Blog: Smiles and sunshine at Shrewsbury Flower Show
It was a day of brilliant sunshine, a throng of thousands and smiling faces everywhere. Nothing less than a perfect flower show day writes Shirley Tart.
It was a day of brilliant sunshine, a throng of thousands and smiling faces everywhere. Nothing less than a perfect flower show day writes Shirley Tart.
And it drew instant praise from Lord Lieutenant Algy Heber-Percy.
As he busily collected garden leaflets, he said: “It’s been such a wonderful summer. Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, the Olympic Games, which we have all enjoyed so much, and now today they have hit the jackpot with a flower show which promises to be such a success.
“The standard is so high, given the weather we have had.
“I’ve missed seeing so many sweet peas around this year but there are some here in the competitive entries which just shows how clever so many Shropshire gardeners are.”
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An accolade which also applies to a small village school, the only school in the popular Outside Show Garden section.
In the competition for the first time, Condover Church of England School not only took gold but also the Wrekin Housing Trust Trophy for the Best Sustainable Garden.
Headteacher Kerrie Lewis was ‘absolutely thrilled’ as she paid tribute to the children for coming up with ideas, fellow teacher Jane Tant for her design and willow weavers Kalvin and Helen Stanley, who created an imaginative willow seating question mark.
Youngsters Maddy Leighton-Jones, 11, her sister Charis and friend Mollie Lewis, both 12, were also delighted as they talked to admirers and distributed information.
Charis and Mollie have already left Condover for secondary school in Church Stretton and Maddy joins them next month. But all three were as proud as punch as they sang the praises of Condover C of E.
Parts of the garden are being taken to the school where they already focus on environment and sustainability, including classes called Raindrop, Stream, River and Ocean.
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The Shropshire Society in London tea on the first show day is always a special treat. Since it is one of only three remaining county societies in the capital, we should be very proud of those who sustain it and help profile our county so well.
Yesterday, chairman David Tudor appealed for more support for the society’s events from its 150 members to ensure that it does continue.
It was a double dose of pleasure for president Mike Lowe, who is also chairman of the Shropshire Community Foundation – and in that capacity received a cheque for £2,500 from David on behalf of the society.
One of the busiest people on the charity and community circuit, Mike said his dream was to have a fund of money big enough to help local, small groups who didn’t have the high profile of others. That sounds just like him!
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One of the Shropshire Horticultural Society’s newest committee members swopped regal duties for a little local stewarding. Maggie Love was artistic director for the wonderful pageant which so entertained the Queen at RAF Cosford.
And yesterday, she was at her first flower show since joining the committee, taking tickets outside the members’ enclosure – and having a wonderful time.
“It is always a special occasion and I am really happy to be more involved and hope I can help in some small way,” Maggie said.
Once the show is over, she will be turning her attention to her next project across the road from the Quarry, in the grounds of Shrewsbury High School.
On Tuesday as part of the Summer Season committee, Maggie is on duty again when Heartbreak Productions present The Railway Children followed by Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing the following night.
Queen, flower show, county town drama, just call for Maggie!