Annual shows start today with South show

Friday 10 August 2018

The three annual shows, South, West and North, are some of Guernsey's most iconic summer events, and they start this weekend with the South show at St Martin's Community Centre.

While one of the smallest of the shows the event plays host to the much anticipated bonny baby competition as well as the usual local exhibits, decorated hat parade, children's fancy dress competition and the South Fun Dog Show.

The South, West and North Shows in August are markers of the island summer - and each of the two-day events are put on entirely by volunteer committees.

The first of the three annual shows in Guernsey, The South Show has been a yearly event for over 95 years. It takes place at the St Martins Community Centre, a modern facility opened in 2006. Like last year, this time around there will be various attractions outside as well as indoors.

Throughout the weekend, local residents show off their brilliant baked goods, prized produce and other crafts, aiming to take home first prize in the various competitions that occur every year.

Pictured: Fruit creations and baking produce.

The show starts today, on Friday 10 from 13:00 until 19:00 and is also on tomorrow from 10:00 until 18:00. Entry to the show costs £3.00 for adults, and  £1.00 for children 5-15 years old. Children under five enter free.

There will also be lots of stalls both days selling their wares including local crafts, plus pocket money games, children's games & crafts, bouncy castles, face painting, refreshments and a raffle. Sarnia Guinea Pig Rescue and the GSPCA will be present with stalls.

Brenda Sparkes, Vice President of the South Show Committee, said: "Entries in all classes are up this year and that consists of cut flowers, pot plants, vegetables, flower arrangements, fruit and tomatoes, cookery, preserves and wine. We also have a lot of entries in the child classes.

"We are hoping for a good turn out and the weather 'touch wood', will be alright, would be nice if it was a little cooler. It may be the smallest show, but it is more like a village show like you get on the mainland. When we came out the field we started off at St Martins school and then when the Community Centre opened we moved there, we have the use of the fields with games for the children and entertainment "

Pictured: Judging for the bonny baby competition and inset previous winner Piper Bewey.

Timings for the show competitions are as follows:

Friday 10 August 2018

15:00 - Bonny baby competion - register with no charge on the day at this time in one of the below categories

- Bubbly baby - Any children under one

- Terrific tot -- Entries for children aged one and two

- Cheerful child - Entries from three and four year olds

16:00 - Decorated hat or wellies - bring your already decorated hat or wellies at this time (children and adults)

Saturday 11 August 2018

13:00 - Childrens fancy dress - register on the day in one of the following groups

- Children four and under

- Children between five and eight

- Children nine and over

14:00 - Island dog training team doing a display

15:00 - Dog show - please register your dog at this time for £1 in as many catorgaries as you like

There are eight classes plus the best in show - categories include prettiest bitch and most handsome dog. 

Pictured: Cooked produce at the South show.

The next show is the West show which takes place next Wednesday and Thursday - 15 and 16 August - and then the North show on 22 and 23 August, which includes the Guernsey battle of flowers.

Pictured top: Left to right Ava and Isla Boughay in the kids fancy dress.