All Round Success as Show Attendance Soars
27.09.02
Just under 69,000 visitors flocked to the Royal County of Berkshire
Show at Newbury Showground over the weekend and celebrated the
return of livestock to the major agricultural Show.
The huge crowds, up over 2,000 on last year’s attendance,
confirmed the two day event, organised by the Newbury & District
Agricultural Society, as one of the country’s top ten agricultural
shows.
Visitors showed their support for the countryside and rural issues
by assembling on the Sunday afternoon (22nd September) and walking
around the Countryside Arena. Walking ten deep they were joined
by Society President, Richard Benyon, Society Chairman, Michael
Bowden and exhibitors who combined their commitment to the 90 year
old Show with the Liberty and Livelihood March taking place in
London.
Huge crowds flocked to the livestock judging areas to see cattle,
sheep and pigs back after their absence due to foot and mouth last
year. In the Vodafone Arena the White Helmets Motorcycle Display
team roared their machines through skilled stunts and the VCC Portsmouth
Area VCC Field Gun Display had the crowds cheering. The Silver
Eagles – The Army Air Corps Freefall Parachute Display
Team dropped in both days with the hot air balloons taking off
in a mass ascent on Saturday.
Society Chairman, Michael Bowden, who farms at Brimpton, Berkshire
said, “It was tremendous to see the magnificent livestock
parade back at the heart of the Show and our thanks go to the farmers
for bringing their animals and complying with the required bio-security
procedures.” Mr Bowden continued, “It was heart-warming
to see the spirit of farming and countryside issues so well supported
and our gratitude goes to the exhibitors, visitors and hundreds
of volunteers who work so hard putting the event together. The
Show continues to go from strength to strength and now is an unmissable
date in the calendar.”
Food Fare and Craft marquees reported brisk business and a number
of trade stands sold out. The noise of chickens and ducks in the
Poultry marquee attracted the curious and the primary schools ‘live’ performances
in the Education marquee were eagerly enjoyed.
The Members Enclosure at the Show will also be used on Friday
27th September as the venue for the Society’s Picnic Ball.
Organised by the Youth Council, with entertaining from ‘The
Rascals’ and a disco, tickets are £15 with a prize
for best presented picnic.
Concluding autumn events are the Harvest Supper on Saturday 12th
October and the Ploughing Match on Saturday 19th October 2002.
Further details are available from the Show Office 01635 247111.
For further press information please contact:
Annette Priestley
Comand (UK)
Tel: 01635 248258
e-mail: priestley@comanduk.co.uk
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