THE Annual Meeting of Sandford Flower and Produce Show will take place in Sandford Parish Hall on Friday, March 22, beginning at 7.30pm.

It is hoped that enough people will attend to support the revival of the annual Flower and Produce Show.

At an Open meeting held in January local resident Jim Stephens acted as chair of the meeting and explained that the show had lapsed for the last four years after interruption by the pandemic and sadly the loss of one of the committee members.

Karen Stephens, who lives in the village explained: “Additionally, others had experienced failing health and now it would not be possible to hold another show without fresh committee members.

“The meeting was open to the public with the aim of gauging local interest and willingness to take part in both organising a show and exhibiting later this year. 

“Tony Wright has served as Chairman for many years and gave an overview of the origins of the show going back even before World War Two. There is a healthy financial balance if another show is run. 

“Programmes had already been printed for the 2020 show which unfortunately were never used. The categories provided for exhibits of fruits and flowers, vegetables, floral art, cookery, homecraft, photography and children's classes. 

“In the past, the committee has held three meetings a year with an AGM in the Spring. The show required a lot of preparation and team work to make it run successfully. 

“About 15 members of the public attended the meeting and there was a general positivity about keeping the show going and that the community values it. There were ideas about simplifying the programme and for some new categories to be included. There were offers of help with teas on the day with three or four potential new committee members.”

Karen added that the AGM on Friday, March 22 will provide a time to elect a new Chairman, Show Secretary and Treasurer.

She concluded: “Unfortunately, if no-one comes forward to fill these roles it will not be possible to hold the show this year.

“All members of the public are welcome to attend the AGM. For more details, please contact me on 01363 774835 or 07791 128791.”