A RECORD crowd of just under 1,000 enjoyed the opportunity to try out a host of new activities at Haslemere’s free Festival of Sport on a sunny Bank Holiday Monday.

On offer was an open invitation to ‘Pick up and Play’ and ‘Have a Go’ at the taster sessions being given by 25 local sports clubs at Woolmer Hill Sports Ground and The Edge Leisure Centre.

Haslemere Tennis Club was one of the busiest, coaching more than 80 youngsters, and the hockey club also reported a constant stream of would-be players. Also showingtheir sporting cedentials, were Fernhurst Football Club, Haslemere Bowling Club, Hindhead Cricket Club, Haslemere Town Youth Football Club, Fernhurst Stoolball Club and Hindhead Golf Club, while Midhurst’s Leaping Hart Archery was still in hot demand long after the festival ended.

A star attraction in The Edge car park area, was Haslemere Sub Aqua Club’s rigid hulled inflatable boat and Frensham Sailing Club and Sailability’s two dinghies; Mister Razzle Dazzle from Chiddingfold Pony Club was also much admired – as was Canine Partners’ dog Toffee. Haslemere Performing Arts gave three dance displays. Inside the leisure centre were Bugs Netball club, the centre’s badminton club, Sabres Handball, Haslemere Table Tennis Club, and pilates sessions and Synergy Dance.

Festival organiser Sport Haslemere chairman Peter Lawrence said: “To add some glitz to the wonderful afternoon, Brian Howard had brought together a lovely collection of vintage cars for people to enjoy, and Faith and Darren Woodger provided an excellent barbecue for everyone to enjoy.

“The inflatable Mega slide at nine metres high was always in great demand and LK Sweets and Treats added to all the enjoyment.

“The Festival of Sport would like to thank Haslemere Town Council, The Penny Ha’penny Trust, The Sports Locker, Places for People, Waverley Borough Council, Alex Anderson Photography and Twilights Entertainment for all their support.”