Thousands tturn out for society show (From Gazette Series)

Thousands tturn out for society show

HAWKESBURY Horticultural Society held its 120th show on Saturday. Approximately 2,000 people went along and enjoyed a range of events and entertainment.

There was a main arena which held a tractor pulling challenge and a kick-boxing and martial arts display. Music was provided by a jazz band and children were entertained by learning circus skills.

The large produce and crafts show received hundreds of entrants this year with produce entered reaching national standard and the approval of the Duchess of Beaufort.

The Duchess made her annual visit to the show, crowning the carnival queen and viewing the fruit, vegetables and flower exhibits.

The Hawkesbury Onion competition, which seeks the best quality onion in terms of size, shape and colour, was this year won by Brian Noble.

At the show for the first time this year was the Kings Leaze Riding Club Skill at Arms group, which held a competition. Nine horses and riders spent an hour demonstrating horseback martial arts and then entertained crowds by challenging each other to javelin and archery.

Vicky Rispin, the show's general secretary, said: "It was a very successful day. The weather held for us and the funfair was still going at nine in the evening.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the committee who worked so hard in making the day a success."