The Horticulture and Home Industries section of Randox Antrim Show hosted a 2022 gathering for its volunteers and sponsors in Kells recently.

About the section, David Crawford, a director of Antrim Agricultural Society said, “We are indebted to our supportive returning sponsors and stewards, are equally grateful to welcome on board Apperley’s Butchers, McKervill Neilly Solicitors and SE McKay & Son Ltd, oil and fuel products, as new sponsors this year.”

During the evening, tribute was paid to the late Jimmy Crawford, Patron of Antrim Agricultural Society’s Patron, who passed away recently. Jimmy had been involved with the Show for a lifetime and, in addition to being Patron, most recently was the Director responsible for Horticulture and Home Industries. At the last Show in 2019, Jimmy won the Gardener of the Year Trophy at the age of 89.  Tributes were also paid to committee members, helpers and exhibitors, who had passed away since the last Show.

As examples of what’s new in the Home Industries and Horticulture section:

• a new special £5 prize will be awarded to each ‘Best in Section,
• new craft classes have been introduced (a quilted mug bag, a rag rug and a decorated hard boiled egg),
• the YFC Floral Art section was split into two age groups (12-18 and 19-30 years)
• a new YFC Horticultural section has been added, and
• the show is on the hunt for contenders for a Special Award for the Allotment holder with the most points in the Horticultural Section.

David added; “The theme for the Floral art classes is ‘Let’s get this Show on the Road’ and the home industries and horticulture section often sees

 good interest in the hotly contested Women’s Institute Team competition where the theme this year is ‘Tea in the Field.’

“You can get a copy of the full schedule of classes on the website here. Don’t forget, after general entries close (11.59pm, Sunday 17^th July), entries for the Horticulture section can be taken up until Friday 22 July by calling our section on 075 2609 9966“.

This year’s Children’s Pet Show will take place 11.30am on Saturday 23 July 2022 in the Main Arena of Randox Antrim Show, Shanes Castle.

• 1st Prize £15
• 2nd Prize £10
• 3rd Prize £5.

Admission to Randox Antrim Show (9am-5pm) is £12.50 per Adult, £5 per Young Person (12-17 yrs) and children under 12 years of age go FREE.  Car parking is also FREE.  Event admission is payable at the gate.

Children’s Pet Show Terms & Conditions:

1. Open to children and young people under 16 years of age.
2. Large animals may be refused entry due to health and safety reasons.
3. A £1 entry will be payable on registration at the side of the Main Arena, just ahead of judging (in addition to the cost of admission to Randox Antrim Show.)
4. Entries will be brought into the Main Arena immediately prior to judging.
5. Look for a ‘Pet Show’ sign.
6. Judging to commence 11.30am, Saturday 23 July 2022.
7. The stewards and judge’s decisions are final.
8. The children’s pet show is sponsored and judged by Clare Vet Group.

The ‘King & Queen of the Castle’ Jiving competition will take place at 3.30pm on Saturday 23 July 2022 at Randox Antrim Show, Shanes Castle in the Entertainment Marquee.

• 1st Prize £100 and the title ‘King & Queen of the Castle’
• 2nd Prize £75
• 3rd Prize £50

Admission to Randox Antrim Show (9am-5pm) is £12.50 per Adult, £5 per Young Person (12-17 yrs) and children under 12 years of age go FREE. It’s also £5 per Young Farmers’ Club member (valid membership card must be shown at the gate). Car parking is also FREE. Event admission is payable at the gate.

‘King & Queen of the Castle’ Jiving Competition Terms & Conditions:

1. Open to jiving couples of all levels of ability.
2. Entries will be taken in the Entertainment Marquee immediately prior to the start of the competition.
3. There is no additional fee to enter this competition, other than admission to Randox Antrim Show.
4. Competition to commence at 3.30pm, Saturday 23 July 2022. Music will be provided by Country Harmony (playing 2pm-5pm).
5. The competition will be judged by Step by Step Country Dance
6. The judges’ decision is final.