Derwen College is delighted to support the St Martins Flower and Vegetable Show, taking place at the Ifton Miners’ Institute on Saturday, 30 August.
The specialist further education college in Gobowen is proud to be part of this much-loved local event which celebrates the best in home-grown fruit and vegetables, beautiful blooms, and arts and crafts. With classes for all ages – from under-7s to seasoned gardeners – there’s something for everyone to enjoy and take part in. And with the cancellation of this year’s Shrewsbury Flower Show, organisers are expecting a bumper attendance.
The Flower and Veg Show celebrates terrific tomatoes, colossal courgettes and dazzling dahlias, as well as fun and creative classes for both adults and children. Expect to see egg cress heads, painted stones, jam jars of flowers, photography, cupcakes and the largest sunflower head proudly displayed. Entries must be booked in on Friday, 29 August. Competition entries are 50p, children’s entries are free. On 30 August, doors open to exhibitors at 9.15am, judging takes place from 10.30am-12.30pm and doors open to the public at 2pm. Prizegiving is at 4pm.
Derwen College Commercial Development Manager Pete Evans will be joining on the day as a judge, bringing his horticulture expertise to the table. The College has also donated seeds and compost to local Rainbows, Brownies and Guides groups through the show’s organisers, helping to encourage the next generation of gardeners, food producers and cooks.
Earlier this summer, St Martins Rainbows, Brownies and Guides visited the Derwen College Summer Fete for gardening inspiration, along with leader and community supporter Heather Lloyd. Derwen College has also recently introduced arts and crafts competitions to its annual Fete, and hopes to grow this area further as it works towards its centenary celebrations in 2027.
Paul Gurnett, Chairman of the St Martins Flower & Vegetable Show, thanked St Martins Guides and Derwen College for being a part of this much anticipated summer event.
He said: “We’re really excited to welcome entries from across the community to this year’s show – from green fingered experts to first-time growers and creative crafters of all ages. It’s fantastic to see support from organisations like Derwen College, and we’re grateful for Pete Evans for sharing his expertise. We’re also grateful for their generous donation of seeds and compost to our local Guiding groups – we can’t wait to see what they produce!”
Pete Evans is Derwen College Commercial Development Manager, heading up the College’s Marketplace which includes a Garden Centre and gift shop, restaurant, café and charity shop, which are all open to the public.
He said: “We’re proud to be supporting the St Martins Flower and Vegetable Show – it’s a brilliant example of how communities can come together to share creativity and celebrate growing, preparing and cooking fresh home-grown healthy food, and crafting skills. At Derwen College, we’re passionate about helping young people develop hands-on skills. It’s a real pleasure to be involved as a judge and I can’t wait to see the amazing entries and meet some of the talented people behind them.”
Find out more about St Martins Flower and Vegetable Show on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1465420241020438
Discover how Derwen College and Derwen Marketplace support young adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to reach their aspirations at www.derwen.ac.uk
St Martins Guides visited Derwen College’s Summer Fete for inspiration ahead of St Martins Flower and Vegetable Show. Young Leader Sarah Richardson (back left) with guide Daisy Jones (back right), and Rainbows Harriet Shuter and Ava Parry.
Paul Gurnett, Chairman of the St Martins Flower & Vegetable Show, Young Leader Sarah Richardson (back left) with guide Daisy Jones (back right), and Rainbows Harriet Shuter and Ava Parry, and Guide Leader Heather Lloyd.
