Flower Show and Village Day cancelled
FLOWER SHOW CANCELLED FOR FIRST TIME SINCE WAR
Binfield Heath Flower Show, which has taken place annually for over seventy years only breaking off during the war, is the latest victim of corona virus.
Usually attracting over 1,500 visitors, it would be impossible to hold the show in its normal format if social distancing were still in place, say organisers.
“This is the biggest annual event in the village and a large committee puts several months into planning and organising it,” chairman, Evelyn McQuater said.
“We have left it as long as we can before taking the decision to cancel. The show is really important to so many people locally and it would have been such a happy event to hold, especially this year.
“Our special guest, Mary Berry had been invited to open the show and judge the baking entries. It was so kind of her to agree to come and play a part but that’s not now possible.
“Only very few people will recall the last time this show was cancelled – it takes something as dramatic as a world war or a corona virus to stop the Flower Show happening!”
The popular flower and produce contest, combined with arts and crafts competitions and a dog show, normally features a bar, barbecue and tea tent, stalls, displays, live music and children’s entertainment.
“We will bring the show back next year as usual on Bank Holiday Saturday, August 28th 2021, so everyone can put that in their diaries.”
Meanwhile, the committee stays in place and meets from time to time during the year. Helpers are always needed to put on this big event – so if you would like to get involved either by joining the committee or just sign up to help during the busy show week next year please contact show chairman Evelyn McQuater at evelynmcquater@hotmail.co.uk, or 07912619970 or vice chair, Peter Ransom peter.ransom2016@outlook.com
Binfield Heath’s Village Society committee has also had to cancel its summer village day on the recreation ground for local residents.
Both committees have said that if there should be a change in government restrictions on gatherings late in the summer then they may consider putting on a small event for village people to get together again.
“That could be something for us all to look forward to,” Evelyn McQuater said.