Alton Show 2012
Sunday 1 July saw two of your roving reporters, accompanied by their reporting rovers, bend their steps to the grounds of Froyle House for the annual Alton show. Despite a dubious weather forecast, the grounds were packed with families and pet dogs, all determined in that most British sense to defy the showers and enjoy a day out. At £12 per adult entry ticket (£5 for children), it wasn’t cheap, particularly as the set-up is on a considerably smaller scale than the Alresford Show but, despite the event’s size, there was enough to keep everyone in the family amused. There were little fairground-type rides for the tots, a climbing wall and bungee-jump for the more adventurous and, as well as the obligatory craft tents and burger vans, plenty to see and do. There was no produce or flower competitions, so we were denied the opportunity to discover who had the largest marrows in the Alton and NE Hants area, but some very fine farm animals lined up to be judged. Bulls, sheep, cattle and some particularly handsome heavy horses were on show and it was a pleasure to see the children’s interest – and the farmers’ pride – in these noble beasts. In the centre of the showground, several high-quality groups of local musicians took turns in entertaining the crowds. One member of our party took instant alarm at some Highland pipers – as he is only five months old, it’s a mystery as to where his aversion to the grand old Caledonian sounds was developed. Perhaps one of his ancestors was savaged by a haggis in the dim and distant past…? On discovering that there was a fun dog show taking place, the temptation proved too great. It was for a most worthy cause (Guide Dogs for the Blind), therefore, that Ruth and her new canine sidekick Gisèle found themselves entered into the “Prettiest Bitch” competition. Gisèle managed to scoop the rosette for fifth place. Ruth, alas, could only bask in reflected glory, as she left the ring emptyhanded… In actual fact the Fun Dog Show wasn’t quite the hotbed of discontent and jealousy that these things can sometimes be – it was well-run and judged, in particular the round for “Best Child Dog-Handler”, where the top prizes went to the most deserving winners, as opposed to merely the tiniest and cutest children. There were no temper-tantrums and smiles were on almost every face. There were also displays in the main arena by the hounds and beagles of the Hampshire Hunt, birds of prey, carriage driving, a side-saddle riding demonstration, Siberian huskies, terrier and ferret racing and the local Tigers Childrens’ Motorcycle Display Team. The popular “Miller’s Ark” people had brought along their petting zoo, where children could have a fine time meeting and learning about farmyard animals as well as giving lots of cuddles to rabbits, Shetland ponies and the like. Meon Valley Beekeepers had a stall where, for a very reasonable price, one could make their own beeswax candle. There was also an outstanding display of classic cars, and what I thought was a display of shiny mobility scooters – until Judy pointed out that they were there to be hired for use at the show by less-mobile visitors(!). In short, there was something for everyone, whether young or old and, despite the weather’s best malevolent efforts, it was a very enjoyable day out. It’ll be well-worth keeping an eye open for next year’s date. … AND one member of our party was “twinkled at” by Alan Titchmarsh (who opened the show and sponsored the carriage-driving competition), though modesty forbids me to mention who got the grin (but it wasn’t Judy…)! R&G