+(133x200).jpg)
Over
15,000 visitors flocked to the Spring Garden & Leisure Show at the South of
England Showground in Ardingly over the bank holiday weekend - a 30% increase
in footfall compared to last year.
The
South of England Agricultural Society’s theme for this year is ‘Poultry’ and
President, Penelope Keith CBE DL, thoroughly enjoyed getting up close and
personal with various feathered friends during her first visit to the Spring
Show. She delighted crowds as she spoke
to various members of the public during her tour of the showground and will be
making a welcome return in just over four weeks to officially open the South of
England Show on the 6 June at an exciting new ‘World of Poultry’ exhibition.
A
fully packed audience listened to vet and poultry expert, Martin Smith, and
Agricultural Consultant, Andrew Marshall, who held free talks about Healthy
Hens/Happy Hens throughout the two days in the new ‘Poultry Theatre’. This proved to be an extremely popular event
with standing room only as many backyard enthusiasts listened with interest and
relished the opportunity to ask questions to the experts.
The
‘Gardening Theatre’ was another success this year, as gardening enthusiasts
quizzed BBC gardening expert, Jean Griffin, and the rest of the expert
gardening panel about everything flora related. Trade stands were also extra busy throughout
the weekend as people rushed to get the best deals on offer and make the most
of late Spring planting.
Clare
Hastings, Chairman of the Spring Show Committee said: “We are delighted with
the turnout at the show this year and it was a great success for both traders and
visitors who thoroughly enjoyed basking in the sunshine – it really felt like Spring
had finally arrived and is a fantastic start to the show season here at
Ardingly.
“Hundreds
of children enjoyed the cattle, sheep and pig workshops in the ‘Access the
Countryside’ area and took part in the fluffy duck trail. The famous Mini ‘Sheep Show’ team with live
sheep shearing on stage proved as popular as ever drawing in huge crowds from
across the showground.”
Over
700 dogs from across the region competed in the ever popular Open Dog Show
which forms an integral part of the Spring Garden & Leisure Show and many
came to see who would be crowned Best in Show.
This year the title went to the impressive Newfoundland, Zentaur Tee Tea
Effen from Salfords in Surrey and Best Puppy in Show went to Akita, Darquenny
from Kingsnorth in Kent, qualifying both to compete against the world’s best at
Crufts.
Celebrations
were also heard from the Alpaca marquee when Houghton Perry won the Huacaya
Supreme Championship and Houghton Chance won Suri Supreme Championship. Hundreds of these fascinating long-haired
camelids from South America competed at the show and once again proved hugely popular
with children and adults alike.
The
new showground caterers delivered tempting and delicious
food that was thoroughly enjoyed by the crowds who gathered on the grassy banks
and picnic areas across the showground; and the food hall enjoyed a fantastic weekend
as visitors stocked up on freshly prepared seafood, pies, pasties, fresh bread,
cheeses and fresh strawberries as well as many other tasty treats.
Entertainment
was provided by the steel band made up of children from Cleaves School in
Weybridge and ex Cleaves players plus the Langton Green Super Band; and many
other bands could be heard across the showground as they performed live on the
Sussex Rok School stage.
Also
back by popular demand and taking centre stage, literally, as they landed and
took off in the main ring, was the Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance crew
who were able to offer a very special insight into how they work and gave
visitors the opportunity to look over a fully equipped helicopter.
A
welcome sunny success for the South of England Agricultural Society and all the
volunteers who helped organise the first show of the season and just the start
of what is yet to come. To book advance
tickets and for more information on the South of England and all other shows
and events taking place at the showground call 01444 892700 or visit www.seas.org.uk.
You
can also Follow us on Facebook: ‘SouthofEnglandShowground’, Twitter @
sofeshowground and read the Blog at SouthofEnglandShowground
