Jersey spuds get 'Royal' showing

Saturday 04 August 2018

Palace visitors should get set to be spudderly amazed, as a Jersey couple are this weekend exhibiting their Jersey Royal potatoes as part of BBC Countryfile’s 30th anniversary celebrations.

Christine and Didier Hellio of Manor Farm are among 700 exhibitors at Blenheim Palace show which features food, craft and luxury produce in what has been described as "the best country fair in the world."

It started on Thursday and continues until tomorrow (Sunday). Their display includes artefacts, potatoes and photographs which show the evolution of farming.

Christine and Didier first featured on Countryfile in May 2016, when the production team flew to Jersey to experience potato farming on the farm’s cotils. They were so impressed by the welcome and the couple’s knowledge that they have now been invited back for the special anniversary event.

Christine said: “I just think it’s fantastic that the Jersey Royal is being featured as part of this huge event and that people are so interested in the history behind potato farming.

“I’ve told Countryfile that these Jersey Royals are my babies, so I want them to be looking at their best. It is our busiest time so I might not make the whole event but if I do manage to get over next week I will be travelling with a handbag full of extra spuds just in case those on display need refreshing!”

Pictured: Christine and Didier Hellio overjoyed to be exhibiting at "the best country fair in the world."

This year sees the island celebrate 140 years of the Jersey Royal potato, with the Hellios responsible for exporting 450 tonnes each year. Christine and Didier have been growing potatoes and vegetables at Manor Farm for over 30 years, welcoming anyone through their gates that has a curiosity to learn more about the produce and the history of the farm.

John Garton, Chief Executive Officer, Farm Jersey said: “This is such a great honour, to be selected out of hundreds of guests to showcase Jersey’s wonderful potatoes. As well as a great opportunity to promote our produce and the superior taste it delivers, this really is a tribute to Christine and Didier and all that they do locally to promote farming.

“Their visitor-friendly farm and welcoming attitude has done so much to educate people about the benefits of buying local produce and the place that farming has in our economy.”