Well over 1000 visitors enjoyed
the range of activities and exhibits on offer at the
Framfield and Blackboys Horticultural Society Summer
Show on Saturday 8th August on a perfect English summer’s
day. Activities at the recreation ground and village
hall in Framfield ranged from the ever-popular wheelbarrow
races, the new and frenetic terrier races to the more
sedate drinking of Pimm’s provided by Euro Plants
of Framfield.
Compered by the
dual voices of Chris Simmonds and Drummond Abrams who
provided information, encouragement and commentary along
with the tones of the Warbleton Brass Band providing
a traditional backdrop of sound, the show was undoubtedly
one of the most successful in recent years. “There
was so much more to do than before” was oft heard
from satisfied visitors. Other activities including
welly throwing (with the winner’s boot lodging
in the hedge), plate smashing, pottery, bowling for
a leg of lamb along (donated by TW Hopkins of Blackboys)
with more traditional stalls such as tombola, a coconut
shy and hoopla. Mrs Backtofront provided participation
shows for the younger children. A wide range of goods
were on sale from charities and other stalls to ensure
all tastes were catered for including stunning pieces
from the Bentley Woodcarvers, a range of refreshments
and barbeque.
The show was sponsored by the NFU Mutual and supported
by many local community based organisations including
the Framfield Cricket Club, Framfield CE Primary School
and Thomas à Becket Church. The time-honoured
focus of the event played its role in the marquee with
the exhibits of vegetables, plants, flowers and floral
arrangements and in the village hall with handicrafts,
cookery and photography sections. Jenny Bacon, Chair
of the Framfield and Blackboys Horticultural Society
said, “It was lovely to see so many people had
taken the time and made the effort to support the Summer
Show by enter items either they had grown or made”.
“The show attracted a total of 490 entries in
a difficult growing year and the range and quality of
exhibits was as impressive as ever with the innovation
of the floral arrangements being inspirational”
said society committee member Terry Everitt. The photography
section attracted an almost overflowing entry and was
a delight of colour and composition while in the inaugural
tallest sunflower competition, the winner reached 2.89m.
There were displays by both Blackboys and Framfield
schools of both school work and produce from their gardens.
The now established Fun Dog Show attracted its usual
range of excited participants.
