The Prince of Wales’s lifelong contribution to rural life celebrated in Countryside Parade

Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall attended the Prince’s Countryside Parade, held at the Royal Cornwall Show last week.

The Parade comprised of 58 of HRH’s rural patronages, including Devon County Agricultural Association (DCAA), made up of 450 volunteers (and 40 animals), split into six sections representing all parts of rural life, from waterways, to livestock, to food and farming. The Parade was held to a soundtrack of the Band of the Royal Marines and the Cornish male voice choirs and narrated by Phil Vickery MBE and JB Gill.

“It was a great honour and real delight to be a part of the Parade,” said Deborah Custance Baker, one of the DCAA’s Directors. “We flew the flag for Devon and showcased a selection of our incredible food and drink. And it was great fun to find our plate of Devon’s traditional jam-on-top cream tea become a real talking point!”

The DCCA’s section was led by President, Edward Darke, who was followed by a Devon and Cornwall Longwool Sheep shown off by his grandson Matt and great-grandson Jack, and an Exmoor Pony.  A Mole Avon wheelbarrow containing some of the best of Devon produce, including Black Dog eggs, a barrel of Otter Brewery beer, a Quickes truckle of cheddar cheese, Westaway sausages, Langage Farm clotted cream, Waterhouse Fayre jam and Angora wool socks from Corrymoor.  DCAA members also carried a giant Devon pasty made by Chunk of Devon, and a birthday cake in honour of HRH’s 70th birthday.

Following the Parade, Their Royal Highnesses attended an afternoon tea to meet with many of the volunteers, supporters, and parade participants.

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For further information contact:  Richard Maunder, Chief Executive and Secretary of the DCAA on 01392 353701

Notes to editors:

  • The Royal Cornwall Show played host to a special celebration of HRH The Prince of Wales’s contribution to the countryside, environment and rural communities in the UK. The event promoted their collective understanding of the scope of countryside, environment and rural activity and provide a legacy to share best practice in the future.
  • The event showcased broad themes including wildlife and conservation, native breeds, food and farming, and heritage and skills. The breadth and diverse range of charities that took part in the parade provided an ideal opportunity to draw together and catalogue their collective achievements to date. HRH The Prince of Wales’s charities illustrate the complex and interconnected nature of the countryside and the features which make it unique, and to be cherished for future generations.
  • HRH The Prince of Wales has been patron of Devon County Agricultural Association since January 1, 2002
  • More than half The Duchy of Cornwall is in Devon - 28,547 hectares are on Dartmoor
  • The Devon County Show is the flagship event of the Devon County Agricultural Association (DCAA), which has played a leading role in the development of agriculture, education and the rural economy in Devon since its formation in 1872.
  • The Show is an impressive rural show window showcasing award-winning livestock, the finest food and drink and rural living at its most vibrant.
  • The Show is one of the South West's most iconic and enduring annual events attracting up to 95,000 people.
  • The 2018 DCAA President is Edward Darke
  • The DCAA Chairman of Council (an honorary position chairing the 100-strong Trustee Council body) is Mrs Mary Quicke MBE.
  • The Honorary Show Director is David Parish and the Honorary Show Director Designate is Stewart Stevens.
  • The Show Secretary is Ollie Allen who retires at the end of August.
  • The new Show Manager is Sam Mackenzie-Green, who will take up her post in mid-August.
  • The 2019 Devon County Show will be held on May 16, 17 and 18.