The annual Writhlington Flower Show and Fete will take place this Saturday, 18th August. The committee welcome entries for the 129th Flower Show, and if you have made it or grown it – we would love to see it!

The recent spell of very hot, dry weather – plus a wet, cold start to the year – will not have helped our gardeners and allotment holders. For me, on the plus side, I don’t seem to have encountered many slugs or snails!

Schedules for the Flower Show are available from the Radstock Co-operative store, L&F Jones in Writhlington, The Fromeway Inn and Clandown Post Office. For more information, or a schedule, please contact myself on: 01761 420417 or Chairman, R. Langley on: 01761 431406.

The Flower Show committee have commissioned a new trophy this year, for the most points in the Handicraft section. It will be known as the David Fisher Memorial Trophy. David Fisher was well-known in the area for his paintings and artwork, and he judged the Handicraft section at the Flower Show for many years – he is still missed.

The trophy has been made by local lad and villager, Jack Evans, who himself, over the years, has exhibited in the Handicraft section. Jack, along with his late wife, Veronica, and daughter, Jane, were also exhibitors in the past, and have been long-time supporters of the Flower Show. Our thanks to Jack for his kindness, his time, and help with this project.

On a sad note, the Flower Show has lost a Life President – Mrs Jean Limond passed away earlier this year. Jean took over the Presidency many years ago from her husband, the late John Limond, when he suddenly passed away. Mr and Mrs Limond farmed at Manor Farm, then Green Parlour, where her son, Andrew, farms today.

Although Jean had a young family, she took on the Presidency, and was a lifelong supporter of our village show, often found in the kitchen with an apron on. She was also an exhibitor, with many of us from the older generation remembering her beautiful cotton crochet work. The committee send their condolences to Andrew and the Limond family.

The Flower Show Fete Family Fun for All will be open from 2.30 p.m. Live music will be provided throughout the afternoon by Bennie Vee. There will be mini-steam engine rides, a pets corner, birds of prey and reptiles. The Flower Show committee supports the promotion and protection of Bees and Beekeeping, so once again, it is lovely to have the Mendip Beekeepers Association on-hand, to help anyone wishing to keep bees with advice and information.

Back by popular demand (though I’m not sure if this is by children or adults!) is the Funky Puppet Show, which is great fun, and will start at 3 p.m. There will be crafts for children in the Village Hall, as well a football game, Tombola, Spinny Jinny, skittles, a plant stall, White Elephant, Grand Draw and many more stalls. Afternoon teas and homemade cake will be available in the Village Hall.

Our village Flower Show and Fete is still a much-loved and anticipated event each year. We look forward to seeing all our visitors for a chat and a catch-up over a cup of tea and cake. Good luck to all of our exhibitors, and we look forward to seeing you all on show day. All monies raised will boost Flower Show funds and support our 130th show in 2019.

Helen Gulliford, Secretary