Fourth generation for the Shrewsbury Flower Show family
The Shrewsbury Flower Show is becoming more of a family affair than ever with the involvement this year of the fourth generation of one local family.
Aubrey Kirkham Funeral Directors has long been a staunch supporter of the event, with Aubrey himself acting as Chairman of both the show and the Shropshire Horticultural Society between 2004 and 2008, both daughters taking on roles and wife Ann getting involved too.
“As a family we’ve been proud to be involved in the organisation of the Shrewsbury Flower Show for over 60 years now, in fact since Ann’s father Percy Thrower took up the role of Horticultural Advisor in 1946” Aubrey explained.
Aubrey is Vice President of the show this year, while his elder daughter Leanne Garvey has joined the General Committee of the Shropshire Horticultural Society as a Trustee, and is also on the show’s Floral Committee, and younger daughter Selina Kirkham is running the press tent at the show – a role she’s held since the 1990s. This year’s event also sees a fourth generation of the family become involved for the first time, with Leanne’s two children, Joshua, aged eight, and Connie, aged six, taking part in the children’s Scarecrow Exhibition.
“It’s a true family affair” explained Aubrey “with my wife Ann once again involved in the show, in fact she’s exhibited here every year since she was just five years old when she was part of the family business with her father Percy Thrower. Together they won eight Best in Show awards as well as the Edith Aveling Cup, and we were hugely proud when she received this accolade again in 2005.”
“This year’s show looks set to be as wonderful as ever with medieval jousting, motorcycle displays, appearances from celebrity chef Gino D’Acampo and TV Gardener Chris Beardshaw, showjumping, plus the beautiful floral displays of course – there really should be something for everyone.”
A valued part of the local community, Aubrey believes passionately in businesses supporting important events and community initiatives, and was recognised at the prestigious Mayor of Shrewsbury Awards this year with a Gold Medal for his work.
