Monkton Horticultural Show and Village Fayre 2008

Typical of a British Summer, it came as no surprise that it poured down on the Monkton Horticultural Show and Village Fayre on Saturday 16th August. Visitors, entertainers and organisers were soaked through but spirits weren't dampened! 

Disregarding the inclement weather much of the Show went ahead as planned, and it is fair to say Monkton's first Horticultural Show was a resounding success. Competitors came from far and wide, young and old alike. June Hearn, organiser, said "It exceeded all expectations being our very first Show, so fingers crossed for better weather next year.  I have had positive comments and very good feedback from competitors and public alike who said they look forward to next year's Show.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped and gave their time freely, and also, the true kindness of businesses far and wide, who donated cups and raffle prizes". The overall winners of the classes were presented with their Cups by Alderman Dillwyn Davies and Mayor of Pembroke, Gareth Jones.

Monkton's 2008 Horticultural Show and Village Fayre opened by community stalwart Alderman Dillwyn Davies

The winners of the competitons receive their awards from the Mayor of Pembroke and Alderman Davies

 

It was an honour to the community to also have had Alderman Dillwyn Davies open the event at 1pm, reminiscing on Monkton's past, and praising its retention of community spirit.  Children then flocked to the climbing wall, bouncy castle and slide, and the gladiator ring and refused to let the rain stop them having fun. New to Monkton was the Welsh Bird of Prey Centre from Eglwyswrw.  Mike and Lynn proudly showed off their five beautiful birds of prey including a White Snowy Owl (native to Northern Britain and Scandinavia), Kestrel (the most common of the British birds of prey), a Lanner (from North Africa), Saker (native to the Middle East) and a Eurasian Eagle Owl (best spotted in parts of Europe including France). 

The Pembroke Boxing Club returned with their Wheel of Fortune, and Tudor Lodge came along with tempting nibbles representing both the Lodge and PRP Training (which own the Lodge and run chef/catering training from the venue).  Robin Benson entertained once again with Circus Malarkey, and it was great to see the Wales Air Ambulance present aiming to raise awareness and funds.

Eurasian Eagle Owl

Back at the Community Hall Maggie and Shelly kept everyone fed with plates of sandwiches, cake and biscuits for £1 and kept people warm by keeping the tea and coffee flowing.  Ruth, the Community Champion for Tesco brought along her own supply of refreshments and helped in the kitchen throughout the afternoon. The ladies were supported by the invaluable support of the Monkton Youth Club. Sheltering under the canopy of the Hall were Kirsten and Becky selling everyone's favourites - candyfloss, popcorn and marshmallows.

Buffalo Spirit Indian Dancers and the Monkton Fun Dancers wowed the crowd

There was no shortage of entertainment, and true to form Neil Thomas got everyone in the mood.  The Buffalo Spirit Indian Dancers enchanted the crowd with their traditional Indian dancing and modern tepee.  Kitted out in their new outfits, the Monkton Fun Dancers showed off their fantastic hip-hop skills they had worked towards for months.

Visitors were propelled back in time with The Carew Cheriton Control Tower display, depicting life at the Tower during World War II.  On show were the restoration plans for the Control Tower to its original standard and it was pleasing to see the volunteers brave the weather and bring such a superb display to Monkton.

Vanessa Moseley amused the young ones by beautifully painting their faces. Parked next to her was a 16-seater red minibus, with Adrian Davies representing PACTO (Pembs Association of Community Transport Organisations) and PVT (Pembs Voluntary Transport) encouraging community groups to get out and about with the help of the fleet of minibuses available to the community at very reasonable rates.

Gareth Jones aimed to educate local children in community safety with the Play Fire Engine, and it was pleasing to see the Town Cryer Rose Blackburn attending. The Teddy Bear's Picnic was able to go ahead as they took shelter inside the tepee!

Ray Roberts' Nutty Squirrels Playbus was very popular with the children and the Local Health Board aimed to educate on healthier lifestyles with their Healthy Challenge trailer. Back inside the Hall Adventures in Sound were a breath of fresh air with their alternative sound.  The music group have been working with the children of Monkton for many months and were able to put on a truly good performance at the Show and adorned the crowd with flowers at the end of their set. Guinevere of the Baubo Belly Dancers ended the days' performances with an exotic display of moves capturing everyone's attention!

It was very uplifting to see that some stallholders came along, having decided against the rain ruining their day. Once the Cup presentations were made the Raffle was drawn with some fantastic prizes for the lucky winners

Guinevere from Baubo Belly Dancers

The community of Monkton and Monkton Communities First would like to sincerely thank the following local businesses, groups and organisations for supporting the Show through either sponsorship and/or advertising. We are extremely grateful for the level of support we have received.

  • Pembroke Town Council
  • Monkton Friary
  • Silcox Coaches
  • Celtic Flowers
  • Lidl
  • Aberglasney Gardens
  • National Botanical Gardens for Wales
  • The Co-operative
  • Tesco
  • Oakwood
  • Monkton Voice
  • Wisebuys
  • Chevron
  • Brown's Café
  • WP Lewis and Son
  • Folly Farm
  • Mrs Ann Roberts
  • Monkton Sports and Community Association
  • Celtic Wines
  • The Wales Co-op Centre
  • June Hearn and Family
  • Vicky Lloyd
  • Skelfayre
  • The Jenkins Family
  • Ralph and Pearl Llewellyn
  • Mrs I Rixon
  • MyPembrokeshire.com
  • Western Telegraph
  • Ray Roberts
  • The Barbers, Queen St. Pembroke Dock

The amount raised exceeds £1000 and that was achieved through the Raffle, Floral Art Workshop, candyfloss sales and charges for the bouncy castle, climbing wall etc. This sum will go towards next year's Show.

Monkton Communities First

Cymunedau yn Gyntaf Cilmaen