This year’s Writhlington Flower Show and Family Fete was exactly that – a lovely family occasion, albeit a bit breezy! The committee would like to thank all of you who stepped in and gave us support, and to all who helped on the day.

The Mendip Brass Band added to the atmosphere and entertained the visitors throughout the afternoon.

However, one very familiar face was missing. Sadly, on Wednesday morning, Colin Russell passed away. He was a Life President and lifelong supporter of Writhlington Flower Show, exhibiting for many years. He was a keen gardener, growing vegetables and Chrysanthemums, and had a love of garden flowers.

Colin had an artistic flair, and created some wonderful paintings. He also designed a poster used by the Flower Show for many years. Colin was well-known in the village, and his support, help and advice will be missed by us all. We send our thoughts and condolences to Diane and family, and to Ian and Nicola.

Many very competitive children entered the Mini Championship races, who were loudly cheered on by parents and grandparents. The winners stood proudly on the podium to receive their medals and certificates.

A day out at Welton Rovers Football Club is in store for the Snelling family, as Top Scorer and young football enthusiast, Tobey Snelling, used his skills to win tickets that were kindly donated by J. Gulliford and Welton Rovers.

The Mendip Bee Keepers and Sperring Court Animal Rescue were kept very busy – a huge attraction for both young and old.

The Marquee had plenty of visitors throughout the afternoon, with many staying for the presentation. Flower Show Chairman, Rob Langley, welcomed everyone, and said the judges commented on the highest quality of the exhibits, and praised the exhibitors, especially the gardeners, as this has been a difficult growing season. He was pleased to see new people exhibiting, and hoped they would return next year. He then introduced the Flower Show President, Mrs Gay, who presented the prizes.

The Centenary Trophy for Best Exhibit in Show and a Sure-Fit-It MOT voucher was won by N. Wilson for Handicraft in Woodwork.

The Carpenter Championship Trophy for Highest number of points in Horticulture and a £10 Mitchards voucher was won by Tim Bawden, who also won the Dick Price Cup for Best Exhibit, the Fruit and Vegetables category, and a £10 Whitstone’s voucher.

The Gerald Lane Championship Trophy for Highest Number of Points in Needlecraft and Cookery, and a £25 Charlton’s Voucher, was won by Joan Lee.

The Frank Millard Memorial Trophy for Runner Beans was won by Sharon Stallard. The Alan Gill Memorial Cup for Most Points in Flowers was won by Lucy Bush. The Muriel Grill Cup for Dahlias was won by Lucy Bush, while the Best Exhibit in Floral Art award went to Lauren Carver.

The Children’s Hedworth House Cup, for Most Points in the Children’s category, plus an Entertainer voucher, was won by Abbie, who also won the Jack Fussell Cup for Best Miniature Garden and the Paddy Creton Art Sets age 11-16.

The Dennis Rennell Memorial Trophy for Best Exhibit was won by Jacob. The Paddy Creton Art Cup was won by Aaron for the age 5-6 group. The age 7-8 group was won by Cicely, while the 9-10 group was won by Cordelia.

The Entertainer Trophy was won by Spencer for the age 5-6 group, Harry for the 7-8 group, Jacob for the 9-10 group, and Jack for the 11-16 group.

The Audrey Lane Cookery Cup was won by Michelle Taylor. The Marion Davies Memorial Award for Best Exhibit in Cookery was won by C. Seymour.

The Ladies’ Needlecraft Cup and a quilting bundle by Midsomer Quilting was won by Joan Lee, who also won the Gloria Jenkins Plate for Best Exhibit.

The Garden News Shield for Handicraft was won by Lauren Carver.

In the Photography category, the Glass Photography Bowl was won by Dan Massey, while Best Exhibit went to Roger Smith. The Children’s Photography Trophy was won by Jack, who also won the Dawn Robinson Cup for Best Exhibit.

The next event is our Annual General Meeting on Monday, 9th October, to which you are all welcome, and our popular Quiz Night is on Saturday, 4th November – booking is advisable.

Lastly, the Committee would like to say many thanks to Becky Brooks, and the team at The Journal, for their help and continued support.

Helen GullifordPhotos: John Newport