Big Day Report
DAWLEY BANK FLOWER AND VEGETABLE SHOW
2006
This year supporting Telford Guide Dogs For the Blind as they celebrate 75yrs of Guide dogs on the streets of Britain.
Oh What A Day!!!!
Truly a community led success!!!
The weather forecast did say rain; 5.40am Sat September 2nd not a cloud visible as we began the task of loading trailers with marquees, gazebos, wooden skittle, crockery & wooden cabinet, bales of straw towed from Oswestry, show administration equipment including paper plates, silver sand, pins for photography hand writing and posters. Items for tombola stall, pick up Barbara.
The change of times worked well exhibitors arrived Friday evening to give their entries. Friday afternoon; society members and church members arranged tables and chairs and screens according to 'Bill's plan'.
Dawley Baptist Church is celebrating 160 years in Dawley Bank they arranged an impressive display of memorabilia archive documents and photographs positioned at front of church. These included uniform and badges of the old boys brigade and life boys badges from early 1960's, the church demonstration banner still striking in vivid Gold, red and blue, details of The Baptist Missionary Society work, photographic memories of Demonstration Days in Dawley, Sunday School Anniversaries, also on display were old church registers dating back to 19th century.
The Bank History Group gave a looped presentation and slide show throughout the day, members were designated specific times to 'man' the desk. It was a popular attraction, which worked well with the church 160yrs celebration; many people were reluctant to leave at the close of the event.
The Church was filled with a variety of skilled craft demonstrators, Kath - flower arranging, Brenda - sugar craft, Len - brass rubbing, Chris - patchwork/quilting, Chris also brought with her a wonderful quilt made by Horsehay Quilters to raise funds for The Hospice raffle. Lucy - quilling, Jean - tatting/lace making & beautiful creative card making, Iris - demonstrating the spinning wheel, Lyn - bead craft, Meg - lace making and Mike King with his display of international award winning Carnivorous plants. Tables kindly loaned by The Rock Chapel were a great help.
In the children's corner there was a selection of musical instruments which 4yr old Kayleigh and 3yr old Noah used to maximum effect as they enthusiastically marched around banging cymbals and drums causing much amusement. In the foyer was the relaxing area, table and chairs for visitors who were greeted with welcome beverages cakes and fresh sandwiches which were made and served with a warm smile by the A Team who worked tirelessly throughout the day, generously donating their profits between Dawley Bank Horticultural Society and Telford Guide Dogs for the Blind. This area was also a warm refuge for pet owners and their animals as church members greeted them affectionately.
Show Secretary Melanie Higginson proved her resilience as tempers frayed and administration tasks reached overspill. A large marquee erected at the front of the church to house tables on which an abundance of fruit and vegetables exhibits quickly filled every available space. The community room was buzzing, trestle tables loaned from Dawley Christian Centre filled the room, children's exhibits, all kinds of craft, cookery, preserves, beer and wine, Trophy display, photography and hand writing, Kevin Newell arranged a DVD presentation of weird and wonderful photographs using his daughters laptop.
Judging commenced on time and after much deliberation also ended according to schedule. Doors opened at midday, opening time was brought forwards because of gale storm. Slowly at first people began to wonder through the doors, Barbara manning the Tombola at the entrance cheered up considerably, inclement weather was a disparaging influence first thing but by lunchtime rain was easing.
Pet Show went ahead on the field at rear of Queens Arms Judged by Sarah the vet from Oakville veterinary practice Station rd Lawley Bank, and presided over by Suzanne and Jan who kept up an animated commentary undeterred even when the large marquee was threatening to blow away by fierce gusts of wind and rain. Telford Guide Dogs for the Blind Officers were resolute they stood steadfast Loyally ignoring the weather in support of the Pet Show along with intrepid pet owners who entered their valiant pets. Thank you Rowland & Guide dog Elton.
DBHS is especially grateful to Kevin Grogan and Andrew Allcock who battled against the gale struggling to erect marquees and getting drenched in the process. The pet show marquee was generously loaned by members of Telford Volley Ball club. John Higginson also worked all day collecting and placing the bales of hay to encircle the pet show, collecting and returning the trestle tables, setting up and running the crockery smash, helping with marquees and still managing to fulfil his role as judge.
All exhibits which were designated for the mammoth raffle were placed on to one large table, suddenly the community room was full of expectant folk all wanting to view the exhibits, no one could have predicted the sudden influx of people that swarmed into the building at that time. The Tombola now packed up Barbara was frantically selling raffle tickets, she was being bombarded by requests from all sides, it was a hectic hour.
Trophies-
Then as exhibitors were removing their certificates and exhibits a sudden gust of wing Lifted the marquee spilling empty tables in its wake. An alert exhibitor held on tight to the frame in an effort to prevent further drama. 'I need some help in here" shouted exhibitor Brian Rutter as he juggled precariously amongst the veg and collapsing tables.
Kath always seems to be there in moments of panic she hung onto the frame work supporting it as help quickly arrived in the form of John, Christopher and Kevin and the structure was safely and expertly dismantled. Meanwhile back in the community room excitement was reaching fever pitch as The raffle led by Barbara and an animated Suzanne using megaphone (kindly loaned by Newdale Primary School) gained momentum. There was one prize left, 'Mel the CABBAGE is in the raffle' someone shouted, the most enormous giant cabbage a majestic specimen stood alone, daring a raffle winner to take his prize.
So if you wondered who could eat so much cabbage!!!
There were two refusals before a lady boldly accepted it amongst much joy and laughter she said, " I know what I'll do with it, I work at Cartilage House, I'll take it there, the cook can use it for lunch tomorrow".
By 4pm everything was concluded.
Dawley Bank Horticultural Society would like to express their thanks and appreciation for everyone who helped and supported the event, it was truly a community led success. Including Telford Guide Dogs For The Blind Officers who resolute and determined Loyally braved the gale to support the Pet Show along with intrepid owners and their valiant pets. Funds raised for Guide Dogs for The blind will be announced in January 2007 as DBHS has other fundraising events planned for 2006 in aid of this charity.
Thanks also to Show sponsors, Suzannes hairdressers, Jackos Tyres, M P Supplies, C Walkers Newsagents, Watkins Nurseries & Garden Centre, The Queens Arms, The Wrekin Veiw, C. J. Williams, Great Dawley Parish Council, Lawley & Overdale Parish Council, Lakeside Plant & Garden Centre, Meadowdale Garden Centre, The Bulls Head, Helen Williams Photography, and The Factory Shop . Thanks also to members and friends of Dawley Baptist Church for their continuing support and the use of their building.
If you would like to know more about DBHS or become a member of the Society Please visit our web site www.dbhsonline.org.uk still under construction, or call Melanie 01952 506389