After two years of postponement, Club Garddio Drefach Felindre held its 33rd Horticultural and Craft Show on Saturday 10th September.
Over 600 exhibits from 77 adults and 9 children made this show a successful community event. It was easy to see what had been happening during lockdown: the Arts and Needlework sections had far more exhibits than usual and there were many comments praising the high standards in the craft sections. As expected, the vegetable and fruit divisions had the most exhibits and it was no surprise that this year’s judge - Oliver Jones – was still working his way through the classes when all the other judges had finished. One wall of the hall was covered with children’s artwork – so bright and colourful. Everyone seemed glad to be back.
The afternoon began with a welcome to visitors from the chair – Helen Fogden. All present observed a minute of silence to reflect on the life and service of Queen Elizabeth II. The President of the day was Cllr Peter Hughes Griffiths, who shared his memories of competing in shows. He handed out the cups and Barry Adams took the photographs. Then Peter drew the raffle and winners collected their hampers. The club is grateful for the time and effort he gladly gave. In addition, he made a generous donation to the show fund.
To put together a successful show is a mammoth undertaking. The Show Committee start their work in March and very soon approaches are made to local businesses who sponsor the event. This year's sponsors were Moduron Teifi, Trefedhyn Garden Centre, J and E Rees, Storfa JJ, Davies and Davies, Y Pantri Bach and Daniel Davies and Sons. Then, the judges are booked. Ysgol Penboyr is contacted. The Red Dragon Hall is booked for Friday night and Saturday. Posters and schedules are distributed. Items for the raffle hampers are donated by club members. Cakes are baked for the refreshments. On the Friday night about 25 volunteers prepared the hall. On Saturday morning a similar number of volunteers are needed as exhibits arrive, are judged and recorded. The team supplying refreshments to the judges, workers and the afternoon visitors provide an invaluable service.
The show would not be successful without the continued support and generosity of the community. It would not be a show without exhibitors and just over half were not club members. It would not be a show if no one came to see the displays.It was truly a community effort. To all those who took part the club would like to say, ‘Thank you.’ Without you it wouldn’t happen.
Clwb Garddio Drefach Felindre Gardening Club meetings are usually held on the first Wednesday of each month at The Red Dragon Hall in DrefachFelindre from 7.30pm. There is a warm welcome for everyone and guests pay a fee of £2.00 per person which includes refreshments. Annual membership costs just £10. The next meeting of the Club will be on Wednesday 5th October when Stuart Akkermans will give a talk entitled,’Cae Hir: A Welsh Garden with a Dutch History’.