THIS year celebrated the 90th anniversary of the Bourne Show which again took place on the Bourne Green on Saturday last week.

The first show took place in 1927 and the ‘Bourne Sports and Flower Show’ is first mentioned in an extensive report in the Farnham Herald, dated July 20, 1951, when the event was held on the ‘recreation ground’ as part of the nation’s celebrations of the Festival of Britain.

More than 4,000 visitors came to the show this year, with a further 175 enjoying a barn dance in the evening.

Centre stage at the show was the grand marquee, home to an impressive array of entries in the arts and crafts, and home produces classes.

Equally impressive were the flower arranging entries on display in St Martin’s Church.

The vintage car show also took place, beginning with a morning drive starting at The Fox pub at 10.30am.

A wide range of food stalls were on offer and a selection of lunchtime treats were provided by the Bourne WI, while a barbecue and refreshments were relished at the cricket pavilion.

Other attractions such as Punch & Judy shows, a teddy bear competition, climbing wall, music from the Alder Valley Brass Band, a football competition, Morris men and a mini-fairground entertained visitors.

Other events such as the dog show, sponsored by The Bat and Ball pub was a “show stopper”, as was the 200 children taking part in the children’s races sponsored by CS Nurseries organised by Core Sports.

More than 20 children from Weydon School attended the event to fundraise for their forthcoming trips to Ghana and Sri Lanka. The pupils ran a variety of stalls including a sweet jar tombola and a ‘football frenzy’.

Charity Pets As Therapy (www.petsastherapy.org) was also delighted to have a free pitch for their information stand and were delighted to be able to raise awareness of its services.

Nine dogs and handlers worked in two shifts (so as not to tire the dogs) and the dogs gave ’therapy’ to lots of people including children who much enjoyed cuddling the furry friends.

Bourne Show committee member Liz Jones said: “Special thanks to our sponsors Marshall Eaton, owners of Seymours Estate Agents and The Fox pub, who ran a very successful and welcome gin bar on the day, with all proceeds going to South Farnham Educational Trust.”