Albrighton residents get ready for Red House Flower Show
Something is stirring in the village of Albrighton as residents get ready for what is promised to be the biggest and best annual Red House Flower Show.
Produce has been prepared for weeks by budding gardeners as flower growers nurture their blooms, cooks tend preserves and children put on their creative hats to enter an expanded range of innovative arts and crafts competitions.
Dogs are being groomed and trained preparing to vie for the Best Dog in Show or the Dog with the Waggiest Tail.
For it is the fourth annual show due to be held at the Red House in Albrighton on Saturday, July 7 – in which virtually all the villagers take part.
Competition is tough and villagers mean business as they gear up for the popular event which is expecting a record number of entries this year.
RAF Cosford Group Captain Jamie Johnston will officially open the show at 1pm just after the judges have made their prize winning choices.
The public is invited to view the wide range of entries on show in the afternoon and at 2pm it is the start of the dog show which also includes a prize for the most handsome dog and prettiest bitch followed by the prize giving ceremony at 4pm.
The show goes on with evening entertainment from the Tantallon Singers followed by a supper and an auction of the exhibits.
Profits from the day will go towards refurbishment of the Red House village hall.
Show chairman Sue Pate praised all the enthusiastic volunteers who “work diligently” to create a fun filled day for people of all ages.
”The show is a well established event in the calendar of Albrighton villagers. We need to raise money for the Red House and we want to encourage as many people as possible to become involved.
“This year we are making a big effort to expand the categories for young people. We hope that children will enter the children’s arts & crafts, photography and vegetable sections. We keep a record of winners and they receive a certificate and we hope to provide a memorable photograph for each winner again this year.“
Last year’s prizewinning gardener Richard Walker revealed some useful tips for budding gardeners to cover carrots with a white fleece to avoid carrot fly, stop birds attacking peas and broad beans by planting out when more established and to recycle old plant pots to sow sweet corn and sweet peas.
In a run up to the big day a cottage garden in a “riot of colour” with a patriotic theme will be opened to the public on Saturday, June 30 from 2pm to 5pm at the home of Nick and Dipika Price at The Old Farm House, Church Lane, Boningale.
Entry forms for the flower show are available in programmes which are being delivered to Albrighton villagers in June and can be downloaded from www.red-house-albrighton.org.uk or from the Red House. Phone 01902 374668 for dog show entry forms or pet owners can enter the dog show on the day.
