Never a dull moment

  Spud – There is never a dull moment here on the West Sussex/Hampshire borders. Right in the heart of The South Downs National Park there is plenty going on for all ages and whatever your interest or budget.

Whether it is high speed, high octane thrills, a good, long physical workout, the refined world of the arts or the gentler and traditional pleasures of village life, it is all available on our patch.

I have listed below just a few of the activities happening in our area over the next few weeks and months and there are plenty more –  I didn’t have space to list them all!

We are already nearly through May and there has been lots going on already, Steep Village Fair on 17 May and The Harting Festivities on 26 May, when they close the road to cars and fill it will stalls and games as well as a BBQ and loads more. Milland has its Rural Fair on 1 June where the emphasis is on ‘the country’ and they have lots of things to try out including fly fishing, bush craft and even a climbing wall.

Wilson Hill have a lovely property for sale in Herriard, a pretty village between Alton and Basingstoke where they have a great dog show. It takes place on the 9 June and categories include prettiest bitch, ugliest bitch and best 6 legs which judges not only the canine legs but the human ones as well.

If you prefer a bit more va va voom on your days out then Goodwood has plenty to offer with its Festival of Speed from 26 – 29 June and then Glorious Goodwood from 29 July – 2 August where horseracing meets high society, all in the most fabulous setting.

Then of course you may want to burn off a bit of energy and take part in one of the local triathlons which take place. There is the Crondall Triathlon on 1 June and the Macmillan Brownlee Tri South which takes place in the beautiful grounds of Petworth Park on 15 June. Or if you don’t fancy taking part, you can always go along as a spectator and cheer on those brave (mad) enough to take part.

If the arts are more your bag then the Buriton Art Trail on 7 & 8 June should be one to consider as well as checking out what is on at The Chichester Festival Theatre and The Pallant House Gallery.

For the younger generation there is the excitement of Peppa Pig coming to The Watercress Line from May 26 until 1 June or a visit to Birdworld is often a winner.

Looking further ahead Petworth have the Fete in the Park on 12 July now in its 8^th year this event offers something for everyone especially us Daisy, they have a dog show and agility display. It really is a fun filled day. Then there is the Rare Breeds show at the Weald and Downland museum on 20 July. This is packed with all sorts of exciting furry, four legged friends from sheep and goats to alpacas and more. Another event at the same museum is the Vintage and Steam Festival on 16 & 17 August. There are full sized steam engines as well as vintage vehicles and classic cars, model boats and miniature railways – who could ask for more?

Well we can give you more! The Goodwood Revival is from 12 to 14 September where competitors and spectators dress in period costume, Butserfest on 13 September, an alcohol and drug free music festival then in October there is the Liphook Carnival to look forward to.

Daisy – Wow! That is a lot going on. I don’t know if I will have time in my busy schedule to fit it all in!