Sophie, Countess of Wessex, is new president of Driffield Agricultural Society
Driffield Agricultural Society has elected a new president – Sophie, Countess of Wessex.
The society said it was ‘honoured’ to confirm the appointment at its Annual General meeting last Wednesday evening (15th February), although it is not known if she will be attending the highlight of its calendar, Driffield Show.
Her Royal Highness said: “I’m pleased to have the opportunity to take up this role during such a significant year for agricultural shows as the ASAO (Agricultural Show and Agricultural Organisations) celebrates its centenary.
“Driffield is a great example of the important role that shows can play in our communities – from your education programme to your vital work supporting your local foodbank during the pandemic.”
Agriculture is one of the key strands of the Countess’ charity work and she is currently patron of the ASAO.
Driffield Agricultural Society is a member of the organisation and its chief executive David Tite is its current chairman.
Mr Tite said the appointment was a major coup for Driffield.
“This is fantastic recognition of both the educational work of the society and acknowledgment of the work the society did to assist the local area during the pandemic,” he said.
“The Countess has done a lot for our industry over the last few years and we look forward to her starting her year in office as our president.”
The Countess of Wessex married Prince Edward in 1999 and the couple have two children, Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor and James Mountbatten-Windsor, Viscount Severn, who are 15th and 14th in line to the British throne.
In 2002, her Royal Highness closed her business interests and began full-time work as a member of the Royal Family.
She is the patron of more than 70 charities and organisations, including Childline and the London College of Fashion, and undertakes around 200 engagements each year, including visits to schools, universities and military bases.
Her charity work primarily revolves around people with disabilities, women’s rights, avoidable blindness and agriculture.
Driffield Agricultural Society said her appointment was part of an exciting year, with a new Countryside Careers Evening adding to its list of charitable activities.
The event on 24th May will help students choose their next steps once they leave school and all secondary school children and their parents and teachers from across Hull and the East Riding are invited to attend it for free.
This complements the society’s Schools Food and Farming Day, where over 1,500 primary school children attend the site to learn about food production and rural life.
This year’s Driffield Show is reverting back to a one-day celebration and takes place on Wednesday 19th July.
JC Balls Dancing Diggers will be the main ring attraction at the show. This hugely popular spectacle will demonstrate the flexibility and talent of the JCB operators as they follow a routine to music, containing several daring manoeuvres including balancing the machines on their sides and wheelies.
For further information and to buy Driffield Show advance discounted tickets visit www.driffieldshowground.co.uk
Tickets are priced £16 for adults and accompanied children under 16 are free.
