Organic farmer's first crop in 50 years to feature at top show
A former organic farmer known for his luxuriant hair and beard is set to have his head shaved as a leading feature at one of the region’s largest agricultural events.
Arnold Warneken said he had been inspired to step into the Main Ring at Tockwith and District Agricultural Show for a Brave the Shave event after his wife of 46 years, Alex, who he founded Goosemoor Organics at Cowthorpe, near Wetherby, with was diagnosed with cancer.
He said the idea for the head shave came from organisers of the show as an acknowledgement of his long association with the large-scale one-day event that attracts between 8,000 and 11,000 visitors.
Mr Warneken said: “I have been involved in various capacities over the years, from displaying the farmers’ market to refereeing the tug o’ war. It’s been part and parcel of my development in this area.
"They used to publicise it as the biggest local show. It is really impactful.”
He said Tockwith’s show recognised agriculture as being at the heart of the community.
Mr Warneken said: “It’s not just about horses, there’s poultry sections, people put bales of straw forward, it’s everything that you would have on a farm. It’s well-respected. If you get a trophy at Tockwith Show it counts for something.”
Mr Warneken, who is a high-profile figure in the community as a North Yorkshire councillor and Green Party politician, said: “It’s all a bit of a shock. Four weeks ago she was fine. It’s all caved in, plans she was making. Alex hasn’t been well for 20 years with MS, but to have this suddenly appear as well…”
He added his wife had never seen him without facial hair.
Mr Warneken said: “That concept of shaving your head became more appealing the more the middle bit of my hair was starting to disappear anyway. My beard and the hair on top of my head is coming off and I haven’t had a bald face in over 50 years.”
He said he had long harboured an ambition to boost Macmillan Cancer Support, praising the person-centred approach of its nurses.
Mr Warneken, has already raised £8,000 towards his target of £10,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
He said: “In the next few months her life will be reliant on the skills and dedication of the NHS staff and I want to do my bit to ensure that the support I anticipate Alex will receive will be there for future patients by helping to fund all they do.”
Meanwhile, this year’s presidents of the show, Paul and Lisa Chasney, who run Goose Beck Vineyard, in Bilton in Ainsty, with their family have selected Yorkshire Air Ambulance as the president’s charity.
A spokesman said: “Our committee are busy making preparations for show day, putting together a schedule of nearly 300 classes, offering over £6,000 in prize money and a programme of events to keep young and old alike entertained and busy all day.”
The show is being held on August 2 and Mr Warneken’s shave is scheduled for 12.30pm.