Page 44 - SV 3 2024

Shevington Spring Show
Hi Kelvin,
May I report to you on the success of the new Spring Show in Shevington near Wigan. I know this may not be of interest
to some folk who only grow vegetables as there isn’t too much veg about at this time of year. However, we are all gardeners and
I know I may be a bit biased, being one of the show organisers. But given the fact that so many shows have had to close down over the last few years for various reasons it is justifiable to celebrate when a new show actually comes on the scene.
This show came about because the annual summer show run by Shevington Garden Club has done so well, particularly since covid. It gets bigger and better every year, and this year is actually the 40th year so it is intended to make it something really special. So, there was much deliberation
as to how things should progress even further, and it was suggested to the two allotment sites in Shevington that they could get together and organise a Spring Show. Between them they organised a subcommittee and started formulating a plan. This plan came to fruition on Saturday 13 April 2024 at St Annes Parish Rooms in
Shevington and exceeded all expectations. The most surprising thing is when this
idea came up there was not a penny in funding, but the local community came together and we got backing from local councillors and the community association plus, the Garden Club started our bank account off with a donation. Also, St Annes Church gave us a very special rate for using the hall. With this funding we were able to not charge an entry fee but still give a bit of prize money. All the children who entered received a little medal to take home.
To our delight we had high numbers
of children from St Annes and Millbrook schools and individual children entering artwork, painted pebbles and photography and other sections. The photography judge was amazed at the quality of the children’s photos. Millbrook school actually won the trophy for most points in show.
Jessica Diggle who is deputy chair of Shevington Parish Council kindly presented the prizes at the end of the show. A certificate was awarded to the best exhibit in each section and to the most points
in each section. Also, there was a trophy
for most points in show which went to
Millbrook school.
One of the highlights of the show was
Millbrook schools’ presentation of their beekeeping project. They currently have two hives, one in school and one in local woods and they are at the moment raising funding for another one.
So many thanks to anyone who supported the show in any way. Now we have one success under our belts we will shortly be making plans for another Spring Show next year.
Kind regards, Andrew Moakes
44 Simply Vegetables