Dorchester Agricultural Society’s Education Fund, known as Fabulous Food and Farming, continues to support local schools and organisations to gain further knowledge on agriculture within Dorset.
As a rural charity, Dorchester Agricultural Society works hard all year round to achieve its main objective, the promotion of agriculture within the county. A major part of the charitable activities that the Society undertakes is its Education Fund, which has enabled more than 1,000 school children to visit Dorset farms since it was established four years ago. The fund has also assisted with various projects within school grounds, seeking to improve children’s knowledge of food production, animals and horticulture.
Dorchester Agricultural Society has distributed more than £10,000 across the county, helping with transport and the cost of school visits, as well as projects such as constructing fruit cages and starting a chicken enterprise. Schools and organisations are encouraged to apply for funding to cover any projects that help to develop a better understanding of farming, horticulture, rural business and the countryside in Dorset.
Alastair Cowen, president of Dorchester Agricultural Society, commented: “Charity work is very important to Dorchester Agricultural Society, and something which I am extremely passionate about.
“By helping to fund their transport it has given pupils the opportunity to visit our local farms when they might not have had the chance otherwise. This is something which we are proud of as we believe it is essential that children are educated on rural life.”
The Society’s work is extended each year by donating a complimentary pair of tickets for Dorset County Show to every school in Dorset to be used as part of any school fundraising activities. This year over 130 tickets have been distributed across the county.
Dorchester Agricultural Society was formed in 1840 and is responsible for organising some of Dorset’s most recognisable agricultural events, including Dorset County Show, which attracts 60,000 people across the two-day event, taking place on September 7 and 8, 2019. 2018 saw the introduction of the Fabulous Food and Farming education area, which includes hands-on learning stations and displays, partnering with a number of local businesses and providers. This year the section is due to expand with the introduction of more activities and stations including a farming simulator, a bicycle powered smoothie maker and advice on healthy eating.
To make a grant application, please visit dorsetcountyshow.co.uk to download a form and submit for consideration. Please call 01305 264249 or email competitions@dorsetcountyshow.co.uk for more information.
