Sun shines on villages’ show and fete

villages joined forces for another fun-packed family show last Saturday.

The 61st flower show and fete organised by Dogmersfield, Winchfield and Crookham Village Horticultural Society took place at Pilcot Farm in Dogmersfield.

Attractions included performances by Bagshot Brass Band, a Punch and Judy show, crafts, games and sideshows.

There were also children’s events and races, cars and motorbikes, a birds of prey demonstration, pony rides and a tent offering homebaked cakes.

Society chairman Brian Leversha was delighted with this year’s show.

“We had a good turnout with a good few hundred people coming along,” he said.

“We thought the storm on the Friday afternoon was going to cause us a lot of trouble, but on Saturday the sun came out and the ground dried up very quickly so a potential disaster was averted.

“Everyone said what a marvellous show it was and how everyone thoroughly enjoyed it.”

Mr Leversha said Bagshot Brass Band were ‘excellent’ and the tea tent was a sellout.

“A lot of the flowers and vegetables were damaged in the storm the day before but we still had a good turnout of entries,” he added. “We also had a good turnout of classic cars and motorbikes and for the first time this year we welcomed Huxley’s Birds of Prey, sponsored by the Four Seasons Hotel.”

Fleet and Crookham Local History Group had a stand at the show, with Janet Buckley’s display of Then and Now photographs proving popular, along with old pictures of Dogmersfield and First World War stories of several local men.

Jim Lunn’s folder of information about Dogmersfield also attracted interest, while show visitors shared their memories and photographs with group members.

Mr Leversha said the evening barn dance in the main marquee, with dancing to the music of the Hogs Back Band, was a great success.

“We had the highest attendance we’ve ever had and the Hogs Back Band went down very well,” he added.

Organisers are still counting the proceeds from the show, which will go towards horticultural society funds.

Fleet and Crookham Local History Group members man their stand. From left: Bridget Harnett, Yvonne Wyatt, Pat Mackenzie, Janet Buckley and Colin Broadley.

The enthusiasts’ car corner at the 61st Flower Show and Fete.

Vicky Jackson feeds a donkey.

Victory: Success in the tug of war competition.

The calm before the storm: The tea tent proved a sell-out at the event.