The Farmers Mart Feb-Mar 2019 - Issue 61 | Page 45

EVENTS 45
• FEB/MAR 2019
Farming Fun for Families
at Springtime Live
TICKETS are now on sale for annual family
GREAT TURNOUT FOR
FARMING FORUM
Over 140 people attended a Farming Forum at
Market Rasen Racecourse last Thursday. The
Forum which is held bi-annually was sponsored
by Nicholsons Chartered Accountants and Perkins
George Mawer & Co and is in its 10th year.
MIKE Perkins from Perkins George Mawer &
Co opened the Forum by welcoming every-
one. He also introduced the speakers who
are all experts in the field of agriculture.
The organisers of the Forum were de-
lighted to have secured keynote speaker,
Jonathan Gill from Harper Adams Uni-
versity. Jonathan gave a most up to date
and inspiring talk about his experience
of being part of the Hands Free Hectare
team, which this year successfully drilled,
tended and harvested a crop without op-
erators in the driving seats of the vehicles
or agronomists on the ground. Jonathan is
a qualified robotic engineer with 10 years
of experience specialising in mechatronic
systems.
Nick Sharp from Perkins George Mawer
& Co was the first to take the stage. Nick
spoke about the affects Brexit would
have on the agriculture sector when the
UK leaves the EU. He also looked at the
pros and cons of the UK leaving the EU
with and without a deal. Elton Moulds also
from Perkins George Mawer & Co gave
an update on the rural grant system and
applications.
Catchment sensitive farming was the
subject for Phil Gibson from Natural Eng-
land. Speaking about managing pollution,
soil husbandry and drainage to help
improve the water quality gave Phil the
opportunity to highlight the advice avail-
able to manage these areas. He also gave
an update on Countryside Stewardship,
looking at what’s new and changing within
the regulations.
The legal aspect was covered by
agriculture specialist Catherine Harris
from Wilkin Chapman. Catherine’s talk
included protecting the family and assets,
partnership and tenancy agreements and
landownership. She also emphasised the
importance of lifetime gifts.
Over coffee delegates had the chance
to chat to other businesses and the trade
stands supporting the event.
Richard Grayson from Nicholsons took
to the stage for the penultimate presenta-
tion before handing over to Jonathan Gill.
Richard spoke about Making Tax Digital
and the timeframes as well as the recent
and upcoming tax changes.
The Forum came to a close at 1pm when
lunch was served.
farming event Springtime Live, held at the
Great Yorkshire Showground on Saturday
April 13.
From mini tractor rides to live entertain-
ment, all activities and workshops are FREE
once inside the event which celebrates farm-
ing, food and the countryside.
Children can also get close to farm animals
from chicks to lambs, piglets to calves, goats,
sheep and alpacas.
There will be stage show entertainment
throughout the day including Mr Bloom from
CBeebies and his band. Ripon Farm Services
have donated mini tractors which youngsters
can ride around an indoor circuit, there will
also be an outdoor bike track, climbing wall,
Tractor Ted Bouncy Castle and Digger Den.
Youngsters can also hold and learn about
chicks thanks to Eggucation, there will be rep-
tiles and bug encounters, forest crafts and a
Poppets Theatre Workshop with PQA (Pauline
Quirke Academy).
Due to the popularity of Springtime Live,
entry is by advance ticket only and can be
purchased either online or in Fodder, the
Showground’s farm shop café from Friday
February 15.
Charles Mills, Show Director, said: “This
will be our sixth Springtime Live and it gets
more and more popular every year. This is
a real family event which showcases farm-
ing and rural life through hands on activities
and entertainment.
“Make sure you book your tickets now to
ensure entry and once inside, everything is
free! We look forward to seeing you!”
Springtime Live will be at the Great York-
shire Showground, in Harrogate, on Saturday
April 13, from 9am to 4:30pm. Tickets cost £10
for adults and £5 for children or a family ticket
(2 adults and 3 children) for £27.
www.springtimelive.co.uk | www.yas.co.uk