The Last Flower Show Meeting

Flower Show secretaries have to be multi skilled, thick skinned politicians who can sell sand to Arabs. I've inherited my sister's skills in that respect and like her, I ran a good show.
I worked alongside the powerhouse that was Sylvia Evans who ran The Trelawnyd Flower Show for more years than can be remembered and my easy manner and ability to get people to participate boosted entries considerably at a time when flower shows were not thought as sophisticated pastimes.
It was a valuable apprenticeship to be sure, and has been one I have enjoyed but as you all know with a move fairly imminent, it is now time to step down as Show secretary.
This morning I bought each of the committee a gift and a card . The ladies received a small posy of spring flowers. The gents silly gifts that echo their humour. Terry , for example received a new cake tin. ( he always battled and failed to beat my award winning boiled fruit cake.


My resignation has meant that the Flower Show committee will now fold. The commmittee has been a great one but all on it realise that the commitment in running such an event is a vast one. It's flattering , just a little, to realise that I am a hard act to follow, but it also very sad to think that the flower Show will end just shy of it's fiftieth anniversary.
So I gave my thanks to a wonderful set of despots
Matriarch Irene, animal helper Pat, Derek and Heulwen , the ever cheerful Ann and dry-as- toast Terry, oh and sailor John who never got flustered as committee treasurer.and soon I will chase up the members that were not able to make the meeting...namely Trendy Carol ( off having a trendy lunch with friends in a beige trouser suit and matching assessories ) and Meirion and Daphne who are away on holiday. I will drop their gifts off in due course.
I will also call to see Auntie Glad next week with her own bunch of flowers. She may not remember me too well but it was only two years ago when she opened the biggest and best show we had ever held in Trelawnyd, and she did so with an elegance and grace befitting the grand old dame that she is. 

I must  also pause here to thank the people who have supported the show over the years...The Evans' family, Eileen Jones' family and Christine Davis. The competitors past and present who have gone that extra mile to bring in their cakes , crafts ,flowers and vegetables and fruit for everyone to see and to enjoy. 
I will post a public thank you on the notice boards next week, and information of where the Show's savings will be spent will be shared with the village at a planned tea party in the village hall. The tea party will be an opportunity for the Show committee to say goodbye and will be open to all.. We 
intend to give almost all to it to village and local initiatives and charities
After all that's what the Show was designed for....to support the village and its people.

I'll leave you with a few photos of Shows past...
And Mary and I will now go for a nice long walk in the afternoon sunshine .
And again, I think I shall have a brief, but much needed weep.

My mother's embroidered tablecloths and flowers picked from the garden





The flower exhibits

Gladys preparing scones to be sold
She is 99 years old today x












Committee meetings around Auntie Glad's table

The trophies all polished on our mantelpiece 


The cookery classes

The novelty veg class proved popular

91 comments:

  1. Well done John.

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  2. Oh John, you're leaving so much behind and will be sorely missed by all (well, most) of the villagers. But onwards and upwards as they say, I'm sure you'll make a success of wherever you and the Prof go next.

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  3. John, you have worked tirelessly and done a great job over the years. It is a shame to see it now come to an end, such is the case with many traditions. X

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  4. Oh John! Look at all these lovely pictures, Aunty Glads face smiling out. And your mother's lovely table clothes. I am sure it will be sorely missed by many. Pastures new are calling you, who knows what you could do out there!

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    1. I would love if on the new blog, you still ran the novelty veg pageant. I loved seeing everyones entries. I just could never think of anything!

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  5. Well at least I won't have to go looking for novelty vegetables in the garden this year!

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  6. Oh, how you will be missed and miss all this. Thanks for sharing your joy.

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  7. It's a shame that such a community-minded tradition has to fall by the wayside.

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  8. You have done a wonderful job and will be much missed.

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  9. Whoever first said that no one is irreplaceable? You're going to prove them wrong.

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  10. The end of an era. Well done, John.

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  11. John, What a wonderful tradition and event you helped to sustain and grow over the years! Thank you for your service and for sharing these gorgeous and spectacular fotos. What lovely, vibrant colors, fantastic arrangements, and scrumptious looking food! Your heirloom tablecloths are resplendent and add charm and class to the event! The novelty vegetable class is astounding! How fun and creative!

    Normally, I find potatoes and onions to be at their most beautiful when they've been deep fried to a golden brown crisp, or cooked tender and liberally dolloped with butter and mayo. But here they are arranged so exquisitely in a basket like glorious, vivacious flowers.

    You've done an amazing job and are very thoughtful and generous with your parting gifts for the committee. I do hope the show goes on in some form, but it's always best to go out on the top. Cheers and Best wishes to you. I hope you had a pleasant, cathartic walk and you have a lovely visit with Gladys.

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  12. Oh John. Endings are hard, and there’s no doubt you will be missed, but you have new beginnings to look forward to.

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  13. Love all the photos of the glorious veggies and flowers. I am hoping that someday the village will find someone as willing as you were to put in all the hard work to keep this wonderful tradition going. I am sure the community is very grateful for all of your efforts.

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  14. John, you do realise that you will hate the city... all those theatres, pubs, nice places to eat. They won't be an occasional treat anymore... every night at a party soon wears thin (I think that was David Soul)... And I reckon you are moving to Oz.... all these sailing lessons that the prof is having... go on... do tell.

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  15. Deserving of a good weep. Get the sadness out and then enjoy the memories.

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  16. Hell, John. Now you've got me a little leaky-eyed. I loved your flower show.

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  17. I hope you put a tear in all eyes. How sad the show, like you, passes on. You did keep it afloat the last several years. Well done!

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  18. You will be so missed in the village....

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  19. What a shame that no one came forward to take over your mantle as secretary. I feel quite choked and I don't even live in your village. You're a hard act to follow it would seem. Lovely pics though, especially of smiling Aunty Glad and her scones.

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  20. Lots of changes. Nothing stays the same does it? Will you give Terry your boiled fruit cake recipe now you are no longer a threat! :)

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    1. Actually, I think he should share it here. I am one of those strange people that loves fruit cake! I sure miss my Mom's and my Aunt Bea's during the holidays!

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    2. Have a look on the Trelawnyd Flower Show blog, the recipie is there

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  21. It's the end of an era! I feel sad about it because I always loved your flower show posts and shenanigans. A real old-fashioned joy in the midst of modernity that brought a lot of memories back for me of similar events in the small town in which I grew up.

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  22. How very sad that the Trelawnyd Flower Show has reached the end of the line. It was a great landmark in the village's year and it's a shame that there's nobody ready to receive the baton and run with it.

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  23. A bit of a weep here, too...
    xoxox

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  24. On one hand, I'm thinking, yes, it's the end of an era. And yet, the flower show may resurface in a few years, perhaps in a different format. You just never know.

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  25. I worked in Event Planning and also volunteered on various committees over the years so I know how much hard work something like that can be. It is lovely of you to have thought of all the others on the committee and to thank them so well. The flowers certainly underscore all the effort it took.
    Hope the walk helped.

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  26. I enjoyed seeing the flower show over the years. It's sad that it is coming to an end, like so many other old traditions that few people are willing to carry on. Younger people have little interest in these sorts of things. You did a great job, John.

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  27. I love the cheery photo of you in your fair isle pullover at the show. It sort of sums it all up really. You will be much missed.

    LX

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    1. It's my favourite photo...me looking at the pies

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  28. It's a great shame that the show will fold, in the future I'm sure it can be rejuvenated but it will require a lot of commitment.
    You've done a great job john

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    1. Thank you mr boffin! Perhaps one day you will resurrect it?

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    2. Much easier to keep it running now than to re-start later!

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    3. Hi Cameron I hope you’re well,
      you’ll always hold the title of being the youngest flower show committee member ... and maybe one day you’ll be the one to start it again ( you’d have my support ) x

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  29. Oh John, I can't bear it even from here, so don't know how the villagers are taking it.

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  30. We are all having a weep with you John. You have touched so many people in your life with your kindness and you will continue to do so in your next home. You are a treasure.

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  31. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  32. It's such a shame the show has to end. I'm the treasurer for our horticultural society that has been going since 1941. We struggle to recruit new members to the committee as older members retire or pass away. We run talks in the winter and trips in the summer but sadly this will be the last year the trip will be running due to a drop in numbers going. It is a struggle to keep going but for now we are pursevering.

    Carolx

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  33. That was a nice recap of the flower show. It must be bittersweet. You and Chris will be missed!

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  34. How thoughtful to gift all those that helped you on the committee. It is sad that no one will step up to the plate and carry on at least until the 50th anniversary of the event. Such is life these days. I will miss it. Where will all the trophies go? The photo of Auntie Gladys is priceless!

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    1. We have agreed all of the trophies will be kept at the village hall with the friendship group. If another group wants to set up a flower Show they will be here. Perhaps a trophy cabinet may be an idea

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  35. It's sad that things have to come to an end-the flower show and your life in the village but so exciting looking forward to the beginning of the next, new adventure. I think we're all looking forward to hearing where that next adventure will be.

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  36. You have extended the length of time that the flower show ran and most importantly you have made many, many wonderful memories for all of Trelawnyd and for yourself too of course! Now you shall go forward with all your own personal growth and happy memories from these days and make new happy memories and find new ways in which to grow in a different place! You will bloom John wherever you plant yourself!

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  37. Of course you will have a little weep. But I hope you also feel proud.

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  38. All things must pass. Thanks for allowing those in the Blogosphere to be a part of the show too. It was great fun joining in.

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    1. That's important for me to hear. Fun was what I was after

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  39. Life will go on for both you and the villagers......always does.
    However, your imprint on this wonderful little village will last forever, John.
    Nice job!

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  40. Are you VERY sure you want to do this?

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  41. It's all been lovely and you invited us all in to take part and enjoy, thankyou 😊 The flowers and gifts would have been appreciated by your fellow committee members..a really nice way to say 'farewell & thanks for the memories'..you did good!

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  42. You have truly done a marvellous job. One of the great things about what you have done is documenting it all. The blog, the photos etc will be available for a long time, who knows who they might inspire?

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    1. That's sweet.... the flower Show has taught me the power of a shared goal and the niceness of ordinary people

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  43. Oh, what a pity. Despite my jests, I will mis the flower show. I will particularly miss all those wonderful entries for the novelty vegetables. You brought out a lot of creativity in the most unlikely people and the results were truly amazing. Oh well, pastures new and all that. It will be Trelawnyd's loss.

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  44. Pamela10:16 pm

    Hi John, a sad post. We wish you both well in your new adventures. Please may I ask which estate agent your cottage is listed under? We're looking to buy in the area, we've previously lived in Dyserth and after having been away for the past 15 years we're wanting to move back nearer family. We would be possibly interested in renting the field too if this was available. Thank you.

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    1. We are still completing paperwork pamela it's will be with Peter large when up x

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    2. Pamela6:12 pm

      Thank you John.

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  45. So sad, I loved sharing this every summer thru your blog. So many perfect things, like using your mother's tablecloths. Of course you cannot be replaced. The future is exciting tho, with new adventures and activities for you and your husband. I know you will throw your heart and soul into the challenges. Do you know where you are headed? [you don't need to say, I just wondered..perhaps Prof has a new job and will be home more, less travel?] Best wishes always~

    lizzy

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    1. The new adventure is on the cards .no real plans as yet

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  46. Well, being late to the party, I've missed all the fun of your Committee life but the photos show something much grander than I thought! You and the team certainly drew out the talent in the village. Sweet of you to give such thoughtful parting gifts. You have a very generous spirit.

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  47. Anonymous1:00 am

    i'm late as always. and i haven't spent a long time with you through your years here. but whenever i do you either make me belly laugh or you bring a tear.
    and on this post the tables with your mother's embroidered cloths and the simple beautiful flowers on each table. well they made me cry.
    i spent one whole time here reading just about the old days in the village and Aunt Gladys.
    you have a way about you John Gray. and i'm glad. xo

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  48. I don't like endings and goodbyes and I'm afraid I'd be weeping at every one you're going through, too. I will miss the novelty veg competition! It was a brilliant idea to include your readers in the show. I'm sorry it will fold now, but perhaps after a break something will be started up. Often in a group there will be one person who holds everyone else together; it sounds like you were that person for the flower show.

    Chin up. All these endings clear the way for new things to come into your life. The hard part is just getting through them at the moment.

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  49. It's amazing what can be achieved when a community pulls together. You did a fantastic job, John.

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  50. You did an amazing job John, and no, I doubt there is anyone at the moment that could follow the amazing success that you brought to this show. The time commitment alone would put most people off, the effort you put in to gather together all the overseas entries decorating the walls from your blog readers and the large array of wonderful exhibits brought to the show after much cajoling from you ... and of course your presence on the day keeping things running smoothly.

    I am sad that is has finished, but perhaps one day after a few years rest it will rise phoenix like from the ashes and once again pull the village together in a slightly different but equally brilliant way.

    Well done on running the show so successfully and I was proud to be an exhibitor for the last couple of years. You should be very proud of yourself.

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    1. From someone who actually entered the show. Those words mean a great deal

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  51. Class Act John . . . and team!

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  52. Sad to see the show end, another change in village life. Thanks for all you did to keep it alive.

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  53. Trelawnydd will miss you hugely.xxx

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  54. I wish you could move here and replicate this amazing show - perhaps we all need to take a step back in time and bring back communities such as Trelawnydd! I feel so fortunate to have grown up in an English village where we had similar happenings back after the war on into the '50's. I left the early 60's and have never really experienced anything here in the US such as the village flower show or harvest festival where just about the entire community took part.

    Oh John, what will become of village life once you leave them?

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  55. I can't imagine anything folding up simply because I leave. You must be good at what you do!

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  56. Such good memories you will leave a mark on your lovely village and perhaps the good memories will remind people of what is missing in village life and some other brave soul will take the helm and get people together for similar get togethers.

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  57. I will miss the detailed hustle and bustle you always gave us of the upcoming shows. Alas, it is done, but you did good Sir and have much to be proud of. Those photos are wonderful.

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