Billingshurst village show a shining success

As always the show featured a Carnival Procession through the streets of the village, led by the Petworth Town Band.

This was followed by an entertaining mix of displays, music, dancing, rides, stalls and a wide range of attractions at the Recreation Ground.

The theme of the Carnival Procession was British Movies, with the winning floats being judged by Paul Berry, Chairman of Billingshurst Parish Council.

Wakoos deservedly won the prize for the best float for their colourful “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” entry. Billingshurst Brownies took second place with “Watership Down”, with St Gabriels Playgroup in third place with “Room on the Broom”.

The Carnival Princess this year was Leanne Clark, supported by attendants Chloe Mulford and Leah Bailey.

The Dog Show attracted a record entry of over seventy dogs. Best In Show in the Pedigree classes was a three year old Whippet called Model owned by Mrs Freeman from Epsom, with Reserve Best in Show being Lara, a two year old Cavalier Spaniel owned by Mrs Lindsell from Bognor. Best Pedigree Puppy was Nala, a six month old Siberian Husky owned by Mr Burbidge from Crawley, and Nala also stole the heart of the Billingshurst Princess who chose her as Best In Show for the Novelty classes.

A new attraction at the Sow this year was the Arts & Crafts competition, which attracted dozens of entries in a range of classes. This seems set to be a regular fixture at the Show in future years.

Martin Ballam and his team from Xtteme Falconry brought some superb birds of prey to the Show, and put on two flying displays in the arena, including exciting high speed aerobatics from the world’s fastest bird, the Peregrine Falcon.

The Nautical Training Corps were welcome first time visitors to the Show, the band playing both in the Carnival Procession and in the arena, before the youngsters performed a Gun Run.

The programme of arena events, which also included music and dancing from the Petworth Town Band, Boom Tribe, Horsham Bluebelles, the Sandra Wilson School of Dance and the Weald School, then concluded with an entertaining formation wheelbarrow display team from Billingshurst Scouts & Guides and a traditional Tug of War.

Throughout the afternoon there was high quality entertainment in the Food Court, provided by the superb Five Foot Twos with vocalist Sybie Ross-Talbot, Billingshurst Choral Society, and the West Hill Morris Men, making a welcome return to the Show.

Organising committee chairman Paul Starkey said: “It was another great year for the Billingshurst Show, which we try to maintain as a real traditional, family-friendly village show.

“With so many people here today, the Carnival Procession floats, plenty of local stalls, and strong local participation in the events during the afternoon, we’re very pleased with the strong community focus.”

“I’d like to thank everyone on the Organising Committee, which is made up of Rotary Club members and supporters of Billingshurst Scouts & Guides, our many helpers beforehand and on the day, and our sponsors and advertisers, especially our Principal Sponsors Architectural Plants, Coco’s, Essence of Asia and Gozone, who have all been extremely generous with their support,” he added.

“This year we have raised over £10,000 which is a new record for the Billingshurst Show and represents a fantastic effort from all concerned.”

All pictures by Paul Starkey.