Antrim Agricultural Society recently held its annual general meeting at Shanes Castle; the grounds of its annual Randox Antrim Show.

During the meeting’s formal proceeding James Crawford was appointed to Patron of the Society, a position left vacant by the passing of George Robson Snr; a long standing and dedicated member of the Society to whom tributes were paid.

The positions of President, James Clements, Chairman, Fred Duncan, and Vice Chair, Robert Wallace, remain constant for the incoming year.

As expected, directors Tom Clyde, William Graham, Alistair Lindsay, James Gray, Andrew Nicholl and John Herron, who were all up for re-election, were re-elected.

Finally, Laura Patterson from Holestone YFC was appointed the committee’s YFC Representative, as Melanie McClean has become a co-opted Director.

Guest Speaker from Randox Health

After the formal proceedings, attendees got a chance to hear from the evening’s guest speaker; a representative of the Show’s new title sponsor, Business Development Manager, Marc Coppez from Randox Health.  Marc gave an informative talk that gave attendees an insight into looking after your health and the benefits of having Randox Health Checks.

Yes, Randox Antrim Show is looking for one lucky YFC member to pack their suitcase.

A £1,000 bursary is on offer this year for one lucky, local YFC member.

The Society is seeking the views and contemporary ideas of a passionate, local young farmer to help Randox Antrim Show continue to grow and appeal to both the rural and urban communities.

Applications for the £1,000 bursary are open to YFC members, aged 18-30 years, from the local clubs that are traditionally called upon to assist the Society in the running of its annual show, namely: Crumlin, Gleno Valley, Holestone, Kells & Connor, Lylehill, Randalstown and Straid.

The participating YFC clubs can submit up to two candidates and their applications must be received by 1^st May, 2018.

The bursary has the purpose of funding the successful applicant’s travel and accommodation to attend a couple of selected agricultural shows throughout the UK and Ireland, but it won’t just be a free holiday or day out. The recipient will be expected to collate their findings to present a summary of their ideas to the Society on conclusion of their investigation and participate in committee meetings to help deliver approved ideas. The Society is very much looking forward to seeing what the outcome will be.

This year, we were , of course, delighted to secure support from our title sponsors who joined us fresh from the success of their first Randox Health Grand National.

Antrim Agricultural Society is proud to announce that through our partnership with Randox, visitors to this year’s show will get a chance to see the Aintree Grand Entrance model of the Randox Health Grand National trophy – the first time it has been shown to the public since being unveiled at the Randox Health Grand National earlier this year.

If you’re a fan of horse racing you won’t want to miss it so make sure you visit the statue by the Randox Marquee, alongside the Randox Health and Randox Food Diagnostics team.  Please stop by and ask them all your health-related questions.