The Sherfield and District Flower, Produce, and Craft Show successfully returned as it drew hundreds of people to the village hall on Sunday, September 1.

Celebrating with a vibrant range of exhibits and a strong sense of community, this year’s event saw a huge increase in participation, particularly among first-time entrants and children.

Diana Stacey, a key organiser of the event, expressed her delight at the growing enthusiasm.

“We’re especially pleased to welcome so many first-time entrants this year, including many more entries from children,” she said.

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“The number of entries for art and photography were significantly higher, and it’s great to see many entries from students at The Loddon School.”

The show featured a diverse range of exhibits, from fruits, vegetables, and flowers to arts, crafts, and home baking.

The hall was packed with vibrant displays, including miniature gardens, animal carvings, decorated plates, and other creative works by children.

Pippa Greenwood, a well-known gardening expert who regularly appears on BBC Radio 4's Gardener's Question Time, was the special guest of the day.

She presented the trophies and prizes and spoke warmly about the event’s success.

Before the trophies and prizes were awarded, she congratulated all the entrants and spoke very warmly about the wonderful community spirit in Sherfield and the local district.

Pippa said that very few villages can put on a show with exhibits of such quality in a wide range of produce, crafts, art, photography and home baking.

Chris Horton, another organiser, said the show wouldn’t have been so successful without the efforts of Ms Stacey and Richard Elphick.

Visitors also enjoyed a traditional afternoon with tea, cakes, and a raffle, while the jazz band Phoenix entertained guests in the village hall garden.