The decision to support the hospital holds personal significance for Nicki Ralph, Chair of the County Show. Her husband, Nic, experienced total kidney failure and sepsis last year. He spent almost three weeks in a coma, with 11 of those days on life support. Nicki says: ‘This truly is a cause close to my heart. My family are indebted to the incredible support the hospital gave my husband who, without a shadow of a doubt, wouldn’t be alive today without their unstinting help.’
Show stalwart Nic, 67, is now recovering well, and is aiming to do some fundraising himself for the hospital once he is fully recovered.
Simon Pearson, Head of Charity for the hospital, highlighted the overwhelming demand faced by the Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit, with over 50,000 people treated annually despite its original capacity of 22,000 attendances.
The hospital charity is running a £2.5m Capital Appeal to assist with funding enhancements to the planned new Emergency Department (ED) and Critical Care Unit of Dorset County Hospital.
The annual Dorset County Show fundraiser 2023 at the County showground
If you are planning to come to the show this year (which we recommend that you do!) don’t forget to see the pre-show magazine to help you paln your day.
Starting in the tiny hamlet of Folke, this circular route takes a delightful walk through Dorset countryside that feels undisturbed for a century, following green lanes.
This was a deliciously quiet walk through Dorset fields and lanes. As expected in summer, more than a few stiles were overgrown with bramble and nettle – we collected a sturdy stick to use for beating along the way! – and one stream crossing was slightly difficult to track down in an overgrown corner of a field on the approach to Butterwick Dairy House Farm. Keep an eye on the phone to stick to our tracks and you won’t miss it.
Apart from those few small hiccups the route was well signed and easy to follow, taking in surprise views across much of the way.
NB – the photos will appear ‘backwards’ as we decided, having walked the route, that it would be better in reverse. The first mile (now) is the by far the least interesting – it was our final mile, and a slightly deflating conclusion to what had been a truly beautiful walk.
A small amount of parking is available beside the church at Folke, where the route starts. Do take a minute to step into the church for a visit – it’s beautiful, and has a couple of stunning windows.
This is a full- time role working 37 hours per week, usually Monday to Friday. (Occasional weekend and evening work may be required).
This is an exciting new role to help Future Roots (limited by guarantee) improve, progress and develop its programs to Young people and families. We are an award-winning organisation that has been in operation for 16 years, based on a farm site between Dorchester and Sherborne on a small working farm.
The farm was set up to work with young people who needed different opportunities to reach their potential, academically and personally. We have seen the benefits for young people of working on the farm, with animals and creatively using all the countryside has to offer in partnership with schools and other organizations. Future Roots runs individual programmes, some therapeutic and some accredited qualification led. We are a registered National Open College Network centre and deliver our own accredited Future Farmers course and Functional Skills (Maths and English). The programs are funded by different commissioners in Dorset and Somerset including Dorset families matter, A.P and short breaks, early help mental health as well as other funding streams from the police crime commissioner, lottery, Dorset and Somerset community foundation.
Our charity, based in Sturminster Newton, seeks two Trustees to support its important work. You would need IT skills, a knowledge of Board procedure and an interest in helping the elderly in the local community.
The rural day out is a celebration of community, countryside and tradition – and it’s a feast for the eyes, ears, and taste buds!
As the sun bids its long goodbye to the British summer (well, technically it was summer, yes?), families are looking for that final memorable excursion before the school year takes hold. This year, the Dorset County Show has emerged as the end-of-summer event that promises not just a day but a whole weekend of fun for the young and the young-at-heart alike. And the best part? Children up to 16 go absolutely free!
Unleashing Monster-sized Fun In a spectacle that will have your heart pounding and your children cheering, the world’s largest Monster Trucks—Big Pete and his audacious sidekick, The Grim Reaper—will roll into the showground in all their 7.5-tonne glory. It’s more than a performance; it’s an earthquake on wheels, complete with gravity-defying stunts and the crushing of cars just to remind you of their awe-inspiring power.
A Slice of Countryside Magic But don’t think the Dorset County Show is all about loud engines and roaring crowds. There’s an entire ecosystem of rural life to explore. For instance, the Axemen Ring showcases foresters who are artists in their own right, wielding axes with surgical precision. Chainsaw craftsmen, too, will be on hand to demonstrate their intricate work, while falconers display the graceful prowess of birds of prey. Animal Encounters Perhaps one of the most fascinating attractions is your chance to encounter the wide array of animals at the show. From award-winning pigs and goats to captivating cattle and elegant horses, these creatures aren’t just for show and pets – they’re competing for the important (and valuable) title of Show Champion. Pet the alpacas, and there are even sheep that can dance – look out for Nobby the Norfolk Horn and his talented friends in The Sheep Show. It’s nothing short of woolly wonderful! And you can witness Dorset’s finest livestock parade in the heart of the County Show. The award winners will parade in the Main Ring on both days following the competitive classes and the Champions will be presented with their awards.
Equine Extravaganza This year, prepare yourself for equestrian excitement with the Mounted Pony Club Games – a sort of high-octane sports day where fleet-footed nimble ponies are the stars. And if that wasn’t enough, Shetland Pony Racing also makes its thrilling debut as young jockeys showcase their fearless riding skills. The showjumping is set to be a thrilling competition – don’t miss the Six Bar (sponsored by C G Fry & Son Ltd) on Saturday or the Accumulator (sponsored by Battens Charitable Trust) on the Sunday!
Rolling Down Memory Lane The Vintage Tractor Parade is not just a procession; it’s a living timeline that trundles through agricultural history, while the nearby Steam Engine Section fills the air with a nostalgia that even the youngest generations will find intriguing.
Food, Craft, and More! When tummies start to rumble, a stroll around the all-new Food & Drink Area will introduce you to Dorset’s culinary treasures. With a super-sized new Food Hall and more than 100 producers, there’s bound to be something that tempts you. And for those inclined towards the creative, Crafter’s Avenue offers a glimpse into bygone skills that have shaped Dorset’s rural history
The Carnival Awaits As if this wasn’t enough, the fairground beckons with its dizzying helter-skelters and pulse-quickening rides! This year’s Dorset County Show isn’t just an event; it’s a mosaic of experiences that stretches over the whole weekend – September 2nd and 3rd. So why settle for a mundane end to the summer when a world of wonder awaits? It’s a summer send-off you won’t want to miss.
Click HERE (or the image above) to see the Official Pre-show Magazine – find out more about what’s in store, discover some exclusive and behind-the-scenes interviews as well as all the info you need to plan your visit.
This year the G&S show has taken on a new format, moving from one day to two. The ever-increasing cost associated with putting on a show of this size means it makes financial sense for the show to span over two days, in the hope that the Great British weather is on our side for at least one of them! Along with the transition to a longer show we have seen a complete change of team in the office, with Nick Hill our new secretary supported by the Show Team. A huge amount of work has been done this year to ensure the show is a success. There are some new additions this year – the sheep shearing demonstrations have moved to incorporate a new shearing competition, which is set to be a crowd-pulling spectacle. The Heavy Horse Village is even bigger this year – more room for them, and even better for watching these gentle giants. We will also see them join the Grand Parade, sponsored by Strutt and Parker and The Environmental Farmers Group, on both days in the Main Ring, sponsored by Gritchie Brewing Company; I’m pleased to say that the parade’s re-introduction last year after a 15 year absence proved to be a huge success. The Jamie Squibb Freestyle Extravaganza will thrill you with a stunning motorcycle display in the Main Ring, and the Reme Lightning Bolts display team will float from the skies again on Wednesday this year. A procession of new and old farm machinery is a striking physical demonstration of its changes through the years. The agricultural trade stands go from strength to strength and we greet many first-time stands this year as well as welcoming back all the familiar ones. The new 2022 layout stays – being able to walk completely around the outside of the main ring worked perfectly – and there is a big range of food and drink, enough to cater for every taste! The show only comes together through the hard work of more than 300 volunteers and 100 paid contractors – they put so much time and effort in throughout the year, not just during August, to bring the show to you. Without them it really would not happen and we are so grateful for their support. I hope you enjoy your day (or two days) at the show! Giles Simpson, Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show Chairman
In the second of August’s podcasts – still in the new longer format which has proved popular – Jennie talks to both Jane Adams and owner of Little Waddon Vineyard Simon Priestman
‘A weasel is weasily identifiable, whereas a stoat is stoatally different’. Jennie talks to widlife expert Jane Adamas about the stoat – its mesmerising effect, how to spot it and why Dorset may be a perfect home for the mysterious little creature
Former Royal Navy officer Chris Taylor has lived a career in the skies The acclaimed civil certification test pilot explains the unique skill set required for the job
Is farming at a crossroads? Andrew Livingston looks at the unfair struggle between agriculture and supermarkets
After 40 years in the TV industry, Simon and Karen Priestman bought a boutique vineyard on the Dorset coast – and promptly created an award-winning wine
Crumbs! It’s 50 years since that Hovis ad. Exactly half a century after an iconic Hovis commercial hit our TV screens, Roger Guttridge takes a stroll through the story of Dorset’s most famous street
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