New winter fair for south west

Following the formal confirmation of Smithfield’s move to Stoneleigh, plans have been announced for a new South West Winter Fair at Sedegmoor Auction Centre, Bridgewater.

And with ÂŁ1000 up for grabs in the cattle championship there’s certain to be interest from a number of exhibitors.

However, I’m a little baffled by the apparent reasoning for this initiative – with the organisers stating it has been started to fill the void left by Smithfield and citing Stoneleigh as difficult to get to for farmers from Cornwall, Devon or Dorset.

I’ll not dispute the fact that its further than Shepton Mallet was, but surely its a good deal easier to get to from the south west than central London was? Having made journeys from Devon to both Stoneleigh and Earls Court myself I know which one I’d rather do with stock.

Nonetheless, I hope the event is a success for all concerned, but am now wondering if the winter show circuit is starting to get a little cramped with everyone trying to have a piece of the action.

No date has yet been announced for the South West Winter Fair…..