HUNDREDS of people braved mud and wet weather to attend this year’s Alresford Show.
Taking place at Tichborne Park on Saturday, September 7, the event had dozens of attractions for attendees to enjoy, as well as produce for sale and arena shows.
Show vice-president Chris Lillywhite said: “The show has been absolutely wonderful. There were some concerns when we were setting up, with the weather, but we pulled together and hopefully the public has enjoyed it.
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“It’s been a good turnout. In the circumstances, I think it is immense really, when you look at what weather we’ve had.”
He continued: “We’re going to start planning next year next week.
“We have about 20,000 people coming to show.
“The whole show is out together by volunteers, and they’ve done a sterling job. It wouldn’t happen without them. And we get a lot of support from local organisations such as the Rotary and the Alresford Pigs, the Young Farmers, they all help.”
Gordon Curley, who was helping at the New Farm Chapel book stall said: “We’ve always excited to come, because we get to see old friends and make new ones. We were a bit concerned with the weather, it is really muddy, but we’ve enjoyed our day.
“A lot of our regular customers have come to see us, everyone really likes the face painting and the books!”
Alresford and Cheriton group scout leader Roy Naismith said: “The show asks us every year to help sell programmes and man the gates.
“We like to help. For us, it is a really enjoyable local event, and we want to get as many cubs and scouts to help as we can.
“It has been muddy, but it has been great fun. It is always nice to see how happy everyone is. There have been a lot of happy faces.”
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Richard Hawkins said he is a longtime attendee of the show. He told the Chronicle: “I have been coming to the show since 1978, and it is always a great show. I’m sure I’ll come back again next year.”
Bob and Lynne Bedford travelled from Hayling Island to attend the event. They said: “We are from a rural background, we have grown up doing shows like this.
“It is unfortunate the weather isn’t good, but it has been a fantastic day. It is a good opportunity for rural folk to get together. It is the end of the farming season for most people, and everyone is here to see each other.”
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