The time, the place

The time ... Saturday, 7 June 1997

The place ... The South of England Show, Ardingly, West Sussex. Tickets pounds 9 adults, pounds 5 senior citizens/students, pounds 3.50 children

The essentials ... Although this is one of the country's biggest agricultural shows you don't have to be a farmer to go. Set in the heart of rural West Sussex, Ardingly gives city dwellers a chance to sample the great outdoors and see what a British BSE-free cow actually looks like. But before you start checking the dimensions of your fridge freezer and car roof-rack, as you imagine a juicy fillet steak with tartars sauce, this cattle is not for sale. Along with the pedigree sheep, these prize winning specimens are for show only. You can buy smaller animals like ducks, which cost between pounds 10 and pounds 15 and apparently make ideal pets, although they're also great served with a tangy orange sauce. Vegetarians though may prefer to sample the home made produce, such as preserves which start at pounds 1.75 and cakes from 50p. If as a child you dreamt of driving a shiny red tractor this is the place to turn those fanciful thoughts into reality. You can pick up a spanking New Holland Series for just pounds 54,000.

Or a woolly jumper: buy a classic chunky knit Acorn jumper with a lamb or horse motif for pounds 49 from the Yeovil Sheep Skin Shop stand or by mail order on 01935 423468.

Or green wellies: Try Kevin's Men's Wear stand where basic PVC boots cost pounds 10,99 or pounds 34.00 for the Hunter and Huntress buckled brand, or phone 01373 822145.

Then relax with the real flavour of the country with some additive and preservative-free cider at pounds 2.50 from the Norfolk Cider Company or by mail order 01953 860533.

Janet Knight