His Majesty The King visited Clitheroe Auction Mart on Monday 9 February to meet farmers, young farmers and rural organisations and to learn more about the challenges and opportunities facing farming communities across Lancashire and the wider region.
During the visit, His Majesty spent time in the livestock area, where he met local farmers and young farmers and viewed a range of rare breed sheep and cattle.
His Majesty also toured the cattle pens, speaking with farmers about livestock production, breeding and the realities of farming life today. This included NFU member Sarah Whitwell, a Director of Clitheroe Auction Mart attending with her husband Graham, son Thomas (9) and daughter Charlotte (7). The King was shown their seven month old BonnyBar Beef Shorthorn bull, Winston.
Sarah commented: “It’s a lovely honour and privilege to be here. We know he loves rural communities and it was a special moment, especially for the children who we didn’t tell in advance! We’re really honoured to meet The King, and he recognises the importance of family farms and rare breeds.”
At the Rural Business Centre, The King met those providing practical support to the farming community, including land agents, financial advisers and lawyers. He also met members of Lancashire’s rural policing team, and rural charitable organisations based at the mart, including FCN and Field Nurses. In the Auction Ring, His Majesty was introduced to Fell pony, Pearl, who is related to Emma, the late Queen’s Fell pony. The visit concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque and a short address from Rod Spence, Chairman of Clitheroe Auction Mart.
His Majesty King Charles said: “It’s an enormous pleasure to be able to join you at the Auction Mart, when I’m sure you could be doing other things on your farms! The farming sector is vital to the economy. I founded the Countryside Fund almost 20 years ago, and I hope it is contributing to some degree to the welfare and adaptability of farmers and to the challenges and complications you have to meet. The field nurses do a wonderful job absorbing the stresses and strains of farming. I wish you as successful a coming season as possible, weather permitting!”
On arrival, The King was greeted by the Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, Mrs Amanda Parker JP before being received by Rod Spence, Chairman of Clitheroe Auction Mart.
A privilege to meet the King
He then continued a tour of Lancashire, including a visit to Salmesbury Hall, where he met NFU North Dairy Board Chair Graham Young.
Graham said: “It was a privilege to meet the King. It was wonderful to talk to him, he was lovely. He’s really keen on agriculture and the green belt and keeping farmers farming.”
His Majesty also visited Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses, where NFU Central Lancashire Group Secretary Jo Oliver was in attendance.
Jo said: “The family and team at Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses have worked tirelessly to create a state of the art ‘cheese campus’ following a fire in November 2023. The King toured the new facilities, tried a range of their cheeses, and met with many local suppliers and neighbours who have supported the company during their years of rebuilding. It was an honour to attend the event.”