HRH visits Cumbria: Farrer’s, Bendrigg Trust and Lords Plain Farm

Today, (6th February) The Countess was with a visit to Cumbria. First HRH visited John Farrer & Co Ltd in Kendal. The visit was to mark 200 years of independent coffee merchants, Farrer’s, one of the oldest blenders and roasters of the finest teas and coffee in the United Kingdom, established back in 1819.

photo courtesy of John Farrer & Co and photographer Steve Barber – thank you!

In today’s modern times the coffee is now roasted in a modern unit on the outskirts of Kendal. Farrer’s primarily sells pure origin specially graded beans, a high percentage of which is high altitude grown Arabica, which comprises 70% of the world’s coffee production and is renowned for its flavour and complexity.

photo courtesy of John Farrer & Co and photographer Steve Barber – thank you!

At the coffee production facility, HRH met with master roaster Steve Cane, who explained the coffee-making process, and invited The Countess to officially begin production of a special 200th anniversary roast. During the visit The Countess also opened the new Wessex Training Suite, where HRH found out more about the coffee training courses offered by baristas Brian and Ash.

photo courtesy of John Farrer & Co and photographer Steve Barber – thank you!

HRH was then invited to practice some coffee art herself. According to Tim Rookie (one of the photographers who captured the visit), HRH became the first member of The Royal Family to take a Barista course. To conclude her visit, The Countess also unveiled a commemorative plaque. For video, click here.

photo courtesy of BendriggTrust/Adamedia, click on pic to be redirected & view more images of HRH’s visit

Her Royal Highness then visited Bendrigg Trust, a residential activity centre specialising in high quality courses for disabled and disadvantaged people, of any age or ability. During her visit HRH The Countess met with some local children benefitting from the courses and found out more about the Trust’s work in the local area.

photo courtesy of BendriggTrust/Adamedia, click on pic to be redirected & view more images of HRH’s visit

The Countess of Wessex also launched Bendrigg’s ‘Adventure for All’ Sponsorship Fund, which supports the neediest people to experience life-changing opportunities, improving their mental and physical health and well-being. This project is only possible thanks to the kind funding from the ScottishPower Foundation. To learn more, click here.

photo courtesy of BendriggTrust/Adamedia, click on pic to be redirected & view more images of HRH’s visit

Finally, Her Royal Highness attended the judging of the Westmorland Agricultural Society’s Annual Silage Competition, in her role as President of the Society. Silage (as Wikipedia explains) is fermented, high-moisture stored fodder which can be fed to cattle, sheep and other such ruminants.

photo shared by the Royal Family via Twitter

HRH attended the visual judging at Lords Plain Farm, where she met judges and exhibitors. Record entries of almost 100 have been submitted for the competition, which sees silage samples analysed by sponsors, Carrs Billington, for nutrient content and scored against a matrix of the “ideal” fodder.

photo shared by the Royal Family via Twitter

Shortlisted entries were then visually judged by an independent panel who also look at management on farm before arriving at the overall winners. The 2019 event also included educational workshops for secondary school pupils looking at the role livestock nutrition and animal welfare plays in the production of food.

photo shared by the Royal Family via Twitter

Christine Knipe, chief executive of Westmorland County Agricultural Society, said: “We are delighted and privileged that the Countess of Wessex is attending the Society’s Silage Competition. We are all really pleased to have her support and it is wonderful for all concerned with the Westmorland Agricultural Society”.

The Countess is a keen supporter of agriculture, farming and food production. The 2019 Westmorland County Show will be held at the Showground, Lane Farm, Crooklands near Kendal on Thursday September. 12. For Daily Mail coverage click here, another reportage can be found here.

Outfit & jewellery:
New, Victoria Beckham Virgin wool coat.
Brown turtleneck, no ID.
New skirt, most likely High-waist wrap-effect wool-crepe midi skirt by Valentino.
New earrings, no ID.
New Maya Torque Ivory & Gold Bangle by Halcyon Days.
Some delicate gold bracelet.
Watch by Chanel.
Boots by Prada.
Clutch bag by Sophie Habsburg Design.