This popular show and flower festival takes place over the August Bank holiday on the Salthouse Fields on the sea front. Besides the locals, it is popular venue for day trippers. While Saturday was fair, the event fell foul of the weather on Sunday morning but it cleared and the crowds came out.
   Historically it has been renowned for its begonia displays. However, it has suffered of late, and the worst was feared. At one time it looked as though only Lakin Earl would be exhibiting. However, Chad Stones travelled up from Tiverton, Devon and between them they entered some class pots that were much admired.
   Even yours truly was press ganged to enter some blooms to keep the class going. It is by default I am now the proud holder of the L N Earl shield!
   The other highlight was the display of begonias put in by Tony Willoughby, once again taking a creditable second to Mark Perry’s class vegetable display.

It is to be hoped that the effort put in will result in a revival for the begonia classes in 2009.