The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
It’s show time: events perfect time to meet communities
Agricultural shows aren’t simply the domain of farmers and many organisations with strong links to the farming community have an important role to play at events all over Courier Country. Nora McElhone caught up with Margaret Hebbourn who represents the N
Q. Can you tell us a little about yourself? I have recently taken over as senior agent and group secretary in the NFU Perth office.
I run the Perth agency with my business partner, Katy, and we also have a team of eight office-based staff. I was brought up on the family farm, just south of Inverness, and was always very much hands on when it came to helping out with the sheep and cattle.
I moved to the Perth area in my late 20s with my employers at the time, General Accident.
My role with the NFU is a perfect combination for me – my many years of working in the insurance industry and my farming background are both a real advantage in the role. I also love meeting new people and identifying the best solutions for the needs of their business.
Q. How is the NFU involved in agricultural shows on a national and local level?
The NFU are involved in many agricultural shows throughout the country, from the biggest events to the smallest local shows.
These shows are a great opportunity to get close to our customers and meet them on a more informal basis to catch up on any issues they might have over a cup of tea and a biscuit.
The NFU stand can be a meeting place for neighbours and friends to get together, too.
Q. Why do you feel that agricultural shows are important for the farming community in general?
Agricultural shows are great community events – a chance to mix on a social basis with neighbours and friends. On a more serious note, it’s also an opportunity for farmers to showcase their best livestock and produce.
The trade stands provide a good opportunity to view new machinery and vehicles and catch up with suppliers and traders.
Q. Why is going to the shows important for the NFU in particular?
It is really important for the NFU to support the agricultural shows. Many of our customers and prospective
customers take time out of their busy diaries to relax and meet friends and family, but also to catch up with key business contacts.
The NFU are at the heart of local communities and it is important for us to meet with our customers regularly on a face-to-face basis to ensure we get to know their business inside and out.
This is a fantastic opportunity for us to chat to our customers and give something back by offering some hospitality and, unfortunately, as the weather can often be inclement, some shelter from the elements!
Q. Which are your own favourite shows?
As a child growing up in the Highlands, my favourite show was always the Black Isle show.
In fact, one of my earliest childhood memories was getting lost at the Black Isle Show – I had gone to the ice cream van to buy myself a Mr Whippy while my mum looked on; however, I obviously lost my bearings and wandered off in the wrong direction and experienced 10 minutes of panic before being located once again.
However, since moving to Perth, I have enjoyed going along to the Perth Show. This year I am very much looking forward to attending some of the smaller community shows, such as Alyth, Aberfeldy and Braco.
If the sun is shining then I’m sure I will enjoy them even more but, realistically, I’d be surprised if that was the case for all of the shows in the diary!
Q. What are the particular aspects of the shows that you enjoy?
I enjoy a good walk around the pens and the stands, buying local produce and chatting to exhibitors, as well as meeting with customers and catching up with them and their families over a cup of tea.
Q. Which shows are you particularly looking forward to attending in 2018?
As I said, I’m really looking forward to attending some of the small, local shows which will be new to me this year.
I’m also hoping that we will be taking a stand at the Blair Castle Horse Trials this year for the first time ever.
It’s an event I really enjoy attending and I’m hoping that we will be able to catch up with some of our equine customers who might not always attend the other shows we are at.
Q. Is there anything else that you would like to let our readers know about the show season and the NFU?
Yes, don’t be frightened to come along and speak to us on our stand – whether you are an existing customer of NFU or not, you are very welcome.
The kettle is always on and if you need advice or just want to find out more about us, we are always happy to chat, and perhaps one day you might become a customer or member of NFUS.