Preparations for the show went very well thanks to the diligent support of the committee members and despite a few minor problems with the proofing and printing of the schedule – apologies to those of you who were affected in any way. The weather preceding the show day was not good for gardeners which meant that on the day fruit, flowers and flower arrangements were down in numbers however vegetables did do well with a very full table of entries.

For the second year we had a presence on the web at www.keyworthshow.org; this brought in a fair number of enquiries and proved to be a good route for offering advice to prospective entrants. At least 16 entry forms had been downloaded from the site – an impressive 11% of the total entrants using this way of entering.

There were 90 classes listed in the schedule and we had a total of 462 entries submitted by 144 entrants of which 65 were children. In addition to this there was a plethora of entries from all 3 junior schools in the village for their special schools classes – well done to the children and thanks for to the teachers for their support. Entries equaled last year but this year we had a record of 10 families entering and providing a good deal of competition for the Keyworth Bowl presented to the family with the most points – this year Allen family again took the honours. Keyworth Arts Association again supported the show with a donation to cover the prizes awarded for all the children’s classes.

The marquee opened to the public at about 1 o’clock and shortly after this the Kids Cooking session started. This proved to be a great success and one mum was heard to say ‘the best 50p I have spent at the show – and you get to sit down too’. Hopefully a similar event can be arranged for next years show. At 4 o'clock Derek Oakley, in his first year of retirement from chairing the main committee, awarded all the trophies in front of a supportive and appreciative audience.

Thanks and appreciation to the local businesses who donated prizes, to the judges, to the helpers, to Kath Oakley and her team for the Kids Cooking, to Derek Oakley for presenting the trophies, to the committee who give of their time throughout the year and tirelessly on the day, to all those who visited the Marquee on 10th July and particular thanks to all the entrants who make such a valuable contribution to the success of this key attraction to Keyworth’s Principal annual event and without whom the show would not exist.

A full listing of the prizewinners is also being published and your feedback and comments would be welcome via the web site or the editor of Keyworth News.

Alan Cooper
CHAIRMAN - HORTICULTURAL, ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW