8:41am Thursday 18th June 2009
By Sally Clifford
Local lads Christian Gallon and Stuart Fort are proving to be model farmers.
Christian, who works in agricultural sales, and Stuart, who works on his parents’ dairy farm, are competing for the title of Model Young Farmer 2009 at this year’s Great Yorkshire Show.
The lads are more used to mucking out cowsheds and driving tractors through muddy fields, wearing overalls and wellies, than strutting around in designer suits – but soon they’ll be out of their comfort zones and sashaying down the catwalk. Christian, 21, of Greengates, was nominated by his aunt, Simone Gallon. “I knew she’d sent my details in but I didn’t think I’d get through – it was a surprise,” says Christian.
He says he’s flattered to make it to the finals and is already getting some advice from his mum, a former model, for his catwalk debut at the show next month, when Yorkshire designers will showcase their talents in the Skipton Building Society fashion pavilion.
“I am going to university, and I’m a musician at heart, but this could open another door,” says Christian.
Stuart, from Glusburn, near Keighley, who was nominated by his girlfriend, Aimee Procter, says he was ‘shocked’ to make it into the final seven. He says he accepts that farmers aren’t usually associated with style. “All farmers do is buy a new pair of overalls!” he laughs.
Asked how he feels taking to the catwalk, Stuart replies: “I am a bit shy, but I may get a new style!”
Christian and Stuart will strut their stuff alongside the five other finalists; Mark Simpson, 29, from Ossett, Jimmy Atkinson, 25, from County Durham, Stuart Battye, 19, from Sheffield, Thomas Foley, 20, from Rathmell, near Settle, and Stephen Knowles, current county chairman of Yorkshire Young Farmers, from Boroughbridge.
The winner, who will be announced after the show, will be awarded £300 prizemoney from Skipton Building Society. They will also receive a crate of Black Sheep beer. Each of the other finalists will receive £50.
Launching a modelling competition among the county’s young farmers is a first for the Great Yorkshire Show. Organisers searched for contestants for the competition, appropriately titled ‘From Overalls To Oat Couture’, through the Yorkshire Federation Of Young Farmers Clubs Deborah Goodall, marketing manager of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, says: “The fashion shows are a vibrant and popular part of the Great Yorkshire Show and have been for a number of years.
“For the 2009 show we wanted to introduce a new element, presenting fashions for men on the catwalk and linking this with farming.”
Bill Cowling, honorary show director, adds: “Involving the young farmers movement does just that. I’m sure it will be very well received and, who knows, it might lead to new career opportunities which would certainly be diversification with a difference!”
Fashion show co-ordinator Bernadette Gledhill of the Louise Morton model agency, is offering professional advice and guidance to the contenders ahead of their catwalk debut.
“Even professional models can find it daunting when they first take to the runway and walk out in front of an audience, so I’m really impressed with these guys for being willing to give it a go,” says Louise.
“I’m helping them as much as I can so they will know what to expect and I’m sure that when the time comes they’ll all step out confidently and show everyone what they can do. We’re lining up some fantastic designer outfits for them too, so they’ll look fabulous.”
The Great Yorkshire Show takes place from July 14 to 16 on the showground near Harrogate. Tickets are available in advance until Wednesday, July 8, online at greatyorkshireshow.co.uk, or by ringing (01423) 541222. Tickets are also available from Morrisons.
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