Alan Titchmarsh to play leading role at show

Gardener and TV presenter Alan Titchmarsh is to play a leading role at this year’s New Forest and Hampshire County Show.

The annual agricultural show is being held this year at New Park, in Brockenhurst, from 24-26 July.

Alan will be visiting every area of the showground and will present the President’s Cup to the Best Section.

He said: “The New Forest and Hampshire County Show has a reputation second to none and I’m absolutely delighted to be its president during the Diamond Jubilee year.

“Opportunities to pass on rural skills and to enable anyone to learn about animals and plants, country life and the custodianship of our countryside are more important than they have ever been.

“Only by cherishing them and promoting their importance can we be assured that rural life remains vital and relevant and can be passed on to future generations.”

The three-day show attracts on average around 95,000 visitors every year and brings together a celebration of traditional country pursuits, crafts, produce and entertainment.

It helps raise funds for the New Forest Agricultural Society and other local and national charities.

Show society chairman Geoff Morgan said: “We are absolutely delighted that Alan has been able to accept this position despite his hectic schedule.

“He is a leading authority on horticulture and a keen ambassador for the traditions of farming and agriculture.”

Alan, who studied at the Hertfordshire College of Agriculture and Horticulture, was recently elected as president of the New Forest Agricultural Show Society.