As the date drew near preparations gathered momentum, last minute phone calls finalising details.
Friday evening exhibitors arrived to enter their produce and were privy to the church band rehearsing for a special Sunday service of Baptism. Tables were arranged in Sanctuary and Community room, DBHS vice chair Helene
and Secretary Melanie greeted exhibitors issued tickets and explained where to display entries. A last minute rush of exhibitors before doors closed at 9pm raised smiles from organisors.

8am Saturday morning everything going according to plan, marquee was erected in readiness for Benita and Jeanettes spectacular tombola stall and Ladies from The Rock chapel with their white elephant stall and jams, Sam with his organic home grown produce of freshly harvested autumn fruits, scones, vegetables and eggs.

The A Team ladies missing Barbara this year were resilient and triumphant in providing welcome refreshments. A plea for cakes was sent out and Mrs Rita Tonks responded by making dozens of delightful decorated fairy cakes so light they almost floated off the plate. Thank you Rita.

Space on the tables became limited as organisers tried to accommodate more and more entries. Many exhibitors commented “We haven’t got much this year”, evidence of overcrowded tables certainly didn’t support this claim.
Kath kept a vigilant eye on art and craft section, potted plants and floral exhibits exceeded all previous years.
In the childrens section cardboard craft entries were particularly impressive. Unrivalled imagination and creativity of the young experimenting with vivid colour and paint.

In the community room craft demonstrators welcomed visitors. Suzette with her exquisite lace pillow adorned with a complicated array of bobbins, Marjorie displaying hedgerow dyed home spun yarns happily demonstrating her spinning skills, ask Marjorie about any breed of sheep and prepare to be astounded by her knowledge of fleece.

Albert from Dawley Branch British legion added a sense of pageantry and pride with a display of remembrance and tokens to purchase, one little boy just had to buy a D Day badge to pin on his jacket. Chris unveiled her fine patchwork quilting which raises funds in support of the Severn Hospice. Margaret a fundraiser for Friends of Princess Royal Hospital displayed her knitting craft and encouraged visitors to try their hand at card making. Mr & Mrs Bridges showed their amazing collection of wooden craft for sale in support of The Red Cross. Helen also presented a distinct creative style of card making and collection of carnivorous plants.  Kath organised a have a go art class using pastels and a black canvas, it was very popular with all age groups. The prize for best childrens effort went to J Grogan.

The atmosphere was bursting with warmth and friendship people arrived from as far away as Cressage and Oswestry. Local folk who had not met for years greeted each other with broad smiles whilst chattering about the past, present and families.

This was an inspirational community event enjoyed by all.

Over on the field the Pet Show went ahead;  Jan and Suzanne cheerfully supervised pets and owners as the show progressed. Thank you to Sarah vet of Oakville Veterinary practice and her assistant for taking on the task of judging all those adored pets. Fortunately this year the weather remained warm and dry enabling bunnies and tortoise to bask happily in early autumn sunshine.

For winners see website.

DBHS would like to thank everyone who contributed to making this event a memorable achievement.