Oakhanger residents celebrated their 54th annual flower show and dog show last Sunday. Despite a few rain showers, the afternoon kicked off in style with the fun dog show, which was organised and directed by Yvonne Joslin and her team of helpers. The two judges, Penny Peters and Beverley Wright had the difficult task of picking the top five dogs from 14 different classes and then the winner of the Best in Show.
After much deliberation, the best in show was awarded to Bertie the wirehaired dachshund and the reserve best in show went to Bow the Collie-Labrador cross. The barbeque, beer tent and creperie kept dog owners and visitors well sustained throughout the afternoon.
We would like to thank Springfield Nurseries and James Wellbeloved for sponsoring our Doggy Tombola and also thank the village for their donations and generosity.
The Show tent looked magnificent with a wonderful display of flowers, vegetables, cakes, jams, limericks, paintings, photographs and handicrafts, which exhibited a wonderful range of skills and craftsmanship.
For the children, the highlight of the day were the games which included the traditional wheelbarrow, sack and water shuttle races, together with games of welly kicking and grass-ski racing. The games were rounded off with teams battling it out in the tug-of war. A team of four called ‘Hope for the Best” won the ladies shield and the men’s shield was won by ‘Mine’s a Pint’.
The cups, trophies, prizes and games certificates were presented by the Oakhanger May Queen Alexandra Haymes, followed by the auction of produce, skilfully managed by Toby Kilner.
The day was rounded off with a splendid meal for 60 guests in the marquee co-ordinated by Sheila Goater, Anne Symons and Jo Benwell.
Finella Kilner, the Village Hall Chairman, said: “It is impossible to list every stall holder and helper but a big thank you goes to everyone for their time and effort, and for their sponsorship – it is greatly appreciated. Thank you also to all those behind the scenes including Tom McMeekan and Steve Goater and helpers who put up and took down all the tents and also to Carol McMeekan who did all the printing of schedules, certificates and Oakhanger stationery.”
Alan Driver is retiring after 15 years managing the flower show tent and we would like to thank him for his dedication and support over the years.
The event raised almost £2,000 which is a fantastic result.