Another GREAT show with lots of entrants, excellent quality exhibits and many people coming to view the show in the – very warm – marquee. Planning and preparation had again gone well thanks to the diligent support of the committee members and despite a few minor problems with the proofing and printing of the schedule. The weather in the early part of the week preceding show day was not good for gardeners particularly having an impact by reducing the number of roses and flowers entered.

Publicity was good and there were more queries this year via the web site as well as congratulatory e-mail posted to us late on the Saturday of show day. We again had a good number of entry forms printed from the web site so next year it would seem worth while trying to get electronic entries submitted.

There were 89 classes listed in the schedule and we had a total of 546 entries submitted by 173 entrants of which 69 were children – all these showed a good increase from last year. In addition to this there was a very good entry from all 3 junior schools in the village for the special schools classes. 11 families entered providing a good deal of competition for the Keyworth Bowl which this year was presented to the Blakey Family only 3 points ahead of their nearest rivals. Keyworth Arts Association again supported the show with a donation to cover the prizes awarded for all the children’s classes and it is a joy to see them all come up to collect their prize envelopes.

A great attraction this year was a host of flower arrangements including 5 entered by clubs in the village – a new venture this year; thanks especially to Jeanne Inglis for her efforts in encouraging all these entries and to Dianne Knight our NAFA judge who had the un-envious task of placing the awards. There were 67 arrangements in total and the Judge complimented all the entrants in achieving County Class results.

At 4 O'clock it was a pleasure to have 2 local dignitaries to present the trophies – Maureen Stockwood [Mayor of Rushcliffe] and Debbie Boote [Chairman of Keyworth Parish Council]. It was also good to see lots of new names appearing on the winners schedule. All trophy and prize winners are now posted on the show web site and a full list of winners will be available shortly to go onto the site.

Thanks and appreciation to the local businesses who donated prizes, to the judges, to all the helpers who spent time with us on the Saturday, to Maureen and Debbie for presenting the trophies, to the committee who give of their time throughout the year and tirelessly on the day and to all those who visited the Marquee on 12th July. 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.

Alan Cooper
CHAIRMAN - HORTICULTURAL, ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW