THE annual Stawley Flower and Produce Show was held at Appley Pavilion on Sunday, co-organised by Appley Pavilion Committee and the local gardening club.

It was held a little later in the year than usual, but this clearly did not affect the abundance of fruit, vegetables and flowers still available in gardens in the area, and together with the baking and artistic talents of the locals brought in a record number of entries for the show.

The children delighted visitors with an array of beautifully crafted animals made from fruit and vegetables, and many lovely pictures vying to be the one used on the front cover of next year’s programme.

The high number of entries gave the judges, Morag Berthon and Ann Heard, an even harder task than usual, but they carefully and considerately waded their way through jams and jellies, cakes and cordials, and even found space for lunch afterwards, supplied by Sally Perry from Stawley Shop and Tearoom.

The high standard of entries meant the usual difficulties in choosing winners but the prizes were awarded as follows:

Vegetable Trophy – Norman and Pauline Wood; Fruit Award – Laura Burrow; Flower Cup – Clive and Valerie Wall; Cooking Trophy – Anna-Lisa De’Ath; Croft Bowl for Needlecraft/Woolcraft item – Beryl Hooper for her appliquéd cow cushion; Rossholme Cup for Hard Materials Craft item – Ian Burrow for his wood violin-playing puppet; Art Award for a painting in any medium – Nature, Beryl Hooper; Photography Award – Your Pet, Angie and John Hannon; Rossholme Junior Cup for design of 2020 programme cover – Alice Edis aged seven; Chairs Cup (awarded by the Gardening Club organisers as their choice of one outstanding entry) – Bea White aged seven for elephant made from fruit and vegetables; Cothay Cup for the overall winner – Norman and Pauline Wood.

The lovely weather added to the enjoyment and, after having viewed the exhibits, visitors could sit outside in the sunshine and enjoy a cream tea, home-made cakes and ice creams, all provided by the ladies of the pavilion committee. A tombola and raffle also raised funds for Appley Pavilion.

The event was wrapped up by an auction of exhibited produce, conducted by resident auctioneer Chris Clapham, which raised a record £145 for gardening club funds.

As flower shows go, this is a small affair but one which is always enjoyed by the local community. There was a big thank for the joint efforts of Rachel Oliver, Sally Scott, Suzette Williams, Charlotte Westcott and Kath Rose from the pavilion committee, with Pauline Wood, Sue Jacoby and friends from the gardening club in organising this event. But the last thank must go to the members of the community of all ages, for bringing along the products of their efforts. There would not be a show without them!