Press Release
31st March 2015
New Championship Show promises record poultry entries
Poultry entries are likely to reach record levels at this year’s Royal Bath & West Show, with
the launch of the Poultry Club’s inaugural Summer National Show.
The poultry section has almost tripled in size over the past decade, and with entries set to
reach nearly 1200, exhibitors will be in for some intense competition. “The sheer variety and
quality of poultry on show will be tremendous,” says Paul Meatyard, chief poultry steward at
the Royal Bath & West Show. “For years the Poultry Club has held a national show in
November, but with the addition of this new summer championship show exhibitors have a
fantastic new opportunity to build championship points and take home the silver.”
The Show has attracted entries from as far afield as Surrey and Wales, with prestigious
judges including Christopher Parker and Paul Kerfoot from Lancashire, and Andrew Wetters
and Peter Ward from Derbyshire.
In addition, a number of specialist breeds will host their national shows at the event,
including rare breeds, ducks and turkeys. “The range of colours, shapes and sizes make for
quite a spectacle up on the balcony above the cattle stalls,” says Mr Meatyard. “People are
going back to keeping poultry in their back yard and gardens, and this is a fabulous
opportunity for visitors to come along, see the different breeds and talk to the exhibitors.”
With entries closing on 15 April, exhibitors will be picking out their best show birds and
ensuring they are in pristine condition for the big day. “Judges will be looking at feather
quality, eye and leg colour, body condition, and for that little bit of something special,” says
Mr Meatyard. The separate egg show will see nearly 500 plates of eggs also going under the
judge’s scrutiny.
“I’ve been going to the Royal Bath & West Show every year for 30 years, and won the
interbreed poultry championship three years on the trot,” says Mr Meatyard. “To win at the
Royal Bath & West Show is like winning the Gold Cup – there are some wonderful trophies,
it boosts the value of your birds, and you’re on a real high for days.”
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The Royal Bath & West Show will be held from 27-30 May. Entry schedules for the
livestock, equine, poultry and other classes are now available online at
www.bathandwest.com or by calling 01749 822200.
About the Royal Bath & West of England Society
The Society was founded in 1777 in Bath by a group of philanthropists led by Edmund Rack.
We are a registered charity organisation (Registered Charity Number 1039397). The Society
was formed with the aims of encouraging agriculture, arts, manufacture and commerce.
Our charitable activities provide:
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Agriculture, veterinary, educational and art scholarships
Technical events and Seminars
Practical farming advice and conferences
Countryside Education
Diversification advice for farmers
Education for children
A market place for countryside products
As the Society approaches its 238th year it continues to deliver a wonderful mix of
established traditional exhibits through to the latest energy technology and contemporary
entertainment.
The entertainment and features around the 242-acre site ensure enjoyment for every member
of the family and include attractions that are spectacular to watch, educational, inspirational,
“hands on” or just plain fun.
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For further information or media enquiries contact Julie Kitching, Marketing & PR at
the Royal Bath & West Society, on 01749 822235 or email
Julie.kitching@bathandwest.co.uk.