Category: Education

Three Counties Showground Named Finalist in Visit Worcestershire Awards 2023/24

August 24, 2023

The Three Counties Showground has been announced as a finalist in the Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards 2023/24 in the category of Business Events Venue of the Year.

In total, 42 Worcestershire businesses have been shortlisted for the annual Awards. Finalists will now progress to the second round of judging where independent experts from the tourism industry will decide the winners and highly commended. Winners will qualify to compete in the Visit England Awards of Excellence.

Attracting over 1 million visitors per year, Three Counties Showground is home to Three Counties Agricultural Society’s flagship events, including Malvern Autumn Show, which takes place on 22-24 September 2023, as well as RHS Malvern Spring Festival (9-12 May 2024) and Royal Three Counties Show (14-16 June 2024). The charity seeks to promote the benefits of horticulture, agriculture and rural interests to its visitors by putting on events that focus on plants and growing, farming and food.

In addition to planning and executing its own shows, the charity manages a full and varied diary of third-party events with hirers running events on over 300 days of the year. Events range from large-scale productions including BusFest, TruckFest and Winter Glow (Check out Winter Glow’s Christmas Family Ideas) alongside Antiques Markets, Flea Fairs and Scout meets. Three Counties also supports schools and home educators with educational events for young people such as Three Counties Careers Fair.

David Prescott, Chief Executive at Three Counties said, “We are thrilled to be nominated as a finalist in the Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards. The team at Three Counties works hard all year round to support the horticultural and agricultural communities with our own event programme, as well as businesses through our venue hire calendar. The Showground is a truly multifaceted venue that appeals to a range of different audiences; it’s a place that is special to many families and valued by its exhibitors. We’re really proud and excited to be recognized by these prestigious awards.”

Businesses in Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire hold corporate events at The Showground across the year including Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce business EXPO, alongside business breakfasts.

The Showground also plays host to comprehensive programme of equine events featuring top-class competitions and HOYS qualifiers, as well as dog shows for various breeds, including Three Counties Championship Dog Show.

Winners will be announced at the annual black-tie event, hosted this year at Ombersley Court on Friday 15 March. Visit Worcestershire will be working with local suppliers to deliver the event which includes Bromsgrove-based Fews Marquees, who will be providing a state-of-the-art Orangery where the awards ceremony will take place. Other finalists in the Business Events Venue of the Year category include The Lygon Arms Hotel, Stanbrook Abbey Hotel and Crumblebury.

Three Counties welcomes new CEO to drive forward investment and growth

December 1, 2022

We are pleased to announce that Three Counties Agricultural Society has appointed David Prescott as its new Chief Executive. David will start in January 2023 to take over the running of the society, following the announcement that Ken Nottage will be retiring from the post, after a hugely successful decade at the helm of one of the UK’s most prosperous showground enterprises.

David joins the society after a 27-year career with the Oxford based Bookseller Blackwell’s, where he held a variety of roles across the company from the shop floor to management and regional roles, before becoming Managing Director for Blackwell’s Bookshops in January 2011, and Chief Executive for Blackwell Limited in May 2013. He has also taken an active role in the UK Booksellers Association serving as Chair of the Academic and Professional Bookselling Group and as Vice President of the Association from 2011-17. He is currently a Trustee of the World Book Day Charity.

Ken Nottage commented, “At the heart of Three Counties is a committed and talented group of employees and volunteers, who I am sure will be supportive of David in his new role as CEO. David is strongly placed to lead the society in its future growth plans. In addition to his wide-ranging skills, he has invaluable business management experience which will contribute to the long-term future and success of the business.”

David will be on board at the beginning of the new 2023 shows season, with a full line-up of unmissable events and festivals, kicking off with CountryTastic in April, followed by the prestigious RHS Malvern Spring Festival in May, the annual celebration of food and farming, the Royal Three Counties Show in June and the finale to the year with the UK’s largest Harvest Festival, Malvern Autumn Show in September.

David said, “I’m hugely excited to be taking on the role of Three Counties Chief Executive. I’ve been really impressed with how well the Society is run and I know there’s lots of opportunity to build on what is a really impressive events calendar. Of course, I have some big shoes to fill with Ken having done such a fantastic job, but I know there is a great team here with a very supportive Board and Council, so I can’t wait to get started!”

RHS MALVERN SCHOOL GARDENS CHALLENGE CELEBRATES EVERYTHING GREAT ABOUT BRITAIN

March 1, 2018

Former BBC Blue Peter gardener Chris Collins is returning to RHS Malvern Spring Festival for the fifth time to head up the School Gardens Challenge. With the aim of inspiring the next generation of gardeners, the schools are tasked with demonstrating what they think makes Britain truly Great.

Chris returns to mentor 14 schools taking part in the event supported by Nationwide Building Society and BAM Construction. They’ve all been invited to design a garden that tells a story of an inspiring person, group, event or invention that has helped mould Britain into what it is today.

Diana Walton, Head of Shows at Three Counties Showground, said: “Each year we’re so proud of what these talented young gardeners achieve. With the support of Chris and long-term supporter BAM Construction, the children flourish and they never fail to deliver awe-inspiring, imaginative gardens that are a delight to all who see them. The theme of Great Britain this year is quite broad so we’re all really keen to see how each school interprets it and we can’t wait for the finished gardens in May.”

The challenge, will feature 12 gardens from 14 schools across the country, including:

Cherry Orchard Primary School in Worcester who are taking inspiration from the armed forces with a garden theme entitled ‘Forces of Nature’. The garden is designed as a thank you to those who serve to protect our freedom.

Both Ashton Keynes C of E Primary in Wiltshire and Tudor Grange Academy in Worcester are designing gardens showcasing different aspects of the work of Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, honouring elements of his work such as the Great Western Railway, Clifton suspension bridge and the SS Great Britain.

Pupils of Birmingham Virtual School are inspired by the city of Birmingham and everything that makes the city great, from Selfridges to the Canals whilst Bredon School in Tewkesbury want to celebrate all things coastal with their ‘Oh I do like to be beside the Seaside’ themed garden.

Anyone for tea? Young gardeners at Greenfields Primary School in Kettering, Northamptonshire are hosting a ‘Very British Tea Party’ with their garden with the aim of trying to raise awareness of our native plants and the vital role they play in sustaining British wildlife.

Malvern Wells C of E Primary School are taking a step back to Tudor times with a theme celebrating the history and heritage of Great Britain and how we capitalise on our history in modern times. Whilst the garden designed by Northleach C of E Primary in Gloucestershire will be celebrating the diversity and multi-cultural nature of modern British society.

‘Dig for Lunch, Dig for Victory’ is the theme RGS Worcester are leading with as they create a garden based around the Great British Sunday lunch, a British tradition that regularly brings family and friends together.

Pupils from St Briavels Primary School in Gloucestershire are taking inspiration from the natural beauty found within the Forest of Dean and its historical links to the industrial revolution within Great Britain.

A collaboration between St Nicholas C of E Middle School, Pinvin First School and Himbleton First School in Worcestershire will see the three schools create a garden celebrating the union in history of our four nations, religious diversity, urban and landscapes and how humankind coexists with nature.

The garden designed by the Three Counties Home Educators will showcase the many talents of Beatrix Potter, looking beyond her wonderful books and celebrating her legacy and the impact it has had on British culture.

Building of the school gardens begins in April and takes approximately three weeks to complete. A panel of RHS experts will judge the gardens on Wednesday 9th May, the day before RHS Malvern Spring Festival opens to the public, with the results being announced at the awards ceremony at lunchtime on Thursday 10th May in the festival theatre supported by Great Little Breaks. Over 100,000 visitors are expected to descend on the Three Counties Showground over the four-day show.

RHS Malvern Spring Festival takes places from Thursday 10th May until Sunday 13th May 2018. Tickets are now on sale. Free entry for children under the age of 16 is available throughout the festival. For more information on ticket prices, please call 0844 811 0050 or visit www.rhsmalvern.co.uk.

YOUNGSTERS GET TIPS FROM TOP IN RHS MALVERN SCHOOL GARDENS CHALLENGE

November 3, 2017

Chris Collins, Head of Organic Horticulture at Garden Organic, and former BBC Blue Peter gardener has been inspiring the next generation of gardening talent as they prepare for the 2018 RHS Malvern Spring Festival (May 10-13).

The popular gardening enthusiast was at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern yesterday taking pupils through a series of workshops to help them grow big ideas for their own unique school garden displays. He was joined by experts from the Royal Horticultural Society, sponsor BAM Construction and Warwickshire College as they guided youngsters on plants, design and landscaping.

The school garden theme for 2018 is ‘Great Britain’ and pupils are working towards telling the story of an amazing person, group, event or invention that has helped modern Britain what it is today. Author Beatrix Potter, incredible engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel local history have captured young gardeners’ imaginations as a starting point for their designs.

But it’s not just those at the workshops who can get involved, there is still plenty of room for schools from across the UK to take part. The challenge is open to a single class or whole school and includes primary, middle and secondary schools as well as the home educated.

Last year Bromsgrove School took on the challenge. Forest School leader Sam Dakin said: “This project was the most amazing process from working with the pupils, to formulating a design, to planting, to making the structures and interacting with the public. The satisfaction of what we achieved has been overwhelming and the experience will remain with me for a long time.”

This year schools said the workshops were a fantastic way to get their pupils excited about gardening and to help them learn about planning and preparation.

The School Gardens Challenge is supported by BAM Construction and seeks to immerse young people in the vibrant world of horticulture. Horticulture naturally supports many subjects of the national curriculum: scientific, creative and physical. The project exposes children to the practical application of these in a hands-on and informative way.

Building of the school gardens begins in April and takes approximately three weeks to complete. A panel of RHS experts will judge the gardens on Wednesday 9 May, the day before RHS Malvern Spring Festival opens to the public. An estimated 100,000 visitors are expected to descend on the Three Counties Showground over the four-day show.

For more information on how to get involved and to reserve a growing space for your school email Mark Harwood-Browne, Education Executive.

RHS Malvern Spring Festival takes place from Thursday 10 May until Sunday 13 May 2018.

Tickets are now on sale. Free entry for children under the age of 16 is available throughout the festival. For more information on ticket prices, please call 01684 584900 or visit www.rhsmalvern.co.uk

RHS MALVERN SPRING FESTIVAL SCHOOL GARDEN CHALLENGE

SCHOOL GARDENS CHALLENGE IS OUT OF THIS WORLD

March 28, 2017

Former BBC Blue Peter gardener Chris Collins will nurture the next generation of gardening talent at this year’s RHS Malvern Spring Festival. Chris returns to the spectacular gardening event for his fourth year as Champion of the award-winning School Gardens Challenge. Aspiring young gardeners from across the country are preparing to bring to life their show garden designs at the event with thirteen schools taking part in this unique area of the show.

Jane Furze, Head of RHS Malvern Spring Festival, said: “The School Gardens Challenge has become one of our highlights at RHS Malvern Spring Festival. We’re continuously blown away by the originality of the designs and it’s a great place to see the next generation of gardeners showcase their green fingered creativity. Everything that visitors see the children have created themselves, from the initial design, to growing the plants and finally building the gardens, it’s an immense achievement. We’re so pleased to be welcoming Chris back to champion the challenge as it’s a real joy to see the pupils blossom under his mentoring, he’s always so incredibly enthusiastic and nurturing, we’ve very pleased to have him. This year we celebrate eleven wonderful years of working with BAM Construction and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them for supporting the School Gardens Challenge.”

This year’s School Garden theme is ‘Space’, which celebrates the 350th anniversary of Isaac Newton’s ground-breaking discovery of gravity, alongside the 60th anniversary of the launch of the world’s first satellite, Sputnik. A total of thirteen schools will take part including:

Pupils of Abberley Hall School in Worcestershire based their garden ‘The Abberley Space Rocket’ on an idea from a book written about their school clock tower, showcasing how it might look in a futuristic city on a new planet.

‘Living on another planet’ is the theme from Malvern Wells C of E Primary School referencing the transport to the planet with a lunar lander, accommodation on the planet with a geodesic dome and food represented by a section of raised planting.

Ashton Keynes C of E Primary School in Wiltshire have taken inspiration from the garden in the film Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Day Out, creating structural elements from recycled materials to showcase ‘Team AK’s Grand Day Out’, while the garden designed by Beoley First School in Redditch, ‘OBeoley-Wan Kenobi’, conveys Star Wars in space.

The garden from Bredon School in Tewkesbury is an interpretation of ‘Possible life in Space’, which has inspired the choice of some unusual looking plants sourced and dug from the school woods to create their design ‘Is there Anybody Out There?’ while ‘It’s out of this world’ by Bromsgrove Preparatory School in Worcestershire have created a garden which gives a visual representation of the solar system, incorporating some of the key aspects of space exploration and discovery.

The Ridge Academy in Cheltenham, Cradley C of E Primary School in Herefordshire and Franche Community Primary School in Kidderminster have all chosen Mars as the setting for their garden while ‘The Galaxy Garden’ from Heathfield School & Day Nursery in Kidderminster, represents a journey through space from one corner of the garden to the other in search of a new planet.

RGS Worcester have taken inspiration and design elements relating to the Solar Systems and the International Space Station Mission to form ‘One Giant LEAF for Mankind’ and ‘My Space in Space’ by Stanley Road Primary School & Nursery in Worcester focuses on an astronaut who has crash landed onto an unknown planet.

The story of Laika, the Russian dog sent into space in Sputnik Two 60 years ago, has inspired

‘Adventures in Laika Land’ by Regency High School pupils in Worcester showcasing the adventures they imagine Laika had and the garden he made using his re-cycled rocket.

For the first time ever, the RHS Malvern Spring Festival is welcoming an International School to the School Garden Challenge. ‘Let’s Go’ aims to represent history and key aspects of space exploration and discovery by Russian cosmonauts and will be judged separately to the UK School Gardens.

Building of the school gardens begins in April and takes approximately three weeks to complete. A panel of RHS experts will judge the gardens on Wednesday 10 May, the day before RHS Malvern Spring Festival opens to the public. An estimated 100,000 visitors are expected to descend on the Three Counties Showground over the four-day show.

RHS Malvern Spring Festival takes place from Thursday 11 May until Sunday 14 May 2017. Tickets are now on sale. Free entry for children under the age of 16 is available throughout the festival. For more information on ticket prices, please call 01684 584900 or visit www.rhsmalvern.co.uk.