High class school designs sought for Ulster Bank’s Community Farm

Ulster Bank, the principal sponsor of the Balmoral Show, has launched a competition to find four unique pieces of artwork which will be made into animal models for the Ulster Bank Community Farm at the three-day agricultural extravaganza.

The bank is running the initiative to recognise the creativity of young people and to highlight the importance of agriculture to communities across Northern Ireland.

The thousands of people expected to flock to the show this year will see the winning cow, sheep, pig and horse models on display at one of the Ulster Bank’s main stands while many of the colourful entries submitted will be featured at stands throughout the showgrounds.

All of Northern Ireland’s nearly 900 primary schools are being encouraged to get moo-ving to enter ahead of the competition deadline of April 24, with schools able to submit one entry per class.

Classes can choose which animal they wish to put their colourful stamp on - cow, sheep, pig or horse - and they can download their design template by clicking on the ‘Ulster Bank Community Farm’ link on the Balmoral Show homepage: www.balmoralshow.co.uk.

Each county in Northern Ireland will have a winning entry, with the top cow, sheep, pig and horse designs being turned into a model to make up the Ulster Bank Community Farm, which will be on display at the show from May 16 - 18.

The winning entry from each county will receive a class pass to the Balmoral Show, along with transport and lunch at the event. The four winning models will be donated to the winning schools after the show.

For every entry received, Ulster Bank is donating £1 to Rural Support, which is marking its 10th year this year, to help support the charity’s important work in rural communities.

Ulster Bank’s Senior Agriculture Manager, Cormac McKervey, says that the bank wants to engage more young people in a fantastic family occasion.

“We’re delighted to be the principal sponsor of the Balmoral Show for a fourth year. We had great feedback following the competition last year from children, schools and parents and we want to continue to engage with young people and encouraging them to attend this great event.”

“Rural Support plays an invaluable role supporting our rural families and communities and we are pleased to be able to help them raise awareness and funds for their important work,” he adds.

Schools can find out more about the Community Farm at www.balmoralshow.co.uk or by emailing [email protected].