Rain Failed To Stop Play At Autumn Show & Game Fair - 05/10/2008

Sunshine followed by cold winds and driving rain over the weekend did little to deter the hardy supporters of the popular Autumn Show & Game Fair at the South of England Centre over the weekend.

The two-day show staged by the South of England Agricultural Society was attended by 12,800 and played host to a special Harvest Festival service held under the balcony of the Norfolk Pavilion on Sunday morning.

Conducted by the Vicar of Ardingly, the Rev John Crutchley, the service delighted the congregation who braved rain for a celebration of harvest time. More than 150 people including the Society’s President, Sir Philip Wroughton from Berkshire, joined in traditional harvest hymns led by the Band of the Royal Yeomanry.

Society Director Deborah Barber said: “The service captured not only the spirit of the season, but also that enduring historical link between churches and farming. It was a great success and we very hope to repeat it in the future.”

The Game Fair element, which was introduced three years ago, was well supported with the clay pigeon shoot being particular popular. There was a significant increase in entries for the donkey, rabbit and poultry classes and visitors enjoyed the opportunity to see beef and diary cattle, pigs, llamas, ducks, chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs in the Abergavenny building.

Amanda Savill’s exhilarating horse-drawn Chariots of Fire, along with falconry demonstrations, cavalcade of hounds and the various dog displays in the Ardingly Ring, were impressive and drew visitors of all ages. With a variety of trade stands, a wealth of fruit, vegetables and flowers on display, this seasonal showcase was a tribute to the start of autumn.

NOTE TO EDITORS : Last year’s attendance was 17,500 however both days were warm and sunny. This Saturday’s attendance was up more than 700 on the same day last year. It is evident the weather was the contributory factor for the decrease in attendance.

---end--- 6 October 2008

For further information please contact Susan Fleet at Lea Graham Associates on (01444) 235475 or susan@leagraham.com

Lea Graham Associates
Tel: 01444 235475
www.leagraham.com