When it comes to farming and animal husbandry the new president of the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association claims little skill.

Despite this it is not an area the Rt Revd Tim Thornton, Bishop of Truro ignores. He embraces the farming industry and ensures he gets out to meet Cornish farmers on their own patch on a regular basis.

“I visit a farm each quarter with Revd Canon Andrew Wade, the diocesan rural link officer, so we can keep abreast of what is happening in agriculture.

“We recently visited a dairy farm and I’m very aware of the pressures many farmers are under.”

Fortunately, in his diocesan rural link officer, the Bishop has an advisor that knows a thing or two about agriculture. Prior to being ordained Canon Wade trained at the Royal Agricultural College and was a dairy farmer.

Tim was ordained more than 30 years ago. He is the 15th Bishop of Truro after being appointed in 2008 following seven years as Bishop of Sherborne. The diocese covers the whole of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and two parishes in Devon.

He succeeded the Rt Revd William Ind – or Bishop Bill as he was more commonly known – who also fulfilled the role of president of the Royal Cornwall in 2003.

Fittingly that year saw the introduction of a pre-show service of thanksgiving, held in the main ring the evening before show begins.

This year the pre-show service will be held on Wednesday, June 8, at 6.30pm and Bishop Tim will be joined by Rt Rev Mark O’Toole, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Plymouth to lead it. The musical accompaniment will be provided by St Minver Silver Band and Pelynt Male Choir.

Trade stand number one at the show is always home of the Cornwall Churches Together marquee and it will be where the traditional post-service pasty supper and refreshments will be served.

It’s also where many of the county’s religious organisations join forces to promote their work and provide chaplaincy services during the show.

Whilst Bishop Tim claims little agricultural skill, he is achieving a great deal in other areas both in Cornwall and nationally.

Three years ago Tim became a member of the House of Lords and led an all-party inquiry into food poverty.

He is also Chairman of the Children’s Society. A national charity working to help the most deprived children and disadvantaged young people.

On a local level Tim is actively involved in numerous organisations including the Bishop’s Forum, Transformation Cornwall and Volunteer Cornwall.

He is also Patron of the Cornwall branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association, Cornwall Blind Association and, one of the official charities at this year’s Royal Cornwall Show, Cornwall Hospice Care.

“I enjoy working in Cornwall and I’m looking forward to being involved in the show this year,” adds Tim.

The show, which takes place on June 9, 10 and 11, is just five weeks away and the tented town that springs up on the Wadebridge-based showground is already taking shape.

To find out more about the Royal Cornwall Show, visit www.royalcornwall.co.uk.