“A TRADITIONAL and lovely village fete" was how the 137th Writhington Flower Show and Fete was described by visitors who were travelling up from Devon and decided to stop and take a look, writes Helen Gulliford.

The Flower Show and Fete was opened by our president Mrs Hilary Denning who also presented the trophies, medals and prizes. Chairman and committee were delighted that our MP Anna Sabine came for a visit along with Chair of B&NES Council Shaun Stephenson-McGall.

Anna made special mention of the produce on show and the lovely display and efforts of artwork from the children of our village school St Mary’s Primary. Cllr Shaun Stephenson-McGall told the secretary, over a cup of tea and cake, how important it is to have traditions and events like this for the community and mentioned the importance of having volunteers.

MP Anna Sabine taking time to wonder at the artwork entries from St Mary’s C of E Primary School.
MP Anna Sabine taking time to wonder at the artwork entries from St Mary’s C of E Primary School. (Anna Sabine)

Sadly, the number of exhibits were down on last year but considering the very hot and dry summer the marquee still held a wonderful display of produce and crafts, which the judges said “was of the highest order and standard”.

There were lots to do including archery with The South Wansdyke Archery Club, Martin Feeney with his blacksmith’s forge and lovely crafted ironwork, the Mendip Bee Keepers Association members were kept busy and visitors could wander around the beautifully kept classic vehicles from members of the Norton Radstock Classic Vehicle Club; very nostalgic and happy memories.

A touch of nostalgia provided by Norton Radstock Classic Vehicle Club and their vintage cars.
A touch of nostalgia provided by Norton Radstock Classic Vehicle Club and their vintage cars. (Jane Richardson)

Children enjoyed donkey rides with the most gentle donkeys from Kelly’s Donkeys with entertainment from The Funkey Puppet Show with John Griffin. Lots of laughter not only from the children but grandparents and parents too - I’m not sure who enjoyed the show the most!

The village hall was very busy with refreshments and homemade cake, where visitors came in to rest a while in the shade; or was it to have a chat and a catch up with old friends and family and reminisce?

A table of handcrafted items ready for judging in the marquee at the 137th Writhlington Flower Show.
A table of handcrafted items ready for judging in the marquee at the 137th Writhlington Flower Show. (Jane Richardson)

Two new trophies were donated this year: one for handicraft in the children’s section presented to Writhlington Flower Show by Graham Billam and family in memory of his late wife Jackie Billam.

Jackie came to live in the village and soon became a member of the Flower Show. She was a past chairman and became a life president. She is still very much missed by members as she made a huge contribution to the Flower Show and brought lots of ideas and changes which you can still see today.

The show committee proudly wearing new polo shirts which display the new logo based on a medal design.
The show committee proudly wearing new polo shirts which display the new logo based on a medal design. (Jane Richardson)

The Sylvia Chedgy Salver is for best dressed doll in the needlecraft section. Sylvia and her sister were given a doll each by their father which he brought back from Berlin after the war. This is where her love of dolls began. Sylvia collected dolls and would make and dress beautiful Victorian dolls which she often entered in the Flower Show.

The Committee are now preparing for our Annual General Meeting on Monday the October 12 to which everyone is welcome and our next fundraising will be Quiz Night in November.