Blessed by a beautifully sunny day, Pilning Open Flower Show celebrated its 130th year at St Peter’s School on Saturday 23rd August. The big winners on the day were Ali and Tim Dark who came away with eight trophies including Best in Show for their stunning Top Vase, highest points in vegetables, flowers and for the whole show, best allotment in Severn Beach and best tasting jam! The Best in Showwas a close-run thing with Bob Roper’s Top Tray and Jane O’Leary’s beautifully made jacket in crafts, also pushing for glory.

Boosted by the entries of Pilning Rainbows and Severn Beach Cubs, there were a record 88 competitors in the show beating the figure set in 2012. As a reward, all children from the Parish entering the show received a Hobbycraft voucher. Numbers of entries were good and similar to last year at just over 400, but with significantly fewer vegetables and fruit due to the weather. Strangely, baking entries were down too.

The other significant award winners for most points scored were: Victoria Bywater, fruit; Catherine Fish, baking; Pat Edwardes, flower arranging and Gill King, photography. Ivy and Dexter Reeves shone respectively in the 8 years and under and 14 years and under children’s classes. Carol and John Miller won best Dahlias and best front garden Severn Beach, whilst Pat Edwardes won best front garden in Pilning. Lorna Fussell from the Old Piggery B&B received best commercial frontage and David Thorn was presented by Alderman Peter Tyzack with Freedom of the Parish for his many services to Severn Beach.

Including judges and helpers, there were over 250 people attending the show. The school hall was packed, and with the sun shining, people could enjoy outside; refreshments, the raffle and the fun of the entertaining auction of produce and donated items. The awards were presented by Paula Basham from Sight Support (West of England) who will receive all monies raised. The organising committee was delighted by the day and the generosity of those attending, and the local people and businesses in donating items for the raffle and auction. All the detailed results and photos can be found on the website at www.pilningflowershow.co.uk . Always on the Bank Holiday Saturday, the show will return on 29th August 2026. The AGM takes place on 8th October at St Peter’s Church at 7:30pm, where a final cheque will be presented to Sight Support. All are welcome to come along and find out more about the show.