The link to take you to the new book of the month page is:
http://www.southsidebookofthemonth.mypodcast.com

Keith Moss – www.keithmossphotography.co.uk
Barry Lumb – talking about gliding and flying model aircraft optronicgb@aol.com  &
Nick Little Community Librarian telephone guest @ 4pm  talking about the Human Library – something for everyone to savour !

Photo shows Frances Griffiths, who will be showing her cattle at July’s Great Yorkshire Show, helping to launch the start of the sale of tickets for the annual farming and countryside event. Tickets go on sale on Monday 1 March.

Tickets for this year’s Great Yorkshire Show go on sale today (Monday 1 March) – with the help of a 17 year old young farmer. As the first tickets for England’s premier agricultural event are snapped up, web browsers from around the world can get a ‘behind the scenes’ look at what is involved in showing livestock.

Organisers, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, are simultaneously launching an on-line video series featuring A’ level student Frances Griffiths as she starts her preparations to compete at the event. Away from her studies, Frances shows Holstein dairy cattle and already has a number of rosettes to her name. She will again be competing in the Young Handlers section of this year’s event which runs from Tuesday 13 – Thursday 15 July at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate.

The camera will follow Frances as she selects potential prize winners from the family’s Holstein herd at Gunthwaite Hall Farm, Penistone near Barnsley, and talks about the ups and downs of preparing for the show ring. “I really enjoy showing, it’s great fun, particularly the social side. In fact the only down side is having to get up at 4o’clock on a show morning which I’m not too keen on!” A student at Shelley College, near Huddersfield, Frances is a member of Cawthorne Young Farmers Club and is currently competing in the YFC’s national junior public speaking competition.

Her parents, Edward and Jenny Griffiths have plenty of rosettes to prove their enjoyment in showing Holstein cattle around the country. In addition Edward has experience from both sides of the “show fence” as he is a respected national judge of Holstein cattle, and is a member of the Great Yorkshire Show Cattle committee.

The episodes will also give viewers an insight into what makes a prize winning animal. John Dickinson, from Doncaster, who judges Jersey cattle, will be giving his thoughts on what goes through a judge’s mind as the animals file past in the show ring. The footage can be seen on the website, www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk and follows the success of last year’s “A Lamb’s Tale” in which thousands of web browsers followed North Yorkshire farmer Mark Elliott and his prize winning Wensleydale lamb preparing for the 2009 show.

Some 125,000 visitors are expected at this year’s show and tickets for the Great Yorkshire Show can be purchased by ringing 01423 541222. On the 2010 programme are the Bolddog Lings Motor cycle display team, international show jumping, competitive classes for around 5,000 animals, demonstrations of country skills and crafts as well as fashion shows, the new look Garden Show and hundreds of stands selling everything from designer clothing to the latest tractors.

As a result of the Leicestershire cancellation, Newark – held on 8 and 9 May – will be the first major county show of the season. With gate numbers increasing year on year, organisers are anticipating a bumper crowd of visitors over the two days.

Show organiser Sally Devereux said: “It is always sad to see any long-standing show missing from the calendar. We are unaware of any reason why the decision has been taken to cancel Leicestershire Show but it emphasises the strength of Newark as a major event attended by over 55,000 people.”

Among the leading attributes of the show are its permanent facilities and easy access from the A1, A17 and A46 plus a massive free parking area which can hold 5,000 cars. Introduced last year in a move to help beat the ‘credit crunch’ children under 17 years will continue to be admitted free (provided they are accompanied by a responsible adult) and, as one of very few shows offering a warm welcome for dogs, Newark makes a truly fantastic day out for all the family.

“Our aim is to provide entertainment at an affordable price for all members of the family,” added Sally. “A successful mix of traditional agricultural show values with modern-day expectations that is economically viable is a fine balancing act. At Newark we have a recipe that works. That doesn’t mean we are complacent – every year we improve on the year before and there’s always something new for visitors to enjoy.”

Equine and livestock showing classes, heavy horses, top-class show jumping and the Cattle Parade provide the back-bone of the show, complemented by a growing number of quality trade stands – where visitors can buy everything from a pair of shoes to a wheelbarrow – the improved Food Court with local produce and real ale and the ever-popular Flower Show.

Making use of every inch of Newark’s 120-acre site, visitors enjoy a growing list of attractions including the Regia Anglorum (Kingdoms of the English) Living Saxon Encampment where history comes alive, an Environment Village, Village Green with Morris Dancing, Countryside Area and Farming Heritage display.

The show boasts 26 arenas and display areas (including seven equine showing rings and a dedicated arena for show jumping), 12 exhibition halls and permanent catering outlets including the Cedric Ford Pavilion Restaurant.

Visitors can save money on admission by purchasing advance tickets (until 5.00pm on Friday 7 May). Tickets are available online at www.newarkshowground.com  or by calling 01636 705796 to save £2 on every adult and concessionary ticket – or join as a Member to enjoy the added benefits and facilities such as the Members’ marquee in prime position by the Main Ring.