Glorious weather and a glorious show for the return of the 133rd Flower Show and Fete at Writhlington, despite the disruption and many major changes that has happened in our lives through Covid.

We have all been enjoying the long hot summer… with the exception of our gardeners who have found the season very challenging, but once again they came up trumps and provided some excellent exhibits for the show benches.

The committee are aware that there have been many changes in our lives since our last show, and a very trying time, but we were disappointed that the entry numbers in the Children’s Section were down, with no entries at all in the Children’s Photography. We would hope that these children will be the future of our show one day.

We had a high number of visitors of all ages throughout the afternoon, some old friends, exhibitors, past Flower Show members it was lovely to see them all with many stopping to listen to the very popular and excellent Mendip Brass Band.

The return of the Funky Puppet Show soon had the crowds of children, parents and grandparents joining in the fun and laughter. Some visitors opted to try their hand at Archery thanks to The South Wansdyke Archery Club, lending their guidance and expertise, when others brought their pets and gave Dog Agility a go thanks to Abi Bendall and her team at Addicted2Agility, we hope some of you may have found a new hobby.

The Flower Show supports the promotion and protection of bees and bee keeping so it was lovely to have Mark Hitchins and his friends with us from The Mendip Bee Keepers Association. This is always popular with many trying to identify the queen bee in the exhibition hive and I couldn’t resist buying some honey! For more advice and information, please contact The Mendip Bee Keepers Association.

The Village Hall was extremely busy all afternoon with many buying a cup of tea and homemade cake, then visiting the small History and Old Photograph Display. We thank our own local Historian and a Flower Show Life President Dennis Chedgy for stewarding this, answering many questions and sharing his knowledge. The Chairman Rob Langley welcomed everyone to the marquee for the presentation and once again thanked all the exhibitors for supporting and making it a wonderful and successful 133rd show.

Our President; Mrs Hilary Denning kindly presented the prizes, trophys and medals:

Ian Chant came in trumps, bagging the following: Fruit and Vegetable section, The Booth Cup and a Kent and Stowe Border Fork and Trowel, Dick Price Cup for Best Exhibit and Gro Sure seed trays and the Garden News Shield for Best Top Tray and Unwin’s seeds.

The Frank Millard Memorial Trophy for Best Runner Beans Unwin seeds and pots went to Mr Tim Bawden. Flowers- Alan Gill Memorial Cup was Ian Chant.

The Bill Packer Memorial Cup for Best Exhibit in Flowers presented for the first time went to Ian Chant along with a garden fork from the family of the late Bill Packer.

The Muriel Gill Cup for best vase of Dahlias and Unwin’s Flower seeds -Ian Chant. Floral Art- The John Wilmott Challenge Cup went to Amy Langley as well as Best Exhibit and a Kent and Stowe Watering Can.

Children’s – the Hedworth House Cup for most points went to Cicely Langley, The Frank Millard Cup for runner up – Sydney Casey. The Paddy Creton Cup for best art was given to Cordelia Langley.

The Dennis Rendell Memorial Trophy for best exhibit – Eleanor Staley. The Richard Moon Memorial Trophy for best handwriting – Cicely Langley. Paddy Creton Art set’s – 5-6 year’s David- St Mary’s School. 7-8 years Kizzy -St Marys School. 9-10 years Noah- St Mary’s School. 11-16 years Cordelia Langley.

Pre School- a Painting of the Queen, first place went to Onie, second to Olivia and third place went to Harley, all from St Marys Nursery. A Colouring or Crayon Picture, first place was Immy Casey. Handmade Card- Immy Casey.

The Audrey Lane Cookery Cup and Unwin’s Gin Cocktail Garden went to Claire Hicks. The Marion Davies Memorial Award for best exhibit was awarded to Mrs Susan Lewis. The Ladies Needle Craft Cup and Midsomer Quilting Cottons went to Mrs Susan Lewis. The Gloria Jenkins Plate for best exhibit & Midsomer Quilting sampler was Jo Robertson’s. The David Fisher Memorial Trophy for Handicraft -Lauren Carver. Best Exhibit and Rosecraft’s Art Kit – Lauren Carver.

Photography The Glass Trophy for highest number of points was Joanne Roberts’. Best Exhibit and Unwin’s Kitchen Salad Garden was given to Ryan Edgell. The Carpenter Championship Trophy; highest number of points in Horticulture and Mitchard’s Butchers Voucher was Ian Chant. The Gerald Lane Championship Cup Cookery and Needlecraft was Mrs Susan Lewis. The Centenary Trophy for Best Exhibit in Show and a Sure Fit-it MOT voucher went to Eleanor Staley for her beautiful handicraft.

The eagerly awaited draw took place following the presentation. The first prize of a beautiful Wooden Planter donated by Charlton’s & Son’s was won by Mrs Christine Langley. The joint winners of the football game were Spencer and Anna, they received, courtesy of Mr Simon Wilkinson and sponsored by Radstock Town Football Club, complimentary tickets for a visit to the Football Club and football match with refreshments. We hope you enjoy your day.

Congratulations to all our winners. The Chairman and committee thank all the exhibitors, stall holders, families and friends and everyone who donated or contributed to making this a special 133rd show and a great day.

To continue our fundraising for next year’s show, the Flower Show Committee have arrange a Fun Quiz Night for November 12th and our next event is our AGM will be held on Monday, 10th October 2022 at Writhlington Village Hall at 7pm to which you would be most welcome.

We would like to thank John Newport for his photography and recording of our 133rd show throughout the day so we have a record for future generations.

We would also like to say many thanks to Lucy and Sarah, and the staff at The Journal for their help, advice and continued support of Writhlington Flower Show.

Go to Writhlington Flower Show Facebook page for more information.

Helen Gulliford