The 2009 Show was a fantasic success. We did have a little rain in the morning which threatened to dampen proceedings on the Friday morning but the Sun came out and the rain did not return until the Show's closure at 5.00 pm on the Saturday.

The Show was opened by Ben Prater of BBC Radio Bristol Drivetime who was accompanied by his wife and children. The blessing was given by Roxanne Gibb There were a few difficulties with the microphone which caused some amusement but these were resolved by our President Nigel Coombs and the Show was duly opened. The Saturday afternoon arena events included a Sheepdog Display herding indian runner ducks followed by the childrens fun sports organised by Mike Grandfield which were well supported and hotly contended.

The Saturday Dog Show proved to be as popular as ever. The Funky Puppet Show was a big success as was the Morris Dancing, Gun Dog Display, Harris Hawks and Ferret Racing with Frantic Frankie from Frampton who won the race. The crowds were entertained by the Bob Reynolds New Society Jazz Band.

The horticultural and vegetables classes were well supported and overall show entries were up on previous years. The Floral Arts displays were magnificent and, the photography class was extremely well supported with over 450 entries. The children's handicraft section was fantastic, so many children enter these and the handicraft tent is alive with the colour of their exhibits, which everyone appreciated. The cake and jam sections were hotly contended.

A cheerful band of helpers served tea, cakes and other scrumptious goodies in the marquee's. A large vote of thanks must go to all who helped, they were kept extremely busy and managed to cope with a huge volumes of people who came to be fed and watered, not to mention the washing up. Our Catering lady Sandra John stood down this year after 20 years service and she is looking forward to attending next years Show and being served herself!

The Society would also like to thank the stall holders and the people who turned up to take part in the many Arena and Side Show Events, their contribution to the Show is invaluable.

Nigel Coombes the Society President presented the cups to the winning entrants on the Saturday evening. The Society now give out 57 Cups, so it is not possible to give details of all of the Cup Winners on this page, however the Clevedon Mercury and Portishead Times kindly provided a full list in the week following the Show. The Rpyal Horticultural Society Banksian Medal went to Jane Pagano whose entries put a lot of others into the shade. Other cup winners were:

Millard Rose Bowl - Wendy Batchelor

Arthur Knight Perpetual Challenge - Cyndy Sallow

ASG Security Services - Bryan Grove

H G Pugsley Perpetual - Mrs E Jones

The Burden Trophy - Jean Maddocks

Stan Cook Trophy - A Phipps

Poole Memorial Perpetual - Jenny Maycock

H Willoughby Lyle Memorial - P Newman

Tom Pugsley Perpetual Challenge - Anna Shipside

The Society will shortly be putting together their plans for the 2010 Show to be held on Friday 30th and Saturday 31st, if you would like to contribute or have any suggestions please feel free to contact the Society. We do value the opinion of those who support the Show and we will endeavour to take on board your ideas to improve the Show. Please note that Stands are very popular so if you want one, the earlier you book the better.