Hampshire Fare hosts event for local school students

The event was put on by LEAF (Linking Education and Farming) and Hampshire Fare and was held by Wheatsheaf at Folly Farm Estate in North Waltham on Thursday, June 22.

A number of activities and stalls were on offer at the event, including a food hall, a nutritional stand, a live cooking class, and even a tractor ride.

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Students from schools across Basingstoke and the Test Valley area attended (Image: The Electric Eye Photography, Canva)

On another part of the farm was a business area, where businesses promoted their links to agriculture and the various jobs that the industry can provide.

Four schools attended the event on the day, with pupils from Bishop Challoner, Costello and Dove House joining John Hanson students from Andover. The event was supported with sponsorship by both Hampshire County Council and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, amongst others. 

Kate Baylis, who is associated with Wheatsheaf, said: "I think it's fantastic we have the opportunity to put this event on. You can't expect kids to know where the food comes from when they don't grow up in this environment, so it's great and very beneficial for them.

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"A massive thank you to all the wonderful producers who gave up their time to come here and support us, particularly in these expensive times we are living in."

Commercial manager for Hampshire Fare, Tracy Nash, said: "It's a great day we are really fortunate to be able to put on. It covers all basis and is everything to do with food and farming, including the business side of the industry. 

"It's amazing how engaged the students were and we're thrilled we were able to put on this event for the students at Folly Down Farm."