Rose and Sweet Pea Show and Garden Fête 2020

The first Rose & Sweet Pea Show took place in 1912 and has traditionally always been held on the last Saturday in June in the Church Hall Garden and in the Priory Church. However, in view of the present Coronavirus Covid 19 pandemic, this year's show has had to be cancelled. The following is a statement from the Show's organiser, Ted Fisk:

plant stall

Full Swing

This year the 'Rose & Sweet Pea Show' must not go ahead of course due to the strict rules on social distancing. For our own safety it seems the most sensible thing to do. Each year the show has raised approximately £3,000 to help towards the day to day running costs of the church in addition to the many events organised through our social committee and mission committee which also generate further funds for worthy causes and the church. It is obvious that this will have a great financial impact on the church and its outreach work, so something that the community can get involved with would at least be a non-defeatist offering.

I have therefore been working on a website through a Canadian provider called Wishpond and have come up with a solution to allow us to run some ‘online’ competitions. Thanks to the skills and experience of certain members of the congregation we have come together to get something up and running by Sunday 7th June (which is when we hope to launch the site). This has been advertised also in 'I'd Rather Be In Deeping' magazine and on our facebook page. The link to this will also go out on Reverend Mark's email closest to that date. As we are still working on the site, it is rather tricky to say at this stage exactly what shape it will take, but let's just say that we are determined to offer at least the following content:

1) The chance to enter the raffle with the usual range of prizes - with a possible live draw on facebook on the day Sat 27th June;
2) Competitions for young people to enter such as art, photograph, baking and other making categories - simply take a photo of the item and upload it to the site (just of the item, not of yourself);
3) Our usual horticultural competitions - again taking a photo of what you have grown, together with some information on the item (size or weight measurements etc) and upload that to enter;
4) Perhaps some live music using the Facebook live link or a YouTube link if pre-recorded.

If anyone would like to get involved or ask further questions then feel free to email me. It is certainly nice to be able to offer something rather than nothing and a great way to celebrate our Bronze Eco-Church Award. We anticipate that a social event in the garden will follow when it is safe and legal to do so. Till then, stay safe and get involved. All the very best, Ted Fisk

(Please note: the photographs above were taken during previous Shows.)



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Revised: June 2020