A WOMAN has used her first trip to Royal Ascot to issue a message of support to dairy farmers, writes Amy Dennis.

A picture of Sharron Petherick, who works at Kivells Estate Agents in Holsworthy, wearing a hat with the message ‘support British dairy farmers’ at Royal Ascot’s Ladies’ Day, has been seen by more than 40,000 people after she was snapped in national newspapers, the image was subsequently shared on Facebook and beyond.

Sharron, whose father, uncle and brother run a farm near Launceston, told the Post her and two friends Tracy Uglow and Tina Mander, received tickets to Royal Ascot as a Christmas present.

Sharron said Tracy’s husband is a dairy farmer, Tina’s husband is an agricultural fencer, and Sharron’s partner works for an agricultural contractor.

Sharron said of Royal Ascot, an event she had not been to before: “They are renowned for their hats. I thought let’s think outside the box — why don’t I do something patriotic as it’s the Queen’s birthday, and why not something with a message?

“I have been brought up with farming. If you live in rural communities it does affect you one way or another.”

Sharron came up with the idea for the hat, and it was created by Kerry Smith of The Hat Shop, Holsworthy.

Kerry said: “It’s gone quite ‘viral’ I think and I’m thrilled to pieces. Sharron came in six weeks ago and said what her idea was and I basically built it from scratch on a base.

“I honestly didn’t think it would get quite the coverage it did. It’s caused a stir and at the right time. I’m thrilled to bits to put Holsworthy on the map and support the dairy farmers.”

Sharron said of the response at Royal Ascot to the hat: “We had a lot of people taking pictures because it’s just an unusual hat, but what amazed us more was a lot of people didn’t know what a dairy farm was! I think we take for granted that people in the towns should know what goes on in rural areas.

“I stopped and explained to people what they are doing and how they are not getting much money for it. Even if I’ve just educated one person I thought I’ve achieved something. It’s very sad times at the moment for dairy farming. I just wanted to do my bit. Let’s start backing the dairy farmers and pay a bit more for our milk.

She also drew attention from a German TV crew, who asked to interview Sharron about dairy farming.

Sharron added: “I was hoping to get a bit of media attention, but I didn’t realise I’d get quite as much! All the response has been positive.”

The hat is due to be on display in the window of The Hat Shop, Fore Street, Holsworthy, from Wednesday of this week (June 22). It will then go on display in the chapel for St Peter’s Fair Week. Kerry added she hoped everyone would have a chance to see the hat.