International Women’s Day is a growing global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. At the Showground, we’re celebrating those either work in the world of agriculture, or who have achieved something fantastic from their Lincolnshire roots, with afternoon tea followed by networking and inspirational stories.

We will be joined by the following speakers -

Alexis Powell-Howard MA., System Prac., BACP (Accred), TEDx Speaker and the Managing Director of Fortis Therapy & Training. Heather Oldfield, farmer’s wife, mother Elsoms Seeds Energy & Forage Manager and The Little Tweed Co. Ros Canter, eventing world champion and business owner.

Ros Canter, said “I am looking forward to speaking at the international women’s day event at the Lincolnshire Showground. Having grown up on our family farm, progressing to running my business from there and becoming the World champion in Eventing, I am excited to share my experiences of success from our wonderful county as I build up towards my biggest aim yet - competing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.”

Sarah Duxbury, business development manager at Lincolnshire Showground and spearhead of the event, said: “International Women’s Day is an event we so look forward to hosting. Now in our third year, we have seen accelerated interest in the event - which can only mean International Women’s Day is gaining more and more recognition. It is such a crucial campaign for local, national and international groups and businesses to acknowledge. It gives everyone, not just women, the chance to show their support for accelerating gender equality across the board, as well as creating a chance to showcase the true resilience, drive and resulting achievements for women across the board. Our speakers are always asked to attend because of their stories. Their journey and the actions they have taken which have in turn lead them to inspire others. This year’s speakers are no different and we can’t wait to share their voices with our guests.”

The event will take place at Lincolnshire Showground’s Epic Centre from 11.30am on Friday 6 March. Tickets are priced at £22 per person, including an afternoon tea.

For tickets, please contact Sarah Duxbury on 01522 585501, or email sduxbury@lincolnshireshowground.co.uk.

The Lincolnshire Showground is celebrating International Women’s Day on Tuesday 8 March with lunch, networking and talks from a number of inspiring local women, hosted by the award-winning Lincolnshire chef, Rachel Green.

A lunch, followed by networking and inspirational stories will celebrate women working in agriculture or who have achieved something fantastic from their Lincolnshire roots.

There will also be the opportunity for those attending the IWD event to have the chance to speak to professionals from the Women in Agriculture (WIA) group – made up of representatives from the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, Savills, Shakespeare Martineau, Forrester Boyd and the CLA.

Drop-in sessions will be held between 8 am – 10 am for you to come and ask any question, have a relaxed discussion or receive free advice on matters including planning and diversification, tax planning, estate matters (legal and management), and future policy.

Bookable sessions will be available and information on how to book will be supplied following your IWD ticket purchase.

Speakers at the International Women’s Day event include:

Caroline Kenyon, owner of The Food Awards Company

Caroline launched The Food Awards Company in 2012 with the backing of Luke Johnson, one of the UK’s leading entrepreneurs. With her team, Caroline created and runs the Pink Lady Food Photographer of the year, the world’s leading awards for food photography, as well as the Tiptree World Bread Awards UK and USA. Just over a year ago, she set up FoodFM, the first global internet radio station all about food.

Claire Birch, owner of Doddington Hall

Claire and her husband James live at Doddington near Lincoln. Together they have developed a series of rural enterprises on their estate, with the backdrop of Elizabethan Historic House, Doddington Hall. The hall features a range of retail businesses including a farm shop, bike shop and clothing and home stores.

They employ over 200 people and can host weddings and corporate events. Since taking over at Doddington, she and James have worked hard to make their activities as sustainable as possible, installing a district biomass heating system using waste wood from the estate.

Helen Bell, owner of Romancing the Ordinary Retreats

Helen is the owner of the successful health and wellness retreat Romancing the Ordinary Retreats. Helen chooses to follow a path highly influenced by Buddhist and Daoist teachings and described this part of her life as the ‘last transformation’. A qualified teacher, Helen teaches Qigong which is the body a breath practice based on gentle martial arts style movement.

Helen will share her thoughts on her understanding of the rules that life is based on and how the ‘five hindrances’ can stop us from re-inventing and transforming ourselves such that we don’t often follow our dreams.

Dr Sandra McCutcheon, founder and principal consultant at Mindfulness Skills4Life

Dr Sandra McCutcheon is the founder and principal consultant at Mindfulness Skills4Life. Dr Sands established herself as an internationally recognised specialist in the field of infectious diseases that damage and cause dysfunction in the brain. As a published scientist, in the world of academia, her research was relied upon by the UK Government to drive national policy associated with blood transfusion medicine, as well as earning her a place as an expert advisor to the World Health Organisation.

Dr Sands now champions health and wellbeing, often featuring on BBC Countryfile and BBC Radio. As a fully accredited mindfulness and meditation consultant, she collaborates with clients to encourage them to develop new ways of living life.

The event will take place at Lincolnshire Showground’s Epic Centre from 10.30 am on Tuesday 8 March. Tickets are priced at £30 per person, including a two-course lunch.

For tickets, please click here.