A BUMPER crowd is expected at Folkestone Racecourse when it stages the first National Hunt meeting of the season on Tuesday (November 5) in memory of successful Kent businessman and keen racing supporter Fred Nason.

The man that founded the Canterbury department store in 1928 at the age of 17, was a long time supporter of Kent's only racecourse until he died in 1996.

The raceday is being organised by his son, Fred, the current managing director, who is also Kent secretary of The Wooden Spoon Society that will benefit from the proceeds of the event.

The society is the charity of British rugby and its patrons include the Rugby Union, the Scottish, Welsh and Irish Rugby Unions including their patron, the Princess Royal.

Every year supporters hold a fund raising sportsman's dinner in Kent, plus summer golf days, a Hever Castle concert, and support Kent cricket at both the Tunbridge Wells and Canterbury Cricket Festivals.

Every year supporters hold a fund raising sportsman's dinner in Kent, plus summer golf days, a Hever Castle concert, and support Kent cricket at both the Tunbridge Wells and Canterbury Cricket Festivals. Many children have been helped by the society.