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 | |  |  | The Froyle Park Show Ground
Upper Froyle
(Field Next to Hen & Chicken Pub on the A31)
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 |  |  | Sunday 4th July 2010
The origins of Alton Show date back to 1840 when, on the 25th February a small group of farmers met at the Alton Town Hall. Jane Austen's nephew,Mr Edward Knight of Chawton House , was in the chair and later in the meeting he was elected as the first President of the newly constituted North East Hants Agricultural Association.
The NEHAA was formed with two objects in mind:
The advancement of agricultural knowledge in this part of Hampshire
To improve and benefit the labourers in agriculture.
The first Lamb market was held on the Butts in Alton on the 14th of July, more of a market than a show as we know it today when Mr Thomas Parker was awarded the first prize for "The best Coup of 100 lambs"
Later in the year the society held a ploughing match followed by a dinner in the Town Hall to present the prizes. A fatstock show followed on the 1st of December and the Association also published a schedule of labourers rewards in the form of a poster. There were various classes which reflect contemporary social values.
Class 'A' was for labourers who have maintained the largest families respectably with the smallest amount of parochial relief since 1835 ( illness excepted). Prizes were a substantial sum for the time from £3 for first prize to £1 for third.
The Lamb market continued as an annual event but in the 1870's Mr Scott of Rotherfield Park offered prizes for Dairy Cattle. As the years went by further classes were added and the emphasis shifted to a Summer Show still held at the Butts.
After some years of discussion the first proper show was held, with a gate admission charge of 1 shilling on land at Anstey owned by Mr Complin. This show was a ". . great success . ." and made a profit of £20.
The show continued as an annual event until 1914 when the Great War interrupted the proceedings. After the war the show was revived in 1919 at Chawton Park but returned to Anstey Park the following year. The depression in the early twenties took a toll on the Alton Show and despite making an annual loss the show continued until 1923 when it was decided to abandon the event for the following year. In fact this was to be the last show for twenty years although the ploughing match continued as an annual event with a class for tractor ploughs introduced in 1936 at the instigation of Mr W Brock from West Worldham.
Despite plans to revive the show being interrupted by yet another war a show was eventually held in 1944 in aid of the Red Cross and was a resounding success making a profit of £842. 13s 3d .
Over the years the Alton Show grew in size with more cattle classes and various exhibits being added to the attractions at Anstey Park including produce and rural crafts exhibitions. The show was held on the August Bank Holiday and became a regular event in the local calendar.
In 1986 the renamed Alton Agricultural Show was held in July at a new site at Froyle Park where it has continued until the present day.
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Alton Show - a Great Day Out for all the Family
The Alton & North East Hampshire Agricultural Show organised by the North East Hants Agricultural Association, will be held at Froyle Park, Upper Froyle, Alton on 5th July 2009.
Our aims are to promote farming and the countryside and so we have exhibition competitions for Cattle and Sheep with many interesting breeds, some on the Rare Breed Survival Trust lists. Angora goats will be on display with competitions for crafts and fleeces. All the animals are on view and judging in the animal ring can be seen in progress.
The Heavy Horses are always popular as these gentle giants are great to see in their finery. The five-ring Horse Show has new classes including Ridden, In Hand, Children’s Show Jumping and a Fun Gymkhana. There is a separate Horse Show Schedule for this event. Contact: Horse Show Secretary: Mrs N Seaman (01730 892076).
In the main area we have performances of the Stannage International Stunt Team, Bob Hogg and his Sheep Dogs, The Medina Marching Band and the Harbour Pipes and Drums. There is a parade of the Hampshire Hunt and the Clinkard and Meon Valley Beagles. Out Tractor Display with a theme of Speed the Plough shows you how machinery has transformed farming and ends up with the largest combine in Europe.
The Countryside area has demonstrations of all kinds of rural crafts and in the arena the programme includes birds of prey, sheep dog demonstrations, a ferret show, gun dogs and terrier racing. You can get really close to animals. At Petwise Zoo you can handle exotic animals and learn how to keep them yourselves and at the Cuddle me Do Farm there are farm animals of all kinds.
At the NFU stand you can see the giants of the countryside with the latest in farm machinery as well as the oldest in the vintage section which will include a large and some smaller steam engines
Great Trade stands will give you some shopping therapy and in the Food and Farming Marquee you can buy and taste good food and enjoy a relaxing break at Café Verdi. In the Craft Marquee you will find a great variety of crafts made solely by the stall holders and in the Gift Marquee a range of interesting gifts
At the Bandstand listen to live music from Capricorn Band playing Country and Western, the Liss Concert Band and Chris Chantry will play any requests. Around the show ground, the Jazz Magic Quartet will revive that special 1920's jazz era.
The Herald newspaper is presenting the Motor Show with the latest cars on display as well as Classic and Vintage Cars.
There is a bar provided by the Naked Grape from Alresford and a Pimms Tent giving liquid refreshment on what we hope will be a lovely sunny day! Our Public Catering is aimed at providing healthy food and there is something for everyone.
The Entertainment Area for children has small rides, inflatable fun, a climbing tower, swing boats, gyroscope and a bungey trampoline quad bikes for the adventurous, Punch and Judy and many other fun things to try.
There will be lots more to see and do, so come to Alton Show and have a great day out with the family.
Admission: Adults £8.50 Children under 15 and Senior Citizens £5.00, Car Park
FREE.
Disabled Access: Basingstoke Shopmobility will provide wheelchairs and mobility scooters for all your access requirements, Tel: 01256 476066
Pre Show Tickets: Adults £7 Concessions £4.50
Membership from £20 with excellent benefits
For further information contact the Show Secretary:
Tel 01420 511205 Fax:01420 511193
Email: janbutler@altonshow.co.uk website: www.altonshow.co.uk |
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