October 2020
The Committee was asked to remain in post until such time as conditions allowed for an AGM to be held.
October 2019
Despite having only received a handful of entry forms by the start of the week, the 2019 Show proved popular with exhibitors and visitors once again. Flower and vegetable entries were slightly down, no doubt because of the hot summer this year, but floral art and produce entries were higher which compensated in terms of table space.
The picture gallery has now been updated to include images from this year’s Show and this year’s trophy winners have been listed on the Trophy Winners 2019 page.
Grateful thanks to everyone who helped put the Show together, supported, exhibited, visited or contributed in any way. For the first time, we erected a comments and suggestions board near the Show exit and here are a few of the comments left on the day.
Beautifully Presented, Well Done!
Great Village Show, First Class!
My First Visit, Very Impressed – Will come again!
and,
Lovely Show, Thanks to all concerned. Long may it continue!
(Please Note – A provisional date of Saturday 12th September 2020 has been booked)
May 2019
We held our annual Plant and Cake Sale on Saturday 11th May. This event provides us with our largest source of income towards Show funds and we are very grateful to all those who baked produce, bought and donated plants, or supported this event in any other way. This year, by kind permission of the Vicar, our venue changed to the car park of St Barnabas Church, Swanland. Further details of this event can be seen here.
February 2019
A Committee Meeting was held at St Barnabas Church Hall on Tuesday 19th February. We welcomed two new members to the Committeee – Ann and Margaret. Arrangements for the Spring Plant Sale and the classes for our September Show were discussed and agreed. This year’s Show will be held on Saturday 14th September 2019 at St Barnabas Church Hall, Swanland and the Plant sale on Saturday 11th May.
October 2018
This year’s AGM and Committee Meeting were held on Thursday 11th October 2018. The existing committee was re-elected but Jo Emmerson retired after many years of service and was replaced by Ann Pickett and Margaret Corless.
Key features from the Chairman’s report were as follows. The total number of entrants was 143 this year compared to 167 in 2017. The number of adult entrants in 2018 was 59 [37 (63%) residents, 22 (37%) non-residents], compared to 57 [34 (60%) residents, 23 (40%) non-residents] in 2017. Child entrants numbered 84 in 2018 and 110 in 2017 respectively.
The number of individual entries fell from 434 in 2017 to 427 in 2018. Some classes were up on last year and some classes (notably produce) were down. The only classes not to attract any entries this year were the residents’ beetroot, raspberry jam, vegetable basket, 3 cactus dahlias and the sunflower head.
29 adult Swanland residents entered 162 (48%) exhibits compared to 30 adult non-residents who entered 174 (53%) exhibits out of the total 336 adult exhibits. The percentage total of exhibits staged by adult Swanland residents this year fell slightly from 2017. On average, both resident and non-resident exhibitors entered approximately 6 exhibits each.
September 2018
The 2018 Show proved successful once again and, despite the weather, lots of people turned out to see the creations exhibited both by Village residents and non-residents. The picture gallery has been updated to include a few photos from the Show and this year’s trophy winners have also been listed on the Trophy Winners 2018 page.
Grateful thanks to everyone who helped put the Show together, supported, exhibited, visited or contributed in any way. Thanks also to Duchy Homes, our major financial sponsor this year.
Some trophies were not awarded this year, either because we could not determine a clear winner or because there were no entries for those particular classes.
May 2018
The Plant Sale proved very successful, despite being let down by our intended supplier at the last moment. Fortunately we were able to obtain supplies from a different source and we sold out of virtually everything that we had to offer. Thanks to everyone who came along to support this event as it forms a major source of revenue to enable us to finance the running costs of the the Show.
February 2018
At the Committee Meeting held on Thursday 22nd February 2018 we agreed the Show classes for 2018 and discussed arrangements for the Plant Sale in May. Two of the trophies have now been fitted with new base bands in order to accommodate future winners’ names.
October 2017
This year’s AGM and Committee Meeting were held on Thursday 12th October 2017. The existing committee was re-elected but Ruth C takes over as Secretary from Jean Foster.
The following notelet was received after the Show from one delighted resident.
”I would just like to say a big Thank you for making Saturday into a very special day for me, and quite a few other people as well. even though it reduced me to tears. I’ll now have to start thinking of what to do about next year!!! You and the Committee and a lot of helpers put a lot of work into an event like that, but by the looks on people’s faces, it is very much appreciated. Thank you very much ………”
The Chairman’s annual report showed that the total number of entrants was 167 (57 adults and 110 children) this year compared to 130 in 2016 but the number of individual entries fell from 525 in 2016 to 434 in 2017. Most classes were up on last year but the photography, flowers and vegetables suffered losses. One or two key exhibitors were absent for the Show through vacation or illness which might help to explain some of the entry losses. However, the low number of entries in the photography section remains a mystery, especially since the categories and titles are published a year in advance. The only classes not to attract any entries at all were the floral art miniature garden, 3 beetroot, heaviest onion, 3 cactus dahlias, 5 asters, 1 fuchsia, largest sunflower and one of the secondary childrens’ classes.
September 2017
A great Show once again. Thanks to everyone who helped to put it on this year as well as our exhibitors and visitors. Apart from the photographic section, all sections appeared to be reasonably well supported, despite the loss of several major exhibitors this year through sickness or holidays. I have updated the page that shows the Trophy Winners for 2017.
Many thanks to The Gas Company Ltd. who agreed to sponsor the Show for 2017 as well as Jane Godber (Thornton) and Dawn Renton (nee Holmes) who kindly agreed to present the trophies at this year’s Show. Judy Burton and Chris have already signalled their intention to attend next year’s Show with new and exciting craft activities for the children to engage in
May 2017
Our Plant/Cake Sale was held at Tony Featherstone’s front garden on Saturday 6th May 2017 from 8.00am until midday. Details of this event were posted on Nextdoor, the local social media system that has now replaced Streetlife, as well as Radio Humberside and Hull and Beverley publications. We were provided with bedding plants, shrubs, potted plants, vegetable seedlings and perennial thinnings and miscellaneous spare horticultural items. We are hoping to encourage more Villagers to enter the Show and the Residents’ Section in particular. So, for those who wished to learn more, Tony and Steve were on hand to advise customers on how to grow their produce and to get it ready for Show Day.
We also had our ever popular cake stall and, for the first time, a Bottle Tombola which all added to the interest of the event. The weather was rather cold and chilly but we appear to have sold more items than in 2016. So, once again, a big thank you to everyone who attended the Sale, bought or donated goods, worked behind the scenes or helped to support us in any way.
February 2017
At the Committee Meeting held on Thursday 23rd February 2017 we agreed the Show classes for 2017 and discussed arrangements for a Plant Sale in May. It was agreed that, due to the lack of declared interest from Residents, we would abandon plans for our ‘Growing for Showing’ seminar and, instead, offer those visitors who came to our Plant Sale the appropriate advice. The annual Show will be held at St Barnabas Church Hall on Saturday 9th September 2017. So, once again, a big thank you to everyone who attended the Sale, bought or donated goods, worked behind the scenes or helped to support us in any way.
October 2016
This year’s AGM was held on Thursday 20th October 2016. The existing committee was re-elected and one new member agreed to join. The Annual Show costs roughly £800 each year to put on and the Treasurer’s report showed that our current balance was slightly healthier than this time last year due largely to the income derived from the Spring Plant Sale, Tony’s talks and the generous donation received from Linden Homes.
The Chairman’s report highlighted a number of points. The total number of entrants increased from 114 in 2015 to 130 in 2016 and the total number of entries also increased from 483 to 525 over the same period. The number of adult entrants was slightly down on last year but the number of children entering this year increased by half thanks to the engagement and promotional work carried out by Swanland School and the Swanland/Ferriby Beavers and Brownies Groups. The Art and Photography sections also showed a healthy increase in entries from 2015 although the Handicraft section was significantly down. Approximately half of our exhibitors live outside Swanland with some coming from as far away as Pocklington, Leven and Goole. There remains considerable churn of exhibitors from year to year. This may reflect the nature of our community as a satellite commuter village, or maybe there are other reasons. Of the approximately 300 Show Schedules that were distributed to local Village outlets this year, only 17 tear-out entry forms were physically submitted by residents and the question remains as to what people actually did with the other 283 booklets that were taken. 32 adult local residents exhibiting out of a Village population approaching nearly 4000 leaves considerable room for improvement. However, on a more positive note, the following comments appeared online on ‘Streetlife’ shortly after the Show.
“What a great show it was. Plenty of exhibits (although still room for more). Despite the weather, a good crowd gathered to see if they had won one of the trophies and the children had a great time at the craft table. Well done to all the committee for their efforts. See you all next year.”
“Thank you. I really enjoyed the show too, especially as I was awarded second prize for my “Shades of Green”. The first time I’d entered”
September 2016
What a great Show we had on Saturday 10th September 2016. There were lots of exhibitors and visitors. Judy and Chris kept the children entertained all afternoon with their papercraft activities. The weather was not as bad as had been feared and everyone who attended seemed to enjoy the day. There were lots more children’s entries this year due to the vigorous activities of the local School, Beavers and Brownies. Art and Photograph entries were also up on last year but, unfortunately, the planned calligraphy exhibition did not materialise.
May 2016
A Plant and Cake Sale was held on Saturday 7th May 2016 from 0900 till Midday at Tony Featherstone’s house. We sold mainly commercially-raised trays of bedding plants because these seem to prove popular with our customers and the weather was nice and sunny this year, for a change. Various people had also generously donated spare vegetable plants, flower cuttings and perennials and even some unwanted gifts of gardening tools and equipment. Our cake and bun sale also proved popular with visitors. So, once again, a big thank you to everyone who attended the Sale, bought or donated goods, worked behind the scenes or helped to support us in any way. This is a major fund-raising opportunity for us and all proceeds go towards supporting the running of our Annual Show in September. The Show Schedule classes for 2016 have now been posted and we welcome Linden Homes as our Show sponsor for 2016.
February 2016
A Committee Meeting was held on Thursday 25th February 2016 when we considered and decided the classes for the 2016 Show which will be held on Saturday 10th September at St Barnabas Church Hall, Swanland. Two Leaders from Swanland Beavers also attended to help shape the Children’s classes. In view of the support for the Handicraft section shown over the last two years, it was agreed that greater space would be allocated to enable these exhibits to be displayed more prominently this year. A Committee Meeting was held on Thursday 25th February 2016 when we considered and decided the classes for the 2016 Show which will be held on Saturday 10th September at St Barnabas Church Hall, Swanland. Two Leaders from Swanland Beavers also attended to help shape the Children’s classes. We have decided not to include a specific calligraphy class this year, however, a small exhibit of calligraphy is planned in order to gauge public interest for possible inclusion in the 2017 art classes.
October 2015
This year’s AGM was held on Thursday 22nd October 2015. The existing committee was re-elected and two new individuals will be invited to join. The Treasurer’s report showed that our balance was slightly healthier than this time last year thanks to the income derived from the Spring Plant Sale and the generous donation received from Langlands Nursery.
The Chairman’s report highlighted a number of points. The total number of entrants increased from 94 in 2014 to 114 in 2015 although the total number of entries decreased from 535 to 483 over the same period. Adult entrants were slightly down this year but the number of Children entering doubled thanks to the promotional work carried out by Swanland School and the Swanland/Ferriby Beavers’ Group.
The Produce and Photography sections showed a significant decrease in entries from 2014 with the other sections remaining more or less the same. There remains considerable churn of exhibitors with less than half of those exhibiting in 2014 returning in 2015. This may reflect the nature of our community as a satellite commuter village, or maybe there are other reasons. Approximately half of all our exhibitors are Swanland residents with the other half entering from a wide area encompassing Hull, Beverley and Goole.
Approximately 300 Show Schedules are distributed to local Village outlets and one continuing frustration remains the lowly 10% conversion ratio of taking a schedule to active submission of the included entry form. Printing costs are not insignificant and we will need to consider how best to promote the Show next year.
At the Committee Meeting that immediately followed the AGM, it was agreed that a Plant/Cake Sale would be held at Tony Featherstone’s front garden on Saturday 7th May 2016. It was also confirmed that the next Swanland Show would be held at St Barnabas Church Hall on Saturday 10th September 2016.
May 2015
A Plant and Cake Sale was held at Tony Featherstone’s front garden on Saturday 9th May 2015, between the hours of 9.00am and 12.00 noon. In view of the interest shown last year, we increased the supply of commercially-grown plug flower plants available this year and we also received lots of donations of seedlings and plants from local residents. Despite the cold weather, interest was keen, business was brisk and takings were similar to last year, I understand. So a big thank you to everyone who attended, bought or donated goods, or helped to support this event in any way.
October 2014
The Annual General Meeting/Committee Meeting was held on Thursday 23rd October 2014 at Christ Church by the Pond Meeting Room, commencing 7pm. Despite the open invitation, no residents attended the AGM.
Louise presented the financial results for the year which showed that expenditure on the Show had increased significantly over last year whilst income had remained much the same. The Spring Plant Sale and Coop Grant monies had provided much needed income although our current bank balance was approximately £400 higher than this time last year.
Paul presented his Chairman’s report. In summary, this year’s Show attracted 94 exhibitors (78 adults + 16 children) compared to 78 entrants (65 adults + 13 children) in 2013. Of the 94 exhibitors, 62 were Swanland residents with 32 entering from outside the village. Of the 94 exhibitors, 58 had also exhibited in 2013 whilst 36 were new exhibitors entering for the first time. There were, in addition, some 250 children’s handwriting entries entered almost exclusively via Swanland School. The total number of entries (excluding children’s handwriting) increased from 425 in 2013 to 535 in 2014. There were significantly increased entries in the flowers, produce and handicraft classes over last year with only the vegetable section showing a significant decrease.
Of particular concern is the fact that approximately 300 Show schedules were taken from local shops and pickup points yet only 62 local residents entered! What happened to the other 238 schedules and why didn’t the people who picked them up enter the Show?
Jean Latter has stepped down from the Committee and Tony Featherstone agreed to take on the Trophy Secretary role that Jean performed previously. Tony was also awarded the honorary title of President in recognition of his long service to Swanland Show. Apart from these changes, the Committee remains as last year.
At the Committee Meeting it was agreed that a Plant/Cake Sale would be held at Tony Featherstone’s front garden on Saturday 9th May 2015. In view of the interest shown last year, it was planned to increase the supply of commercially-grown plug flower plants available
September 2014
Show Day on Saturday 13th September 2014 was held at St Barnabas Church Hall and attracted over 90 exhibitors who staged more than 500 exhibits. The Pre-School and Infant Children’s section, apart from the Handwriting classes which in total attracted over 250 entrants, were disappointingly low in entrant numbers. However, all the other classes attracted plenty of interest. My thanks to all the Committee, the Judges, WI, Judy Burton, Rev. Francis Scott for presenting the trophies and everyone else who helped to make the Day special.
The trophy winner list has been updated to show this year’s winners and the Picture Gallery web page now includes some photos taken on Show Day.
We had a couple of additional activities for visiting children to partake of in the hall and which we hope will encourage them to exhibit next year if they have not done so before.
Please note that the AGM and next Committee meeting will be held on Thursday 23rd October 2014 at Christ Church by the Pond Meeting Room, commencing 7pm. Any resident may attend the AGM which will be held ahead of the Committee meeting.
We are now affiliated to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) which means that we are entitled to use a special logo which I have now added to the Home Page.
December 2013
Plans are already underway for next year’s show which will be held on Saturday 13th September 2014. When the committee met in November everybody was delighted at what was another successful show, with an increase of entries overall.
However, despite its success, we need to continually monitor our finances to remain in a position to continue to run the show which costs around £600. Although attendance is good and the number of exhibitors remains pretty constant, the cost of running the show exceeds money generated from staging it. General rising costs and the introduction of prize money several years ago means that money needs to be raised elsewhere to secure the future of the show. At present and for many years now, the annual plant sale held in early May has been invaluable in securing these funds, so the committee will continue to hold this sale and thank all of those who support it.
The AGM was held on 7th November 2013 with the election of a new committee. Everyone was willing and enthusiastic to continue with their elected roles, although for one exception. After 33 years as chairman of Swanland Show, Tony Featherstone has decided to call it a day and hand over the role to someone else. Rather a daunting task I would say, to follow on from someone who has given such enthusiasm and commitment for so long.
But, not to be put off by this, and to the great delight of the committee. Paul Neve, previously Show Manager, has taken up the challenge and slipped into the role quite smoothly, chairing the remainder of our meeting with success. We are all really pleased that Paul has taken on this role, not least Tony who will incidentally continue to be a committee member. We would like to thank Tony for his hard work and wish him a well-earned rest, and also wish Paul well in his new role as show chairman.
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