SOUDLEY FLOWER & PRODUCE SHOW

SOUDLEY FLOWER and PRODUCE SHOW IS BACK. September 2008 after an absence of twelve years the Soudley Flower and Produce show returned to the village hall on Sunday 7th Sept and the trestle tables strained once again under the weight of the exhibits. From cabbages to crochet, snaps to sausage rolls, Champagne to shallots, and sweet peas to vegetable men a record entry of 444 exhibits were entered by 120 villagers. With 66 classes to choose from there was something for young and old alike at this year's show.
Excitement was rising as the doors opened to the public at 2.00pm following the judging. Everyone agreed that this had been a splendid return and even if your prize leeks or eggs had been nudged into second place all seemed pleased with the outcome. The afternoon finished with an auction of the produce helping to swell the event's coffers to a healthy £800+ which will all go to the upkeep of the village hall. Clive Bullock, Chairman of the organising committee, described himself as "Gob smacked" at the success of the show. All doubts about whether the village would support a show after such a gap had been removed.
The show's main prizewinners were:
Stanley Joiner Rose Bowl for most points in the show John Nelmes
Farmer and Clarke Trophy 2nd highest points in show Mandy Drew
White Horse Inn Trophy for best home made wine Graham Drew
Bevan Trophy for most points in domestic section Shared between Jackie Nelmes and Helen Richardson.
Jeff Stanford, Soudley.

Chairman's Comments on the 2015 Show: The day went well, supported by visitors from Ruspidge, Littledean, Cinderford and Soudley. The Children's response this year was excellent. Both the Review and Citizen carried good reports and photos of the show. The Auction was a success again and the overall opinion of the show was that Soudley seems to be the place to be; a sentiment echoed by others in the village not involved with the show. The money raised this year was approximately £878.75, up by £50 from 2014.