PICTURE GALLERY
THE good Sunday weather ensured the 83rd Chale Show — already the biggest horticultural show on the Island calendar — set a new record for visitor numbers.
What a difference a day made at this year’s show. Saturday’s appalling weather had put off a lot of people but organisers said the sunny Sunday ensured that four times more people went along.
There were more than 200 stalls and exhibits, with something to appeal to everyone, from craft and farmers’ market tents and a Victorian fairground, to displays of vintage vehicles, children’s races and falconry.
Accident and emergency nurse and part-time coastguard Andy Woodford, 23, who has been managing Chale Show for the past three years, said: "Saturday’s gate was good, despite the weather but it would have been a financial struggle had the weather been as bad on Sunday. Our main source of income is from the gate."
The historic event, which celebrated its tenth year on the Military Road site, had the Chale Horticultural Society summer show at its heart.
With 151 exhibitors taking part, this year’s horticultural show entries totalled 1,402 — setting yet another record, said organisers.
Vegetable grower Paul Rogers, of St John’s Road, Wroxall, won ten first places of the 15 he entered, thanks to his impressive collection of giant leeks, onions, carrots and parsnips.
There were some landmarks in the junior section, with Chale Green sisters Catherine Wain, 15, and Emma, 12, winning cups for a third year running by gaining most points in their respective age classes. It was the first time any girl had achieved that feat in the show.
There were plenty of new features at this year’s show. The Isle of Wight Horticultural Association set up an advice tent giving visitors an opportunity to find out more about how to produce and display the perfect show entry.
Also new to Chale Show was Dingle Fingle, one of Britain’s top clowns and physical performance artistes, who entertained in the main arena on both days.
Reporter: jonm@iwcpmail.co.uk
• Pictures from our online gallery www.iwcpgallery.co.uk below.
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