Last Saturday I was at the Royal Three Counties Show in Malvern as I was competing on behalf of Worcestershire Young Farmers in the junior cookery competition. This was my second year doing the junior cookery at the 3 counties after I placed second at county rally. I was making chocolate chip pancakes with caramelised bananas and a salted caramel sauce.
It seems to be a theme in young farmers that once you agree to do a certain competition one year, it seems to then become your competition for the remainder of the time you are in that age category. I have one year left as a junior so I guess I will be cooking again next year! I also took on the metal work this year and so I suppose I will be at the top of the list to do that again next year…
Anyways, I arrived at the Three Counties Showground on Saturday morning and lugged my bags and boxes of pots and pans to the young farmers tent. I wasn’t competing until 3pm but I wanted to have my stuff there so we weren’t running back and forth from the car… Having all my stuff ready meant we had a few hours to look around the show before I had to set up.
We went over to the main ring where there is pretty much something on all day. When we got there it was a ridden heavy horses competition. I am keen on horses myself and I think that heavy horses are particularly beautiful, even if they don’t look like the easiest or most comfortable ride! It was lovely to watch, they were all turned out beautifully and were stunning to see.
Then we watched a beef cattle pairs class which I loved because one of the breeds being showcased was Belted Galloways (my absolute favourite breed!). They were gorgeous and I just wanted to take them home!
Then we stopped for lunch, there is a big focus on food at the show with loads of vendors and artisanal food tents. We settled for cornish pasties and my Mum had a halloumi, chicken and coleslaw wrap – we were all very pleased with our choices. I think that the show is a great place to showcase local products from food to wool and animals.
There are so many great things to do and see at the show, one highlight for me this year had to be the sheep show. There was a man set up on a stage with a bunch of British sheep and French etc. He really knew what he was talking about and you could tell he was very knowledgeable. But most of all, it was hilarious! The sheep danced! I was in absolute stitches. You can find their website here if you want to find out more.
After we had been for a wander, it was time for me to cook so I set up my board and signed in ready to compete. It was a very hot day so not the nicest weather to cook in, but I managed to get it all done and plated up. I placed 4th this year which I am pleased with but I think that my display could have been more obvious and this is where I lost the points. The theme was tomorrow’s world and I went for the future of farming link but I think the judges were looking for a more space-related theme…
After I had cooked we went to watch The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery which was incredible to watch. There were teams of horses pulling 1 ½ tonne guns and they moved so gracefully and in such a synchronised manner. The riders were so in control and it was a brilliant display ending with the firing of the guns.
We had a great day at the show and I can’t wait to go back next year!
Just a sidenote: I am headed to Canada tomorrow for just over two weeks so may be inactive on my blog/social media, but never fear! When I get back there will be plenty of exciting photos and holiday posts! x
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