24
Aug
All Welcome At Alresford's Big Day Out
"One of the great pleasures of living in and around
Alresford is the wonderful sense of community that still
characterises the town", says Keats Alresford Principal Tony
Marshall. As the seasons turn, there's always something going on,
and the first Saturday in September brings The Alresford Show, when
virtually the whole town decamps to the glorious setting of
Tichborne Park for a family day out.
For many years a Vice President of The Alresford Agricultural
Society, Tony Marshall has been closely associated with the show
since first coming to work as an estate agent in Alresford over
thirty years ago. Ably supported by Keats Alresford staff, over the
years he has done everything from pegging out the showground and
erecting tents in near-monsoon conditions, to dispensing
hospitality and presenting prizes in his year as President of the
Show. A keen supporter of all things rural, Tony firmly believes in
introducing the younger generation to the delights and realities of
country life.
"The great thing about the Alresford Show is that, although the
town is changing, the show remains essentially the same - it's one
of the few that is still very much an agricultural show. Children
love it, as it gives them a chance to see all kinds of livestock,
country crafts and farm machinery close up".
There's a
Grand Parade in the main ring and magnificent heavy horses,
carriage driving, vintage machinery, ferrets, birds of prey, a
horticultural show, and over 220 trade and craft stands as well as
loads of free entertainment and events in the Main Ring.
Everyone is encouraged to bring along their dogs and enter them on
the day into either the Companion Dog Show or the Dog Gymkhana.
Hampshire food, beer from The Flower Pots Inn Brewery and drinks by
Alresford wine-merchant The Naked Grape will be on sale around the
30-acre site.This year Tichborne Park will be opened up for the
first time, allowing visitors to picnic under the trees and enjoy
being in this idyllic parkland setting
The Alresford Show will be held on Saturday 4th September, at
Tichborne Park, near Alresford, between 9am and 6pm, and this year
children will be admitted free of charge. the Show's website is
www.alresfordshow.co.uk