This weekend sees the return of a much loved community event in Suffolk – The Grundisburgh Village Show.
One of a rapidly diminishing number of remaining ‘traditional village shows’ in the UK, its continuation is thanks in no small part to its enthusiastic residents.
Here, Bryan Laxton, Hon Treasurer of the Grundisbugh Horticultural Society who run the show, reveals what makes it so special.
How are preparations going, Bryan?
We are raring to go!
Entries Night is Wednesday 12 where people come and pay their 30p per entry.
Thursday sees the huge marquee erected by Anglia Coastal Marquees. It is over 125 ft long and almost 30ft wide.
Friday is all hands to the pump with lots of volunteers putting everything together.
We start bright and early on Saturday July 15.
There are over 20 cups to be awarded and all classes are sponsored by local businesses and individuals. There are prizes for all classes.
There has been a steady decline in ‘traditional’ village shows. Why has Grundisburgh stayed so popular?
Our long history helps.
We first had a village show in Grundisburgh around 1937 and up until 1963 it was held at Grundisburgh Hall (the home of the Lord Cranworth) before it moved to the more central playing fields.
However, we are open to entrants from anywhere.
The reason other shows may have fallen away is the cost The marquee alone costs thousands.
I think success breeds success so we have been able to keep going but every year we tweak the classes so there’s something new, even if you’ve been entering for 50 years (as some people have!).
Who makes it all happen?
The show iis part of the wider Grundisburgh, Burgh & Culpho Horticultural Society, which runs our local hidden gardens, some trips and talks and also a garden party.
We are lucky to have a group of people who help out across all these events.
The planning for the next year starts the very next day after the show.
What classes can you enter?
We have 135 classes this year plus another 10 classes only to children from Grundisburgh Primary School.
There’s something for everyone. Flower arranging, flowers & plants, vegetables and herbs, fruit, home baking, art, photography and handicraft.
We have categories to suit all ages from the under fours to the over 65s!
The (men only) banana cake is hotly contested (with a cup!), as is the sloe gin class.
This year we have a special class for a flower arrangement to commemorate the Coronation.
What else can people look forward to?
We have the Ipswich Hospital Band as well as stalls from various local clubs and games for the children. We also have miniature donkeys.
What does it cost?
The Show and parking is free, but entry to the marquee is 50p per adult.
It's 30p per entry for all classes.
We actually make a loss on the show, but are lucky that our other activities plug the gap.
Any surpluses at the end of the year are given to local good causes. We have made more than £25,000 in the past 12 years.
Monies have been donated towards food parcels operated by the local church, to the local youth club, the new village hall and a remodelled playground in the playing fields.
What else do people need to be aware of?
Grundisburgh Village Show takes place on July 15 from 1230pm at IP13 6TN. Sadly the playing field rules don’t allow dogs (except assistance dogs). There are toilets in the sports pavilion.
For more information, go to grundisburgh.show
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