Cereals, 12-13th June
We attended Cereals last week with our new exhibition trailer. Our aims were to promote awareness of the Society, catch up with contacts, and launch a partnership with STEM learning.
Storm clouds gathered over Boothby Graffoe in Lincolnshire, dashing hopes that this year’s Cereals might be anything like as hot as last year’s was. Although an unseasonable amount of rain lashed down on the build-up days prior to Cereals (and didn’t stop the entire way through the event), the organisers and event team were not going to let it prevent the show from going ahead. They achieved a sterling job of keeping exhibitors and visitors updated, with tractors on hand to help any stranded vehicles on and off site.
Some creative parking practises were deployed to limit the impact of the mud on 2WD cars when leaving. Parked closer to the exit than 4X4 vehicles, they had an easier time out, whilst 4X4 drivers which were given a good opportunity to show off their wet terrain skills.
The stand providing a welcome shot of colour on a grey, wet day
Live Days
On Wednesday the show went live. Despite us all expecting the event to be cancelled, the gates opened at 8am with waterlogged farmers flocking through to the free breakfasts and seminar sessions.
With our delivery of Danish pastries settled in and the kettle on, we had a steady flow of visitors to the stand. Kerry, William and Ruth greeted contacts familiar and new, and updated them on all of the Society’s current activities.
People were interested to know why the Society had a stand at Cereals. We were pleased to chat to them about our new STEM Education programme; Thanks to Daniel from STEM for being on hand to answer queries. We were also keen to promote our Farming Conference in November, the Winter Stock Festival, CultiV8, Kids Country and Marshal Papworth.
Mud on Tuesday set up day
On Thursday, the conditions were more Glastonbury style, with mud being the new face cream of choice, however, this did not deter visitors – farmers are a hardy lot! Again, we had delicious refreshments delivered from Grayson and the team from Abbots Events.
Catching Up
Thank you to the businesses and charity contacts who came to visit us!
It was lovely to catch up with the team from RABI over the two days. We had a team picture, and they thanked the Society for its support of the charity.
We were also delighted to see Sheila, one of our Marshal Papworth Masters students currently studying at Harper Adams.
Sheila (one of our Masters students studying in the UK with the help of Marshal Papworth) and Ruth
With thanks to the team and organisers for keeping the event open and managing the weather conditions. Thank you to all our visitors and friends for coming to see us! A big welcome to those of you who signed up as new Society and Cultiv8 members.
We hope that you enjoyed the event!
Next year’s event: 10-11th June 2020, Duxford
Team picture supporting R.A.B.I.
