The animals – I love them all, from the rabbits to the sheep. Though I suspect I’ll be dragged to every single tractor first this year...’
• artfulcharlie.co.uk
Artful Charlie, signwriter
John Deverell - stone carver
After retiring from the Army, Brigadier John Deverell CBE became the Director of Defence Diplomacy at the MOD. Fifteen years ago, a family stone carving course changed everything: ‘It was with master carver Ian Ward, and I just completely fell in love with it.’
Ian trained at Winchester Cathedral and has worked on St Paul’s, Windsor Castle, Stirling Castle and more. ‘Three years ago, I suggested we could work together and turn his courses into something more ... now we run regular stone carving courses in an old barn in Brewham, near Bruton.’
At just £150 for five days (and half price for children), the focus is on accessibility: ‘It’s not about profit – it’s about sharing the skills and the joy of doing it.’ Participants come away with something they’ve created themselves – from house names to owls, ducks or even pet gravestones. ‘We’ve had people thinking about commissions – we’re still waiting for someone to request a 17’ Neptune
John Deverill, stone carver
statue – but we always say, why not come and make it yourself?’
John is passionate about keeping traditional crafts alive: ‘We complain they’re dying out, but how often do we see them alongside the local bank or IT firm at careers fairs? How often are we opening teenager’s eyes to the possibilities and opportunities of traditional trades and crafts?’
Must-see this year? ‘I do always take a break to visit the animal lines – they are important to me. And of course the artisan craftspeople are fascinating, I’ll watch them all day long if I can. But actually the best bit for me is chatting to people about stone carving – I love to get a “Well, I never knew that!”’’
• stone-carving.co.uk
Jason Wilkins – woodturner
‘I was a landscape gardener and thought woodturning looked interesting – so I gave it a go as a hobby. It slowly took over… I dropped the gardening business to four days a week. Then three, then two... By 2019, I wrapped up my last clients and went full time.’
Jason only uses local windblown or felled wood – often the owners will keep the firewood and let him take the trunk in exchange for a handcrafted bowl or two.
‘I process and store everything myself – it’s all done in my yard, ready to be turned.’
At the show, you’ll find him on the lathe, turning bowls throughout the day. ‘I love chatting to people while I work – whether it’s about tools, techniques or timber. And of course, they can buy the bowl they’ve just watched take shape.’
Must-see at the show? ‘I wouldn’t know – I never get to leave my stand!’
• oldforgecrafts.com
Brian Waters - Stick maker
Brian’s been using a walking stick since he was 15, working on the Upton Farm Estate – but he only started making them by chance. ‘I was walking the dog in a forest, picked up a stick, and had the strongest idea I wanted to carve it. I still have no idea why!
‘When I got home I went online and found some videos – and I’ve never really stopped learning since.’
Self-taught Brian has competed at stick making across the country, and is now chairman of the Hants and Dorset Stick Makers and a member of the British Stick Makers Guild. ‘I did need someone to teach me to work with horn though – that took a few years to master, it’s far harder to work than wood.’
Teaching others has become a big part of what he does. ‘It’s a hobby, not a profession – I don’t make a living from it. But is there a word for something that’s clearly more than “just a hobby”? If anyone wants to learn, I’ll teach ’em!’ He’ll also be selling a range of children’s sticks –and for good reason. ‘At Highclere Castle, I sold a boy a thumb stick and he was thrilled. The next day, his little brother came back for one too – but I didn’t have anything affordable left. He was genuinely heartbroken ... I swore then I’d always bring plenty of sticks for kids.’
Must-see at the show? ‘I’ve never been to the G&S before! I’m excited to come – and not very surprisingly I always make a beeline for the traditional crafts. I love to spend time watching a real expert making things with their hands.’
• dorsetsticks.com
Brian Waters, stick maker
The cheddar that time
didn’t forget
Barber’s are the oldest surviving cheddar-makers in the world – they have been making cheese in Somerset since 1833, before Queen Victoria was on the throne and long before the invention of fridges or the motor car. They are still farming the same land and, though production has massively expanded, they are still very much a family business.
Barber’s cheese is unique because they are the sole guardians of a collection of traditional live starter cultures – the only cheesemaker in the UK still using these original blends of beneficial bacteria that initiate the cheesemaking process and contribute to the cheddar’s distinctive flavour, texture and aroma. These cultures have been passed down through generations of the Barber family.
Cheddaring – cutting, stacking and turning curd blocks to expel whey and develop texture and flavor
As demand for their cheddar grew, the family began working with neighbouring farms to keep up with production. That network has grown steadily over the decades – more than 150 local farms now supply milk to Barber’s, all within a 32-mile radius of their Somerset and Dorset base.
‘We’re proud to have kept the tradition of true farmhouse cheddar alive,’ says Katy Dale of Barber’s. ‘But we’re also looking forward – we’re constantly trying to farm in a way that’s genuinely nature-positive, and to help people understand the farming story behind the food.’
At the heart of Barber’s Nature Positive sustainability work is a shift towards regenerative farming. The company prioritises grass-fed milk, with their cows at pasture for over 200 days a year – well above the UK average –and fed on grass or silage year-round. Their supply chain produces around 20% less CO₂ than the UK average.
‘We use herbal lays – fields sown with a mixture of grasses and legumes – which helps reduce the need for artificial nitrogen fertilisers,’ Katy explains. ‘We’re also really active in hedgerow management – we have over 1,500 miles of hedges across our farms, and they’re an important habitat for so many species.’
Barber’s also operate a zero-waste policy in their cheesemaking, reusing whey and water from the process wherever possible. And while they’re serious about their environmental work, they’re just as passionate about sharing
it: ‘Agricultural shows are really important to us,’ says Katy. ‘It’s not just about selling cheese – it’s about telling our whole story to our customers.
‘Of course it’s lovely to see people try our cheese, but just as important to us is connecting with customers and showing them that we care about our cows and our land as much as we care about our product. A show like the G&S gives people the chance to meet us, hear the story, and understand the link between food and farming.’
‘At the end of the day, we obviously want people to enjoy our cheese – but also for them to understand the importance of how it’s made.’
’We’re constantly trying to farm in a way that’s genuinely nature-positive, and to help people understand the farming story behind the food’
prioritises grass-fed milk, with cows on pasture as much of the year as possible
