By Sue Bradley
Conductor Jim Hill found himself with an extra task to perform when Avening Silver Band returned to Bisley for the village’s annual flower show and fete.
In recognition of Jim’s 90th birthday, and to mark Bisley’s appreciation of
the amazing music provided by the band for as long as anybody can remember, the event’s organisers asked him to crown the flower queen and king, Esme Smith and Jacob Higgins from Bisley Blue Coat School, and declare the event officially open.
“Bisley Flower Show and Fete wouldn’t be the same without Jim and the
members of Avening Silver Band,” explained villager Sue Bradley.
“The musicians bring a wonderful atmosphere to our event and we hope this
gesture shows them just how much their presence means to us.”
Hundreds of people attended the flower show and fete, which is traditionally
held on the August bank holiday, with many staying to enjoy the summer party
organised by the Stirrup Cup pub later on. Several teams were at the marquee
the following evening for the annual inter-village quiz, which this year was
won by local Bisley team ‘The Wells Angels’.
“Many, many people from Bisley and the local area play a part in making our
flower show and fete weekend a memorable event and we’re really grateful to
all of them,” added Sue.
“For the first time we were able to enjoy performances by magician Barrie
Westwell, known as The Illusioneer, while the country dancers from Bisley
Blue Coat School made a welcome return.
“Despite this year’s challenging weather for gardeners, the flower show was
well supported, and there were lots of entries for our dog show too.”
“The flower show was very well attended and we had lots of lovely entries, including seven in our new class of a painting of a single fruit or vegetable. We had some new judges this year who did a very thorough job, leaving useful tips for entrants for next year. We also had some old hands in attendance, including Lance Vick who has been judging the vegetable classes for us for 25 years! Our Pimms and beer bar did very well with people enjoying a cool drink in the sunshine. All funds raised from the flower show go towards to the substantial cost of hiring the marquee.
“All in all a smashing day was had by all,” said Lou Painter, chair of the flower show committee.
Next year Bisley Flower Show and Fete is looking forward to welcoming the
many flower queens and kings, and their attendants, from over the years to
the event and is appealing for holders of the titles to get in touch through
the Bisley village website at: www.bisleyvillage.com
