Crowds pack out Romsey Show as it returns to Broadlands

Crowds stopped and remembered her during the afternoon at the event as it returned to the Broadlands Estate. 

Broadlands was a favourite spot for the Royals, with it being the Queen's honeymoon destination.

As such the charity that organises the show and The Earl and Countess Mountbatten of Burma, who run Broadlands, felt it only right that the show should go on following her death on Thursday. 

Thousands of people agreed and packed out the day, with many also signing a book of condolence and leaving flowers at the estate entrance. 

The crowds were eager to enjoy the Romsey Show, as it returned for the first time in three years on Saturday, September 10, following two years of cancellations due to the pandemic. 

And it did not disappoint with a full timetable celebrating everything agricultural. 

The traditional items such as tractors, horses, cows and sheep were joined by other attractions such as a funfair, reptile area, birds of prey, bees, floral displays, a vast array of food and drink stands, vintage cars, plus much more. 

Alexa Morson, show secretary, said: "It's been amazing, the crowds has really come and supported us today. We are so pleased to see everyone." 

The showground did not play any music out of respect for the national period of mourning. 

Alexa added: "It is really sad news, but the crowd suggests that people wanted to come here as Broadlands has a connection to the Royal family and I think that has reflected in the numbers that have turned out." 

Victor Graham, 77, from Gardeners Lane, in Romsey, was there with his fairground rides. 

He said: "We have been coming here for a few years now. We normally have bells on board the rides, and music playing, but we took them off as a mark of respect for the Queen. 

"I feel quite sad about her death, I remembered when she was crowned, but I felt it was the right decision to go ahead with the show as it gets people out and makes them more thoughtful." 

Many families were enjoying the day. Hannah Phillips was with her son Morgan Field, seven. 

Hannah, from Romsey, said: "It has been great, Morgan likes the fun fair. We have come to the show every year, it has been a tradition for us, but it couldn't go ahead the last two years so we were a bit disappointed, but it's great to see it back."

Across the day there were many dog events and competitions, and agility stations. 
Anna Jones, from Dibden Purlieu, was with her dogs Seb and Georgia.

She said: "It is my first time here but it's really great. It is good to see it going ahead. It is really positive. It is a lovely show." 

The Passingham family were also with their dog Zephyr. Lisa, from Mudeford, was with her mum and dad Doreen and Mike, from Whitchurch. 

She said: "Obviously the Queen's death was dreadfully disappointing but we are ready to embrace the King, It was nice to see all the flowers at the entrance though." 

There were plenty of Hampshire businesses showcasing their wares with stalls, such as Hill Farm Juice and places such as Sherborne House school. The Rotary Club of Romsey Test also had a stall. 

Rotarian Steve Simmons-Jacobs said: "It is great to see it back. It is absolutely first class."