MP opens the Henfield Summer Show

Arundel and South Downs MP Nick Herbert declared the Henfield Summer Show officially open on Saturday (20 July).

The biennial event, organised by the parish council, was held on Henfield Common and celebrated the village, its hobby clubs and volunteer groups.

The MP opened the event by saying that he was very happy to be opening the Henfield Summer Show and not the Mayfield Summer Show, a reference to the divisive plans to develop a 10,000 home new town on the outskirts of Henfield. 

The Summer Show included a traditional display of creativity from Henfield villagers, and arena displays.  Mr Herbert visited some of the stands that were hosted by the numerous volunteer and charity groups that are part of the village. 

He met the Royal British Legion Riders Branch who tour the country raising funds for the Poppy Appeal.  Their display of motorbikes and photographs drew the crowds and raised money for the appeal.  The branch has raised over £500,000 since they formed and hope to reach £1million by their tenth anniversary in November 2014.

The local scout association also welcomed Mr Herbert to their tent and told him about their fundraising campaign to replace the 1950's hut they currently use.  The 1st Henfield Scout Troop is officially the oldest scout group in the UK. 

The MP also visited two other village events in his constituency.  West Chiltington were celebrating their 89th annual village show at the local golf club, and Slindon were hosting a village party to celebrate their village and people.

After the shows Nick Herbert said: "It's always great to visit the village shows and be reminded of just how much local volunteers are doing for local people.  Going to these village events is one of the genuine pleasures of being the MP for a rural constituency with such strong communities."

ENDS

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