The East of England Agricultural Society were delighted to once again host our annual Peterborough Dinner – what a pleasure it was to host a face to face social event.
Over 150 guests were welcomed to the Peterborough suite at the Showground to enjoy a four-course meal. This year we were extremely proud to not only back British produce but also support local suppliers – the best of the best. To start we had locally shot game terrine, our succulent rib of roast beef was sourced from Woburn Country Foods, a selection of root vegetables and greens were generously donated from Burgess Farms and Lincolnshire Field Products. Wine for the table was carefully selected from Amps Wine Merchants and we had a beautiful cheese board to finish with an assortment from Alsop & Walker, Cropwell Bishop Creamery and The Leicestershire Handmade Cheese Company.
This year we introduced a Master of Ceremonies, Peter Minney, to coordinate the running of events. Andy Goode was a fantastic addition to the evening brilliant as the after-dinner speaker and brought a smile to many a face and rugby fan. Andy regaled us with comedic tales of his athletic and boozy career.
Our annual award presentation was conducted by our Chairman, Mr Richard Bramley, along with Interim CEO Mr Alistair Beattie and our Society President Mr John Holdich. This year we were pleased to present the Tony Whitsed Award to Belle Wheat. Belle has been a loyal supporter and member of the Society since 1987, she has gone on to compete at shows, chair many of our committees and judge at Equifest- a truly deserving candidate for the 2021 award. This was followed by our Long Service Awards made to seven recipients. Two of which attended the dinner, Mr Christopher Lay, an arable operator at Bedfordia Farms for 50 years’ service and Mr John Chapman, an agricultural worker at Willow Hall Farm for 50 years’ service.
The Peterborough Suite was beautifully decorated with flowers arranged by Mrs Mary Allen, who has been doing the flower arrangements for the dinner for more than fifty years. After the evening these were then donated to our local Sue Ryder care home to be enjoyed by their residents.
Professor Ross Renton of Anglian Ruskin University Peterborough also attended the dinner with some of his colleagues and gave a brief talk about the University and working alongside the Society moving forward – a bright future ahead for educating the next agri generation in the area.
The dinner was thoroughly enjoyed and all in good company- we look forward to welcoming you next November.
