Do parishioners still want to support an annual Flower Show?

Numbers of entrants and exhibits have been dwindling for several years now .... asking the question "Do parishioners still wish this traditional annual event to continue"?

Several commented that a date during the school summer holidays meant they could be away from the village; also there are several other local Shows during August that may dissuade people from entering our show.

Traditionally the show was always held on the first Saturday in September which this year would be Sat 6th September.

What do you think? Would this date encourage more people to enter?

What classes are people more likely to enter?

The schedule for the show has not changed a lot in the 50 + years of its existence. But we are happy to make changes if people tell us what classes they would like included.

One parishioner has already commented that they would like the "Decorated Sponge" reverted to a "Men only class" - What do the rest of you think?

Have you got any suggestions for other classes?

Please see revised Schedule below - I have been asked to add a "Handmade Wool" Class - this would include things like Needle Felting, Macrame, Pom Pom craft etc

If you have other ideas you would like added please let me know.

How do those new to exhibiting know how to present their entries?

Please check out the draft Schedule below which gives you some tips on how to present your exhibits.

Most judges use the RHS handbook rules for Vegetables, Flowers & Plants.

Craft and Produce is usually judged using the WI Guidelines.

Over the coming weeks I will endeavour to cover some of the rules for specific classes to give you all some guidelines and hopefully encourage more of you to "have a go".

General Guidance for Craft exhibits.

Have a look at what the WI Guidance is for all crafts and over the next few weeks I will add specific guidance for the classes we already include in our schedule.

The New Year is a good time to start working on crafts for the Show.

Photographs

Now is a good time to start taking some photographs to enter the Flower Show.

Class 37 - Photograph on the Theme of Celebrations

Class 75,76 & 77 -  Children's photo Theme - Toys & Games

Limericks

The Adult theme for this year's Limerick class is Food, and the Under 16 theme is Favourite Sport.

Start thinking poetically when you have an interesting/different type of meal!

February - a good time to make your Marmalade

Seville oranges are in season from the end of December to mid-February. They are a type of bitter orange that are native to Spain and are often used to make marmalade. 

• You can buy Seville oranges in supermarkets and greengrocers during their season. 
• You can also buy frozen Seville oranges year-round. 

How to store Seville oranges

• Seville oranges freeze well, so you can buy them when they are in season and store them for later use.

Check out WI Guidelines for Jams, Preserves and Marmalades below 

Unsure what to plant when?

Have a look at the RHS Crop Planner below to see what you can plant in the coming months and when they will be ready for you to eat or enter into the flower show.