Organisers of Netley Marsh Steam and Craft Show donate over £34,000 to local good causes

ORGANISERS of the annual Netley Marsh Steam and Craft Show have donated more than £34,000 to local good causes – the highest amount since it began in 1971.

The three-day event, held at Meadowmead Farm last July, included traditional steam engines, vintage vehicles and arena displays by South Wilts Falconry, the Tigers Motorcycle Display Team and Horsemen of the Knight.

A presentation evening was held in February at the Empire Hall in Totton, where show committee members handed over cheques to a variety of local groups including £1,500 to 6th New Forest North Scouts, £1,200 to 4th New Forest Eling Sea Scouts and £4,000 to Netley Marsh church hall.

Netley Marsh Church received £10,000, Oakhaven Hospice £700 and Calshot Coastguard £500 while litter picking group Team Totton was given £500.

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance was given £750, the Totton Christmas Lights £300 and Alfie’s Wish, which supports children with cancer, received £500.

Show director Will Cornwell said: “We are extremely proud of what our volunteer committee have achieved and would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who attended and supported the 2022 show.

“[We] have been able to donate in excess of £34,000 to local charities and good causes, the highest amount since the show began in 1971.”

The Winward Foundation, based at Netley Marsh, which supports people with learning disabilities, received £500.

A spokesperson said the support of the show was “invaluable” and added: “The money raised will directly benefit the people who we support.

“Many thanks to all the members and organisers of the show.”

The show, or The Puff-In as it was originally known, was initially set up in 1971 to raise urgent funds for the repair of the local church.