HURST SHOW IN PICTURES
CROWDS galloped along to a village show keen to take part in a sporting event being held in the UK for the first time.
Competitors in the UK’s first hobby horse show jumping championships travelled to Hurst Show and Country Fayre last weekend (24th and 25th) from miles away. They helped swell the show crowd beyond last year’s already good numbers.
The championships idea came from Finland where the sport has thousands of fans.
Show chair Sue Payne said: “More than 51 young people took part: we were amazed at the turn out. The riders were very competitive and sporting.”
Among the winners were local entrants Olivia Turner, seven, who was joint second, and Emma Whitworth, eight, who was sixth. They’re both from Hurst.
Olivia said: “I had a really great time. I can’t wait to do it again.”
Mrs Payne added: “The show was busy all weekend. We felt there was a big sense of community and family fun. Thank you to all our visitors and helpers who created that. We hope to have raised thousands of pounds again.
“Last year we supported 24 charities and other good causes including St Nicholas Primary School. The school’s parents, staff and children help the show in many ways.”
The show was opened icy style by John Lawrence of Woodley, who played the Snow Queen in Hurst’s panto in January. In his costume, John performed a speech written for the opening by Joe de Mounteney.
The fun dog show – in its third year – had its most successful year with 177 entries, up from 156 in 2016.
Organiser Chantal Roberts said:
“I’m jubilant about the numbers which have shot up since we began. There are waggy tails and smiles all round.”
Regulars at The Wheelwright’s Arms, Hurst, proved their muscle by beating The Castle Inn, Hurst to the pubs’ tug of war cup. They also beat a team of St Nicholas School dads.
Around 30 cars took part in the classic cars display each day.
Saturday visitors voted a bright red Jaguar XK120 OTS, owned by Reading Blue Coat School teacher Bill Voice, Best in Show. The car celebrates its 65th birthday this weekend (1st/2nd).
On Sunday a 1947 Standard Flying 8 drop head coupe won best vehicle. Mick Harvey, 81 of Sandhurst, who bought the car from a scrap yard, finished 20 years’ restoration work on it last year.
Farrier Steven McKay of Hurst demonstrated horse shoe making, while Hurst saddler James Turner taught visitors how to make their own leather belts.
Local charity Just Around the
Corner, which helps young people in Wokingham boroughs provided pony rides, guinea pigs and donkeys to stroke, a bouncy castle and a football cage to play in.
Ten local artists displayed their paintings, ceramics, textiles, drawings and painted furniture in the village hall.
Hurst Bowling Club were fundraising for their new £180,000 club house. They’ve just asked for planning permission to replace their 170-year-old building. The club started in 1747 and is England’s second oldest.
Show-goers quenched their thirst with 1,480 pints of cider, lager and bitter, 1,200 cans of soft drink, and munched through 2,615 burgers and sausages.