A WONDERFUL day was had by all at the annual Stawley Flower and Produce show held at Appley Pavilion.

An exceptional standard of flowers, produce and crafts were displayed by green-fingered and creative entrants, with 128 entries in the main classes and more than 70 entries in the children’s classes. Local winners excelled themselves with the Cothay Cup, for most points in show, going to Pat Gainey.

Stawley School and pre-school children joined in the spirit of the occasion by entering ‘local flora and fauna on a paper plate’ – using a considerable amount of childhood imagination they created a colourful plethora of animals and plants.

Trophy winners were: Vegetable Cup – Pat Gainey; Fruit Cup (joint) – Sue Jacoby and Jane Brooks; Cookery Trophy (joint) – Nancy Henson and Pat Gainey; Flower Cup – Julia Swan; Flower Arrangers Cup – Julia Swan; Photography Cup – Pat Gainey; Craft Bowl – Julia Swan.

The weather was kind allowing cream teas to be enjoyed in the sunshine while watching the local children compete in fun races, such as the water bomb relay and a hula hooping competition.

Many thanks to the wonderful Lesley Garner for once again organising the event and thanks to all the helpers on the day.

All proceeds are towards the upkeep of Appley Pavilion and support of the Gardening Club helping to ensure the future of the flower show and other great local events.

The auction of entries at the end raised £129 while the raffle and sale of cream teas brought in another £130, so £159 was raised in total due to the hard-working team running the event and the generous support of local people.

Many thanks to the hard-working judges, Tony and Jenny Hoyle of Milverton, and auctioneer Chris Clapham of Kittisford for their efforts on the day.

NEIL HAMMOND