Oakwood, Ockley & Forest Green Flower Show and Summer Fair

For nearly every year since 1893, the local people have come together to display and enjoy the products of their labours. The only gap was for a few years during the Second World War. The 2011 show will be our 113th.

Over the years, the Show has grown in size and variety. There are still the traditional classes for flowers, fruit, vegetables, eggs, cakes, jams and crafts while each year, for example, the number of photographic entries increases. 

There are over 30 classes just for children of different ages (a miniature garden, colouring, painting and cooking are just some) as well as classes for groups and OAPs. This year there are an additional 2 classes just for Men and Boys – bread pudding and sausage rolls!
 

In 2010 there were 191 classes and we awarded 32 cups and a variety of gift vouchers to winners.

At the end of the day, any donated exhibits are auctioned off – a popular and lively event raising funds for the following year’s show.  

Outside the Show marquee, there is all the fun of a village fete: side-shows, raffles, tea and cakes, coconut shy, Punch & Judy, owls, donkeys, craft demonstrations and bric-a-brac. Anyone can join in the dog show, road race and children’s races. Those of a more leisurely nature can relax and enjoy the Jazz Band, Lady Morris Dancers, chatting to the owners of some vintage and classic cars or just admiring the different animals on show (this year we hope to have local sheep, ducks and bees again).

Pitches start at £10 – please contact Ann Clary on 01306 627266 or email her on aclary@btinternet.com

This year we’re having a CIRCUS theme and are pleased that 2 professional clowns will be entertaining us and helping with the fancy dress competition.

The Show is run entirely by volunteers (and a few pressed men) on a non-profit basis. Every penny made, either on the day or through donations and advertisements in the schedule, goes into the kitty to pay for the next year’s show.

All in all, it is a perfect summer’s day out so make a note of the date in your diary. The Show is always held on the second Saturday in August so the next one will be on 

Saturday 13th August 2011
Show Schedules will be available from the local village shops and halls. Please note the deadline for entry forms is Wednesday 10th August. If you are unable to visit the area in June or July to collect one, then you can email Louise on booker15@btinternet.com by Friday 15th July and you will be sent a schedule by post. If you have any queries about entry requirements then please telephone Maria Eppel on 01306 627351 or email her on mariaatrestfold@hotmail.com

Class entry fees start at 10p for children and 25p for adults (with some slightly higher fees for the more challenging classes with suitably higher prize money). 

On the day, entries can be staged from 08.00am until 10.30am (judging begins at 10.45am prompt).

Gates open at 12.00 o’clock.

Gate entry fee is £2 per adult, children come in for free

Dog Show entries are accepted from 12.15 and their judging starts at 1pm.  Last year the dog show raised £577 which was donated to 2 local dog charities: The Celia Cross Greyhound Trust and Dogs R Us rescue. The entry fee is £1.50 per dog. This year we’re hoping to have some extra fun activities for the more lively dogs before judging begins. 

The judging of the show exhibits should be coming to an end around 1.30pm after which the Show Marquee will be open for the entrants and members of the public to view all the amazing exhibits.  

Children’s fun races start at 2pm while the road race starts at 3pm.

The road race is run on good surfaces over 1.25 (1 lap) or 2.5 (2 laps) miles, depending on the category of the runner.

The classes are:  Under 10, Under 13, Boy under 16, Girl under 16, Ladies, Veteran Men (40+), Veteran Ladies (40+), Local Seniors and Open Seniors. 

Local Seniors must live within 6 miles of the Showground.

All runners under 10 must be accompanied by and finish with an adult.

Prize-giving starts at 4pm followed by the Raffle Draws and the Auction of donated entries.

 

Directions to the Showground:

We are always in need of helpers either before or on the day so if you feel you could help if only for an hour or two, then please contact Christine Wallace. 

Treasurer:                  Louise Booker           01306 628194

Show Secretary:        Maria Eppel               01306 627351

Chairman:                  Christine Wallace      01306 885734

CONTACTS:

The Show is held on the Oakwood Hill Cricket ground opposite the Punchbowl pub (postcode RH5 5PU) which is about a mile off the A29 south of Ockley.