RAIN didn’t dampen the spirits of summer show goers in Westbury-on-Severn on Sunday, although the turn out wasn’t as high as organisers had hoped.

“It was wet,” said member of event organising committee, Gemma Byrne, “so we didn’t get as many visitors as we’d have liked.

“The flower and produce show was held under cover in the village hall though and was very well supported.

“We had booked various entertainment but not everyone turned up. We’re grateful to Showtime Shane who performed magic tricks and to many of the craft stall holders who braved the weather.

“Vanity Trap from Rodley, near Westbury, stepped in at the last minute to help us out and the tea tent, barbecue, pig roast, skittles and grand raffle draw all went ahead despite the weather.

“Cinderford Artspace came along to run circus skills workshops and the fire service had a stand. The rugby, cricket and football clubs all supported us and so did Age Concern.

“We didn’t have a carnival procession booked this year or last and we didn’t hold the fancy dress competition this year due to the rain, but did have a carnival prince and princesses. Callum Dean was the prince and Daisy Sterry and Poppy Jones were the princesses. We are very, very grateful to all of those who did come and support us.”

Winners at the flower and produce show included David Harris, who won a number of fruit and vegetable categories, Eve Tonks, who won flower and vegetable prizes and Beryl and John Watts who did well in the vegetable section. Matthew and Edward Barry won the children’s under-six category and Ann Manning won a number of flower and craft categories. Di Landon won in some of the cookery and vegetable classes and Caroline Heyworth also won prizes with some of her cookery.

Gemma added: “There are about five or six of us on the organising committee and thanks go to Jan D’Ambrogio, George and Val Townsend, Clinton Wood, Pete and Teresa Jaynes and Joe Liddington who helped on the day.

“Thanks too to all the volunteers who helped set up and take down the marquees before and after the event.”