The Alton Show, organised by the North East Hants Agricultural Association, will be held at Froyle Park, Upper Froyle, Alton on July 8.
The show aims to promote farming and the countryside. Since 2001, entries have steadily increased and new livestock classes have been created – for example, new for 2007 is the specific class for Jacobs Sheep and Angora goats, which will be on displa
y with competitions for crafts and fleeces. All the animals are on view, and judging in the animal ring can be seen in progress.
The heavy horses in all their finery are always popular and visitors can watch the preparations for harness and plaited tail. There are trade and agricultural vehicles and some Brewery Drays.
The private driving, with its seven-mile show drive, is well supported and the turnouts are beautifully presented. Alton Show is also part of the national Osborne Refrigerator BDS Championships.
The four-ring horse show has new classes in both the Ridden and In Hand Classes and thanks to full sponsorship of this event there will be new jumps and equipment at this year’s show.
There is a separate horse show schedule for this event. Contact the horse show secretary Mrs N Seaman on 01730 892076 for details.
In the main area there will be performances from Stallions of Substance, Jez Avery Mountain Bike and Stunt Performer and the Princess of Wales Tigers Parachute Team will drop in.
There is a parade of the Hampshire Hunt, the Clinkard and Meon Valley Beagles and the Hampshire Mink Hounds. After the grand parade of all champion animals, the association’s president, Tim Butler, will present the trophies.
The countryside area has demonstrations of all kinds of rural crafts including Gus Dermody with his sheep dogs, sheep shearing, hedge laying, hurdle making, stick making, gun dogs, CPRE, RSPB, Hampshire Wildlife Trust, Arundel Wetlands Trust, fly casting, a forge demonstrating iron work and lots more.
In the arena the programme includes birds of prey, sheep dog demonstrations, a ferret show, gun dogs and terrier racing. Visitors may get the chance to have a go at fly casting.
Opposite this area, at the NFU stand visitors can see the giants of the countryside with the latest in farm machinery as well as the oldest in the vintage section. All aspects of the countryside are covered.
Miller’s Ark will have farm animals of all kinds to see close up. There is a poultry area with birds and equipment, a rabbit display with sales and dogs are welcome especially for the Terrier Racing and the Fun Dog Show. There is also a chance to Hug a Husky and learn how to train your dog with the Walkabout Group.
In the Craft Marquee you will find a great variety of crafts, and there are demonstrations of spinning, pottery, clothing, hats, jewellery and painting.
In the Food and Farming Marquee you can buy Hampshire beer and cider, ginger products from Sussex, Mediterranean olives, garlic, Wiltshire cheese, local goats cheese, frozen yoghurt, local farmhouse ice cream, Cornish pasties, picnic hampers, local organic products and liquorice and fudge.
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