VISITORS were greeted with perfect weather conditions as the 136th annual Writhlington Flower Show and Fete took place on Saturday, August 16.

Despite the warm weather and little rain that had fallen in recent weeks and months, each of the gardeners were able to put on a strong show for all who attended.

Part of this year’s event was in commemoration of the 80 year anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day, which had only happened a day prior.

Because of this, the show’s committee had decided to include some special classes for VE/VJ Day into the 2025 schedule, as giving the fete a VE/VJ Day theme.

The show and fete was officially opened by Mrs Hillary Denning, president of the flower show.

This year’s running also marked the first time that MP for the area Anna Sabine had made a visit to the show.

Earlier this year, the flower show committee sought a grant from Radstock Town Council and made an application for Lottery funding with a bid to the Dragons’ Den.

Both were successful and on show at the fete , where there was a newly repaired skittle alley, alongside six new gazebos.

The afternoon fete started off with a programme of military music and war time tunes from The Mendip Brass Band, while classic cars from the Norton Radstock Car Club added to the VJ Day theming.

Children were able to enjoy some donkey rides courtesy of Kelly’s Donkeys, while a very different kind of animal in bees were being shown a lot of interest, with members of the Mendip Beekeepers’ Association being kept quite busy all afternoon.

Further highlighting the wide range of entertainment on display came as many watched blacksmith Martin Feeney hard at work, while children’s entertainer Glyn Davies would also provide a lot of laughter throughout the audience.

For those who wanted something a bit quieter and who look forward to reminiscing with a cup of tea and homemade cake there was a history, old photographs and memorabilia display in the village hall.

Jane Evans and Lavinia Corrick were stewards for the fete, and they were kept busy due to the high levels of interest in the old photographs on display, alongside the questions people had about the history of Writhlington.

The committee also looked to promote health and wellbeing within the community, highlighting the benefits of gardening, cooking and arts and crafts at the show.

There was also a presentation event at the marquee for the flower show’s trophies and prizes, celebrating the range of exhibits on display.

The Centenary Trophy for ‘Best Exhibit in Show’ was won by Ian Chant for his onions.

After 50 years the North Somerset Chrysanthemum and Dahlia Society had folded, however they were remembered through two new trophies that would be awarded at the flower show.

These would be the President’s Trophy for any exhibit to be chosen by the president and a glass bowl for ‘Best Exhibit in Floral Art’.