VISITORS to Hampshire County Council's Royal Victoria Country Park at Netley had plenty of options for new hobbies after a weekend extravaganza left them spoiled for choice.

Last year, a pilot event turning the spotlight on pastimes drew more than 1,000 "kids" - of all ages - and because of the initial success, organisers decided to extend the Hobbies Extravaganza to two days.

Park spokesman Neale Hider said: "We wanted to get people to-gether who were enthusiasts as well as experts in their own hobbies and interests to share them with members of the public.

"The whole emphasis of the event is participation and letting people have a go.

"The growth potential for it is incredible."

Displays and work-shops at the 1999 hobbies event in the park ranged from kite flying, archery and falconry to art and craft, scouts, model rail-ways and wood-carving.

For members of the Hedge End division of the St John Ambulance the event was a threefold mission.

Besides providing the official first-aid cover, they were also fundraising and recruiting.

Elsewhere, members of the British Model Flying Association had come from all over the country to get their model planes and helicopters in the air above the country park and to promote interest in their hobby.

Plans are already in hand for next year's free hobbies extravaganza.

Country park staff are keen to see an even wider range of hobbies and interests represented at the event and want to hear from anyone who would like to take part in it. They can be contact-ed on 01703 455157.

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