Crowds flock to the show (From Stroud News and Journal)

Crowds flock to the show

THE wind may have caused the cancellation of the tethered hot-air balloon flights at Chalford Show on Sunday but otherwise the show was a huge success.

Show organiser Mike Lees, who resurrected the event after 10 years, estimates that 3,000-4,000 people decided to give the Fairford air tattoo a miss and go to Chalford instead.

"The weather was great, apart from a few spots of rain at lunchtime, and the crowds came pouring in," said Mr Lees.

"It is just a pity the wind meant the hot-air balloon was not even inflated and I would like to apologise to all those who were looking forward to a flight but it was something we couldn't do anything about."

Mr Lees added his thanks to the host of local businesses which sponsored the show and to fellow committee members Mike Gorny and Martin Webster.

Stalls and trade stands did a roaring trade and there was plenty of free entertainment to please the crowds, including music from Chalford band and Gloster Gladiators Marching Band, displays by Stroud Morris Dancers, a fun dog show, a tug 'o war, a display by members of the fire service and a children's mummy competition.

The mystery guest who opened the show was Harry Cadwallader, Chalford milkman for 27 years, who also presented the competition prizes.

The final reckoning has yet to be done but it is estimated that proceeds from the event amount to close on £5,000 which will go towards improvements at Chalford Sports and Social Club.