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2026 ......Another Fabulous Show!
Blessed with sunshine, the Annual Ashurst Country Fair was once again a huge success, drawing large crowds of locals and visitors from near and far. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the fun and friendly atmosphere throughout the afternoon with visitors saying it was “Bigger and better than ever!”
The bustling showground featured local trade and charity stands, artisan craft stalls, a display of small steam engines by SEAMS (Sussex Engine and Machinery Society), car boot sale, art display by Ashurst Artynoons, bar, fabulous barbeque by David from Calcot Farm Produce, Horsham Recycling and Weald to Waves displays, plants by Mary of Partridge Green, delicious teas and cakes, as well as lots of games, ice creams and entertainment for the children.
The highlight of the show was undoubtably this year’s huge dog show, ably judged by Hawthorn veterinary staff. The dog show classes which included best veteran, best puppy, best child handler amongst others, was packed with all shape and size of dogs. The judges had an extremely difficult task deciding on the winners, everyone agreed they all deserved prizes (including the judges!). Champion Dog of Ashurst went to ‘Gordon’ a beautiful retriever shown by Lizzie Toogood, amongst other winners were Best Puppy - Dolly shown by Sabrina Ayres, Best Child Handler – Merlin shown by Elspeth Isted and Ted shown by Joe Cochran taking the Best Working Dog title.
Much to the amusement of the crowd, there was a brilliant fancy dress class that ran throughout the afternoon, run by Amelie Gutsell and friend Liv. Some very imaginative costumes were on display including a large labrador dressed as a pink fairy, and wonderful hippy costumes on Eric and George who were two prize winners from last year who attended once again. There was also a fun treasure hunt around the showground looking for dog themed clues. The fun agility class also attracted lots of entries. Run by William and the Bunce family of Ashurst, it proved to be very popular, with much laughter coming from those watching the antics of dogs and owners trying to negotiate the course.
Steam enthusiasts had a special treat this year, with a wonderful display of small steam engines by the SEAMS team. The engines made a wonderfully nostalgic display; they gleamed and steamed in the sunshine and captivated the imaginations of young and old visitors alike.
There were some great raffle prizes too, with tickets to Paradise Park from Tates at The Old Barn Nurseries, Amberley Museum, Fishers Farm and Flix in the Stix on offer, as well as a meal at the Fountain Inn, Ashurst, and £100 cash, to name a few! Thank you to everyone for their very generous donations.
Two special guests who helped us were Anne Symonds who has been involved in the show for around 47 years and Christine Jesse, who at 101 years old came and helped us at the ring entrance. The show organisers would like to say a very big thank you to everyone who supported the show, with special thanks going to our brilliant judges - Amina, Lauren and Nicky from Hawthorns Veterinary Practise of Partridge Green & Henfield, Colin Eaton and Wayne Byrne with the commentary and sound system, and of course all of our brilliant volunteers.
The show raised around £4500 which helps maintain and improve Ashurst Village Hall. A gallery of photographs and more information can be found on our website: https://sites.google.com/view/ashurstcountryfair
For hall bookings please visit: http://www.ashurstvillagehall.org
Many thanks & kind regards Mandy Hedley, Secretary 07774585313 amanda.jane.hedley@gmail.co.uk ashurstcountryfair@gmail.com
What a fantastic family day!
What a fantastic family day!
Ashurst Country Fair, Fun Dog Show & Vintage/Retro Car Boot Sale held on Sunday 7st September 2025
Eric (Cantona) the tallest dog at the show, cleaned up with prizes at this year’s Ashurst Country Fair. Winning his first class ‘Best Large Dog’, he then went on to win the Championship! The Burstow family’s other pet dog George won a special rosette and the funniest class in the show ‘Dog in the Best Hat’. “We came home on cloud 9” said Phil Burstow. “It has to be the friendliest show that we have been to, everyone was so nice and friendly so we can't wait for next year's event”.
What a brilliant show it was! Cars poured onto Ashurst Recreation Ground to attend the show & Car Boot Sale that ran throughout the afternoon. There was a range of stalls including craft stalls, dog equipment, pet food stalls, produce, bottles, books, tombola, information stalls - including the Mid Sussex Beekeepers, a raffle with wonderful prizes and even a human fruit machine! The Car Boot Sale had items old and new for sale, and was well worth a bargain hunting look round. The Teas, Bar and Barbeque all did a brisk trade throughout the afternoon. Music and commentary were supplied by Wayne and colleague, with Colin Eaton providing a most entertaining commentary. Colin chatted to each and every dog owner as the show went on, giving us an insight into each dog’s fascinating story. Entertainment was also provided by Graham Simmons who sang some wonderful songs from 'Memory Lane', many of the audience sang along too.
Judging was by Amina, Lauren and Nicky from Hawthorns Vets of Partridge Green and Henfield. What a difficult job it was, with so many lovely dogs taking part. One of the highlights of the show was the ‘Dog in the Best Hat’ Competition run by Amelie Gutsell, which provided much fun and laughter. The adult class was won by George (Best), friend of Eric (Cantona) Champion Dog of the Show, with the children’s class winner Teddy with his dog Phyllis.
The Agility class was also a source of much amusement. Organised by Tim Chavasse, the course proved to be fun but challenging, with all sorts of dogs taking part throughout the afternoon and a leader board providing a sporting bit of competition for those who took part.
Steyning Fire Brigade kindly came along with their fire engine which was a big hit with adults and children alike. Ashurst United Football Club also helped entertain the children with football goal challenges. Welly Wanging and Splat the Rat also provided some fun challenges.
The show organisers would like to say a very big thank you to everyone who supported the show, especially our very generous sponsors. The show raised around £4500 which helps maintain and improve the lovely Ashurst Village Hall. A gallery of photographs and more information about the show can be found on the Ashurst Country Fair 2025 website.
For hall bookings please visit: http://www.ashurstvillagehall.org
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