Westmorland County Agricultural Society is delighted to welcome Sam Rayner, chairman of Lakeland, as its President for 2019.
Former Head Boy of Heversham School, Sam and the Rayner family have been keen supporters of the Show and have dedicated many years’ service to the Society. Sam is very highly thought of and willing to throw himself into all things connected to agriculture, farming and food production and is a great ambassador for agricultural shows. Sam remembers fondly The Lakeland business’s agricultural roots, how his father Alan visited farms selling feed, packaging and coats for lambs. Sam succeeds HRH the Countess of Wessex who stepped down at the recently held Annual General Meeting after her year’s term in office, and commented that she will be a hard act to follow.
Christine Knipe, Chief Executive, said: “We are thrilled that Sam has been appointed President of the Westmorland County Agricultural Society this year. We are all really pleased to have him with his wealth of experience on board; it is wonderful for the Westmorland County Show.”
Following his attendance today, (Saturday 9 February), at the Society’s Annual General Meeting, Sam was voted in unanimously as President for 2019.
Founded in 1799, Westmorland is one of the UK’s oldest agricultural Societies. Based at Lane Farm, Crooklands near Kendal, activities include the hosting of The Westmorland County Show and Country Fest plus conference facilities and educational initiatives.
The Westmorland County Show was voted as one of the UK’s favourite agricultural shows, and was crowned Tourism Event of the Year in the Cumbria Tourism Awards in 2018. This one day Show offers visitors a fantastic day out, with cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and alpacas, heavy and light horse classes plus so much more. Visitors can shop till they drop amongst the hundreds of trade stands and will be tempted by artisan chocolates, cheeses, pies, gins and much more in the North West’s largest local Food Hall.
Christine added: “As part of his role as President, Sam will be attending this year’s County Show which will take place on Thursday 12 September 2019. An already popular event will be made even more special this year with the honour of holding the historic and most prestigious Burke Trophies, widely seen as the pinnacle of cattle breeding in the UK.”
The Westmorland County Show is held at the Showground, Crooklands near Kendal, for more details check out www.westmorlandshow.co.uk
