After a three year hiatus the 16th Children’s Countryside Day, organised by Glendale Agricultural Society, recently returned to the Glendale Showfield with a bang with the assistance of a very generous donation from Northumberland Freemasons, via the Richard Henry Holmes Masonic Benevolent Fund.
The free event offers children of all abilities, aged between 5 and 11 years, first-hand experience of rural life and is open to any Primary or First school from Northumberland and North Tyneside to apply for places.
Originally agreed in 2020 the £5000 grant, from Northumberland Freemasons, enabled the organisers, through interactive demonstrations, to connect the countryside to the schools curriculum with over 1,650 children given an insight into food, farming and the countryside. The day incorporated over 65 countryside-based industries and children had the opportunity to see farm animals and machinery close up as well as meet a variety of individuals and businesses that are part of the rural community.
Rachel Tait, the Company Secretary for the Glendale Agricultural Society, said “The children’s day is a big part of the show and it is so important to allow children, from all different backgrounds, to experience farming and its role in food production, as well as the wider aspects of countryside life. The grant offered by the Northumberland Freemasons is extremely generous and will have a huge impact on our annual Children’s Countryside Days and hopefully mean that we can invite more children and businesses to take part in this fun and educational event.”
David Armstrong, of Northumberland Freemasons, said “The Trustees of the Richard Henry Holmes Masonic Benevolent Fund were delighted to sponsor the Childrens Countryside Day, and we are particularly pleased that the event has finally been able to go ahead.
Farming is really important in Northumberland and to be able to raise awareness amongst the countys potential future farmers is particularly important to ensure the future of this.”
The Benevolent Fund donates around £160,000 annually to local charities and good causes, including food banks, to boost worthwhile and deserving projects throughout Northumberland, Newcastle and North Tyneside.
Glendale Show is the largest rural show in North Northumberland and showcases all aspects of rural life or countryside living. The show attracts visitors from town and country who flock to the showground in their thousands. There will be a showcase of livestock, machinery, food, crafts and horses in addition to the exciting main ring, fairground and trade stands.
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