ALTON Show 2007 will open its gates to the public next Sunday for a day packed with healthy outdoor fun. Crowds of people are expected to converge on Froyle Park to soak up the rural atmosphere. Organised by the North East Hants Agricultural Association (NEHAA) the event is a showcase for the farming community, providing a great chance to promote farming and the countryside. There will be animal show classes, heavy horses, private driving, craft and food marquees, a countryside skills demonstration area, birds of prey, and sheep dog demonstrations, trade stands, vintage and modern vehicles, live music on offer throughout the day. This year's main arena events will be headed by the Jez Avery motorcycle and mountain bike stunt team, as well as shows by the Stallions of Substance and Tigers parachute display teams. There will be parades of hounds and at 3.15pm the animals will take to the ring for the grand parade and awarding of trophies. The Herald Motor Show will provide an opportunity to view classic cars and motorcycles, and visitors are invited to bring their own dogs along, not just to take part in the Terrier racing, but for the family fun dog show, which will take registrations from 11 for 12 classes, ranging from the 'dog with the waggiest tail' to 'dog most like it's owner'. The horse show will, for the first time in many years, see the reintroduction of show jumping. Starting at 8am there will be in-hand and ridden show classes for hunters, cobs, sports horses and ponies, with jumping classes starting at 8.30am with an hour of clear round jumping followed by local, intermediate, elementary, accumulator, mini, junior and open classes. The aim, according to show secretary Nicky Seaman, is to attract local riders back to the show. The NEHAA always welcomes new members, the annual fee being £20 which entitles the holder to admission to the show ground and access to the members marquee. Normal admission is £7.50 on the gate for adults (£6 in advance) and £5 for children under-15 and senior citizens (£4 in advance), with pre-school children going free. Tickets can be purchased in advance from the Alton Tourist Information Centre, the NFU office in Alton High Street, and Brocks Farm Shop on Crown Hill. There is plenty of free on-site parking and a bus service, will operate from the town to the showground. The service will begin run at 25 and 45 minutes past the hour starting at 9.45am from The Butts and travelling via Midland Bank and Alton Railway Station, to link up with the Mid Hants Watercress Line. Buses will depart the show ground at regular intervals. Entrance for bus passengers will be via The Hen and Chicken gate. For further information or NEHAA membership contact Jan Butler on 01243 430926.
