Cromhall Flower Show 2009

This Saturday sees the 64th Cromhall's Flower Show. And hopefully the sun will be shining when it is being held at 2pm in St Andrew's School field.

In 63 years, rain has only cancelled Cromhall's Flower Show once – when last year's downpours waterlogged the field and threatened to wash away the marquees.

This year, organisers are hoping to avoid overwatering, and see this perennial favourite bloom again.

It's an open show, so entries are welcome from neighbouring villages and further afield.

There's something for everyone to try, from "the brightest flower in my garden" to "a limerick about the B4058". 

There'll be entertainment from Sharpness Silver Band and Wotton Gym Club, a demonstration of birds of prey from Raptorcare and an exhibition of model tractors, with circus skills from Circomedia and a fun dog show for children of all ages.

Please call Julia Cloke on 01454 228676 for more information about the dog show.

Try your luck on the raffle and tombola, test your skill at skittles and the coconut shy, or browse the stalls for crafts, books and toys.

Then when you're in need of refreshment, head to the tea tent for delicious sandwiches, cakes and biscuits, enjoy a local brew in the beer tent, or treat yourself to an ice-cream.

In 2007, the number and standard of exhibits meant competition for prize cups was stiff and the judges were impressed at the entries. 

You'll be able to learn more about Cromhall and its various activities at the show, with information stalls from www.Cromhall.com and Cromhall Chapel, and a display of scouting activities.

The afternoon ends with cup presentations and an auction of flowers and produce.

For more information, please ring the Show Secretary Peggy Collett on 01454 294545.

Show schedules are circulated via 5Alive, and this year feature a colourful cover, kindly designed and printed by Cromhall's Pete Banks from em5, along with the poster above, which you'll soon see around the area.

Extra copies of the schedule are available at Cromhall Village Shop, along with entry forms and outlines for the children's colouring classes.

This year's entertainers:

Sharpness Silver Band

The original Sharpness Temperance Band was formed in 1900, but failed as too many members enjoyed a tipple and were asked to leave! A second band flourished after World War One, but was closed when World War Two broke out.

The current band began in 1970 with a handful of children and teenagers and is still going strong.

The Band meets in Slimbridge once a week, and members play purely for pleasure.

Raptorcare

Make friends with Raptorcare's varied collection of birds of prey and have fun handling these majestic creatures under safe and expert supervision.

Raptorcare offers one hour, half day and full day experiences flying hawks, owls and falcons, for private and corporate events. Gift vouchers are available for any session.

Raptorcare also provide authentic medieval falconry displays suitable for parties and fetes.

Circomedia

Circomedia is the leading centre for circus with physical theatre in Europe.

It was founded over ten years ago by physical theatre expert, Bim Mason and choreographer and performer Helen Crocker. It rose out of the ashes of Fooltime, Britain’s first ever circus school – and ever since has attracted students from all over the world.

It is different from many circus schools as there is a heavy emphasis on combining traditional circus skills with physical theatre and creativity. It is this approach to performance that has led to Circomedia being acknowledged as a centre of excellence worldwide.