Celebrities add sparkle to traditional village show

MARY Berry and Jerry Hall will be the guests of honour at the Binfield Heath Flower Show.

Dame Mary, the cook, food writer and TV presenter, who lives in Henley, will open the show and Hall, the former supermodel who lives in the village, will present the cups and prizes at the end.

The show will be held in the field opposite Shiplake Row on Saturday, August 24 from noon to 4.30pm.

This is its 75th anniversary year and there will be a diamond-themed cake competition with a special judge and a champagne prize.

Caroline Dowling, who chairs the flower show committee, said: “We are incredibly honoured to have not one but two celebrities at this special anniversary show.

“We are very much looking forward to welcoming them both.”

The flower and produce competition will feature horticultural, baking, artistic and creative categories for all ages.

Flowers and vegetables, home-baked cakes and preserves along with photographs, paintings and different handicrafts will be on display in the main marquee after the judging.

The tea tent will offer homemade delights from local people.

Mrs Dowling said: “This is a great opportunity to let us taste your favourite cake or pastry recipe so please do bring one along.

“Donations should be brought on the day, labelled to show their ingredients and whether they are gluten-free.”

Other attractions will include a dog show, artisan stalls, traditional sideshows, a vintage car display, observation beehive, tractor rides, games, a tombola and a raffle.

The Royal British Legion, Wyfold Riding for Disabled, Binfield Heath Chapel, Shiplake WI and Cystic Fibrosis will also have their stalls.

The Woodley Concert Band will perform during the afternoon.

Children’s entertainment will include the Basil and Crew animal farm, the Bubble Man, Ceramic Kiln café, splat-the-rat, hoopla and Harry the shire horse with braiding demonstrations as well as a treasure hunt.

Lunch options include Orwells fried chicken and cheesecake, Indian street food from the Golden Ball, Jessecco Prosecco with pancakes, pizza and Prosecco, a barbecue with burgers and hotdogs, Fudgelicious fudge and samosas and Henley Gelato ice cream. The bar will be run by the committee with a choice of wine, beers and soft drinks.

Mrs Dowling appealed for volunteers to help out on the day.

She said: “We need help setting up the show, running the car park and stalls and taking everything down again afterwards. Many hands make light, quick work.

“There are lots of jobs on offer and it is great fun being part of the team. Plus we’ll make sure you have time to enjoy the show as well. We couldn’t do this without everyone’s support.”

The committee is also asking for raffle prizes such as an experience, a meal at a restaurant or a desirable gift, as well as items for the hoopla and tombola. Please take them before the show to the Red Barn, opposite Heathfield Close.

The dog show entry form is included in the main show schedule which is available at Binfield Heath Stores and the Corner Shop, Shiplake. Forms must be submitted by 7pm on Wednesday, August 21.

Competition entries should be placed in the show tent by 10am on the show day.

Tickets are available to buy on the day. Adult tickets cost £5, seniors and children’s tickets cost £3 and entry is free for children under five, family ticket (two adults, two children) £15. There is free parking next to the showground.

For more information, visit
binfieldheath.org.uk