HRH the Countess of Wessex to attend the 89th National Fruit Show
28th October 2022
Her Royal Highness the Countess of Wessex will be in attendance at the opening morning of this year’s National Fruit Show, where she will meet with industry leaders and observe the education team during a careers session with local secondary school children.
Now in its 89th year, the National Fruit Show is organised ‘by growers for growers’ and is dedicated to showcasing the best of British top and soft fruit. This year’s show will take place at the Kent County Showground on 2nd and 3rd November and will focus on soft fruit and technology.
At the event, HRH the Countess of Wessex will tour the show, learn about the industry from growers and retailers and observe a careers session delivered by the National Fruit Show education team.
Commenting on the news, Sarah Calcutt, executive chair of The National Fruit Show, organised by Marden Fruit Show Society CIO said: “We are absolutely delighted that Her Royal Highness the Countess of Wessex will attend the show.
“Highlights will include meeting fruit growers, industry and retail representatives at a LEAF hosted (Linking Environment and Farming) roundtable discussion and observing a demonstration careers session.
“We are keen to raise the profile of the fruit growing sector here in the UK and in particular to expand the successful careers programme we run which is sponsored by AC Goatham & Son, Avalon Produce Ltd and One Pay. We are sharing the message that there are a range of highly skilled careers opportunities in the sector seeking talented individuals,” she added.
According to Ms Calcutt, the National Fruit Show team is currently working to bring together fruit growers and businesses supplying the sector with technological developments to create a stronger and more sustainable industry for the future.
“Horticulture is a sector which I believe has been overlooked by schools’ careers advisers in recent years and we aim through access to better education, to dispel the myths about working within it.
“Our longer term aim is to also include apprenticeship placements and internships for those considering a career in the sector, meaning we support education including healthy eating from pre-school all the way up to graduate level,” Ms Calcutt explained.
Alongside the Countess, other distinguished guests at the show will include the Right Reverend the Bishop of Dover Rose Hudson-Wilkin who will offer his blessings for the fruit display, as well as government representatives and international visitors. Acclaimed broadcaster and journalist Tom Heap will also be present and is set to lead industry discussions at the show.
The National Fruit Show is sponsored by BASF, Hutchinsons, N.P. Seymour Ltd, Worldwide Fruit, UKCA Ltd and Isolcell. To learn more about the show and its education programme, visit: https://nationalfruitshow.org.uk/nfs-education/
