Our Community Association held its annual Flower and Vegetable Show last Saturday (2nd). This is the main event of our community calendar. This was the 23rd and turned out to be one of the best in recent years. It was held in St. Patrick’s Church Parochial Hall.

For most of the morning the incessant rain did not auger well for the event. However many locals still braved the wretched conditions to submit their exhibits throughout the morning. In total there were 170 exhibits across the Classes by the close of staging. Mr. John McCausland a veteran of these events had happily agreed to act as show judge. At eighty he still shows a great delight in joining us each year and is always full of praise for the efforts the local gardeners make. This year he picked out the Floral Art and Children’s sections for particular praise.

We were indeed fortunate this year that the Mayor of Lisburn, Trevor Lunn and his wife Laureen were able to join us for the event. The Show was opened by the Mayor. He told everyone that he was an enthusiastic gardener but that sadly his Mayoral duties were likely to restrict his opportunities to pursue his hobby this year to probably little more than mowing the lawn. Although he did add it was a rather big lawn! He and his wife chatted happily with exhibitors and visitors throughout the afternoon. We were also very grateful to them both for staying to present the Class Certificates and Show Cups. The 1st Old Boy Band had kindly come along to provide musical accompaniment which proved a very fitting backdrop to the whole event and was much appreciated by all. As an added attraction for the children there was also a magician. Although the large crowd he attracted appeared to include some rather mature looking individuals!

The main awards were as follows:
· Mrs. Rene Davis won Best in Show with her Floral Art Exhibit
· Mrs. Barbara Farris won Best Fruit and Vegetable Exhibit with her wonderful apples.
· Oliver Moore was awarded the Children’s Cup for his delightful garden on a plate.
· Chelsea Garrett won the overall prize for the Children’s Art Competition

Thanks need to be extended to the church (Rev. R. Devenney and his Officers) for all their assistance and every business and individual who contributed to the Show ballot and the sales table.

Last but not least where would we be without the gardening enthusiasts? Who every year, come rain, hail or shine, delight and amaze with what they are able to conjure out of the earth in time for the event. Without you and your endeavours there would be no Show. Thank you all.

David R Watson
Association Chair