Home   Bury St Edmunds   News   Article

Subscribe Now

The South Suffolk Show at Ampton Racecourse near Ingham sees 'record crowds'




The South Suffolk Show returned yesterday at Ampton racecourse, near Ingham, with a 'record crowd'.

Those that attended could see wood carvers in action, ferret racing, gun dogs at work, and the show-stopping main event of the Atkinson Action Horses - known for their film and television work.

Geoff Bailes, secretary of the show, said: "We had a record crowd due to weather. We believe people had missed the show because we were not able to go ahead for the last two years due to Covid.

The South Suffolk Show got underway yesterday after two years away due to the pandemic. Picture: Mecha Morton
The South Suffolk Show got underway yesterday after two years away due to the pandemic. Picture: Mecha Morton
The main attraction of the South Suffolk Show was Atkinson Action Horses. Picture: Mecha Morton
The main attraction of the South Suffolk Show was Atkinson Action Horses. Picture: Mecha Morton
Pictures from the South Suffolk Show. Picture: Mecha Morton
Pictures from the South Suffolk Show. Picture: Mecha Morton
Zoe Weir of Get Knotted Macrame GB at the show. Picture: Mecha Morton
Zoe Weir of Get Knotted Macrame GB at the show. Picture: Mecha Morton

"It was a superb day and we've had lots of positive comments. Our attractions went down very well and the Atkinson's Horses were totally amazing.

"We do apologise for the queues of people getting into the show. The mobile phone signals were not working to get people through the gates," he added.

After 31 years as secretary, Geoff will now be stepping down, but was awarded lifetime membership yesterday.

The Breckland Brass Band at the South Suffolk Show. Picture: Mecha Morton
The Breckland Brass Band at the South Suffolk Show. Picture: Mecha Morton
Rider jumping at the South Suffolk Show. Picture: Mecha Morton
Rider jumping at the South Suffolk Show. Picture: Mecha Morton
Paul Beamish of Crazy Horse based in Bury St Edmunds. Picture: Mecha Morton
Paul Beamish of Crazy Horse based in Bury St Edmunds. Picture: Mecha Morton
Megan Garrod of the Hat House of Euston on her stall. Picture: Mecha Morton
Megan Garrod of the Hat House of Euston on her stall. Picture: Mecha Morton

"I think it's about time that someone younger takes it on. It is a young person's position. I look forward to seeing it develop even more."

The baton has now been passed over to Suzy Stennett and work for her begins tomorrow.

Oliver Bond (6) and Emily Frost (6) enjoying the South Suffolk Show Picture: Mecha Morton
Oliver Bond (6) and Emily Frost (6) enjoying the South Suffolk Show Picture: Mecha Morton
Emily Davies and Emma Hadley from the Ice cream Parlour - Hadley's at Lavenham. Picture: Mecha Morton
Emily Davies and Emma Hadley from the Ice cream Parlour - Hadley's at Lavenham. Picture: Mecha Morton
Blacksmith Andrew Berry of Blackberry Forge, based in Great Saxham, on his stall. Picture: Mecha Morton
Blacksmith Andrew Berry of Blackberry Forge, based in Great Saxham, on his stall. Picture: Mecha Morton
There was a countryside ring with horses and donkeys. Picture: Mecha Morton
There was a countryside ring with horses and donkeys. Picture: Mecha Morton
Atkinson Action Horses are known for their stunts in film and TV. Picture: Mecha Morton
Atkinson Action Horses are known for their stunts in film and TV. Picture: Mecha Morton
Atkinson Action Horses. Picture: Mecha Morton
Atkinson Action Horses. Picture: Mecha Morton

She said: "They are very big shoes to fill - Geoff has been doing this for a long time. As I've been working with him I can see just how much there is to remember.

"I am very excited for this new role. I have been involved for many years and gradually I've become more involved. When the position became available I was very glad to accept it."