Appeal for volunteers or the upcoming 88th annual event could be the last

With floral fancies, fruit, food and photography, the 88th annual Sid Valley Gardening and Craft Show promises something for everyone.

But as organisers prepare for next week’s festivities, they have issued another appeal for volunteers to come forward to save the popular event and prevent it from becoming a ‘victim of its own success’.

The Sid Valley Horticultural Society desperately needs at least four people to take over the reins of the show and says if it does not receive the help it needs, this will be its final year.

Secretary Beryl Kingman explained the show, held on Saturday, August 6, from 2pm in Sidford Sports Field, is better than ever this year, but the current small committee cannot continue to run it and needs more volunteers to step up soon.

She said: “There has been some interest, but we need more to keep the show running in future years.

“It is a great show for all ages – we cover everything from flowers to fruit and vegetables, cookery, children’s section, photography and flower arranging. All with lovely tea and cakes made by the WI (Women’s Institute).”

Chair and treasurer of the society Maureen Britton said it would be a great shame if the show did not continue because it drew in a wide cross-section of the community each year, from pre-school children to people in their 90s.

Anyone who would like to volunteer or ask for further information can contact Maureen on 01395 512570 or Beryl on 01395 579725. Schedules for this year’s show are available in Whoops a Daisy florist, Sidmouth, Drews Butcher, Sidbury, East Devon Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic, Sidford and Otter Nurseries, Ottery St Mary. The closing date for entries is 5pm on Monday, August 1.