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2008 Claygate Flower & Village Show - Congratulations to all those who took part!
A great afternoon for everyone at the 2008 Show …… The sun shone all afternoon on the recreation ground and on those who attended the Claygate Flower & Village Show on Saturday 19 July 2008. The wet weather did not materialise, although the wind did make its presence felt - and very strongly at times – rather upsetting some of the gazebos and their owners!
After the official opening by the Mayor of Elmbridge, Cllr Nigel Cooper, as many as five thousand people thronged the ground, The exhibition tent looked magnificent and boasted its fine array of flowers, fruit and vegetables, lovingly grown and shown by the exhibitors. Many domestic offerings were also on show, including cakes, sponges, biscuits, jams and home-made wines. There was some beautiful floral artistry, plus attractive displays of art and crafts, together with a vast range of photographic exhibits. The junior section buzzed with activity all day and there was a noticeable increase in the number of children’s exhibits.
Meanwhile, beyond the large marquee, the funfair thrilled the younger members of Claygate, and there was plenty of fun to be had at the dog show, the children’s races and the classic car & bike display, not to mention the return of the go-cart display team. New this year was the penalty shoot-out featuring Claygate Royals FC, and this proved to be a very popular feature. In the main arena there was entertainment from Chadsworth Stage School, the Claygate Scout & Guide Band and the Kuk Sool Won traditional martial arts display which wowed all the onlookers. After a gap of a year, Mad Maureen, Wizz and friends returned to make everyone laugh, and the Thames Valley Morris Men made a couple of appearances and were joined by a guest group of female Morris dancers. The great balloon race had lift-off at the end of the afternoon, and who knows where all the balloons will travel? At the end of the afternoon the worthy prize winners received cups and trophies and awards were then made to the Claygate In Bloom front garden and pub-frontage winners. Prize money was distributed, the Grand Draw was drawn and items donated from the exhibition tent were auctioned to lucky bidders. Another successful Claygate Flower & Village Show – and we are already looking forward to next year’s show on Saturday 18 July 2009.
The Claygate Flower Show, first held in July 1903, provides the big day out in the village and attracts to the recreation ground an attendance of 5,000 people. The date, this year, is Saturday 19th July. It is primarily an exhibition of horticulture, flowers, arts and crafts in over 200 separate classes, all of which are properly judged with the award of cups and monetary prizes. There is a large junior section well supported by local schools and this display together with the main exhibition is presented in a 70 metres long marquee. This, however, is only part of the day’s activities. There are continuous events in the main arena including children’s dancing, a brass band, Morris dancers and a professional comedy act.  Also to be seen and patronised are the numerous charity stalls, the refreshment pavilion, a couple of drinks tents, and beside all this a traditional funfair with the usual rides and entertainment.The Show provides the opportunity not only for local people to meet in a convivial setting but also for them to show off what they can grow, make or design. There is great scope in the 200 classes ranging from runner beans and embroidery to portrait painting and Victoria Sandwich. It is fun to take part – and one might even win a prize!
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Information about the Show
More Information:
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Rt Hon Ian Taylor MBE MP:
