Whichford and Ascott Web-site

Thank you!  The Flower Show Committee have kindly funded the Whichford and Ascott Village Web-site;  for which we are most grateful.  

 

WHICHFORD & ASCOTT FLOWER SHOW 2009

 

Right on cue, the early August Bank Holiday clouds rolled back and the crowds rolled up for the opening of the 2009 Whichford & Ascott Flower Show last Monday.

 

There was what looked likely to be a record attendance at this, among the South Warwickshire rural calendar’s most popular annual family events, with its timeless traditional scenes on what is arguably one of the county’s largest and prettiest village greens.

 

There was a real sense of anticipation in the air – though not the planned memorial fly-past by vintage Hurricane and Spitfire aircraft (sadly, cancelled for technical reasons) - at the start of what turned out to be one of the liveliest Shows since its early beginnings over 20 years ago.

 

This year’s special theme was a celebration of the late 1940s and the 1950s. A tuneful George Formby-soundalike, Ian Larkin and his Ukulele, lent a wealth of Memory Lane background rhythms and entertainment, while the day’s highlight was a fancy dress competition for the best sartorial evocation of the period.

 

All the traditional fun of the Show was on offer, with stalls and sideshows galore, a Fun Dog Show (winning entrant Judi Lucas), Cream Teas on the Green, a Vintage Car Display Fairground Steam Organ and Swing Boats, a Pig Roast, Tombola Punch & Judy Show and a Children’s Fancy Dress Parade. New this year was a tag rugby competition – while one the most loudly-cheered events, the Tug of War, was won by an awesome Shipston Rugby Club.

 

A wealth of prizes was awarded to adults and youngsters for gardens, fruit, flowers, vegetables, handicrafts, cooking, wine, photography and more. Proudest children in the village were Albie, Lucy and Alexandra, recipients of the Under 10s, 10 – 16 years and Outstanding Single Child’s Entry Cups respectively.

 

As the afternoon ended and the last sips of tea and crumbs of home-made cake were disappearing, Flower Show committee treasurer Colin Corlett declared himself delighted with the day’s success.

 

‘The Flower Show really has become a local institution,’ he said. ‘Both the support from villagers, with all that dedicated making and baking, sowing and growing, and the enthusiasm of visitors are simply tremendous. Long may it continue!’

 

 

Crafts and hobbies from adults and children were on display in the church and reading room.

Villagers dressed for the day in 1940s and 50s costumes.

The church was a riot of colour with fruit, flowers, vegetables and produce.

Well behaved dogs were welcome in and out of the show ring.

There was plenty to eat and drink and good company to enjoy it with.

Local businesses set up shop in the marquee.