YET ANOTHER BATCH OF OLDER PHOTOS FROM THE CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW IN FORMER YEARS

I've found yet another batch of photos from past Chelsea Flower Shows - always the most magnificent day of the gardening year for me and thousands of other gardeners.  Here are some more familiar faces who were happy to pose for some snaps.

MORE IMAGES FROM ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S FORMER SUMMER GARDEN SHOW AT CHELSEA - MEETING SOME FAMILIAR FACES

 

Sylvia & Lulu

Over the last twenty years, it was often fun to spend the first day of the RHS's first large horticultural event of the year at Chelsea. As well as learning more about so many new plants and shrubs in gorgous garden sets, it was fun meeting some of my favourite folk from very different worlds. Let's see who you can recognise?

Lorraine Pascale

Enjoyed chatting with Lorraine Pascale a few years back.  The subject plants? No. puff pastry! There were quite a few TV food presenters and obviously some wonderful cooks, chefs and folk who were in the business of growing vegetables and food for the table. Guests were treated to some delicious samples and lots of wine.

SORRY TO HAVE MISSED YESTERDAY'S VIP DAY AT CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW. HERE ARE SOME SNAPS FROM PREVIOUS YEARS. ONE OF MY FAVOURITE LONDON EVENTS

James Reddell in wheelchair with his friends during an early visit to Chelsea Flower Show

As a keen gardener after fifty years since joining the Brentwood Guild of Gardeners, my annual visit to the Royal Hospital on VIP day to see my good friend James Reddell and his pals, then came an invitation via the RHS -  to interview some of the world's greatest gardeners, entertainers, writers and folk from all over the world.  Thereafter, of course, I had to write up my interview features for Essex press and a couple of county radio shows. I have an interesting collection of pictures from those earlier days.  Here are a few to bring back some memories.

 

guess who?

HERE WE GO WITH ANOTHER FABULOUS FUN WALK EVENT - COME JOIN US?

The organisers of the annual Fun Walk are delighted to share that, thanks to support from local businesses and individuals, the 2025 Bonus Pot has reached over £30,000.

The ‘Bonus Pot’ is a key incentive for supporters of local charities and community groups to raise funds for their chosen cause, as it tops up on a pro-rata basis the money raised in sponsorship by each participating organisation, over and above the amount they raise themselves in sponsorship.

Last year we were able to provide a 30% bonus, (meaning £30 was added for every £100 raised in sponsorship), and over £100,000 was raised in total by participating organisations. We are hoping to do even better this year.

Since 2002, this annual Fun Walk, which will take place through September, has helped registered charities and good causes (local schools, churches, grass roots sports teams and other community and animal welfare groups) to raise money.

John Baron, Chair of the Fun Walk Trustees, said:
“The Fun Walk Trust undertakes the organisation of the event to better enable local charities and good causes to focus on raising sponsorship money for their walks.” “The Bonus pot provides a significant incentive for participants, and could this year add 35% – 40% to charities’ Fun Walk sponsorship money.”

“So far this year, our donors include Greater Anglia, Brown & Carroll (London), Sanctuary Housing Association, One Footstep (Human Kind Café), Butyl Products Group, Tunnelcraft Ltd, C2C Rail, Mr Barrie Stone and other individuals. We thank them for their generosity and community spirit.”

Charities and local community groups wanting to take part can just register on www.thefunwalktrust.co.uk

VE DAY 8 MAY IN BILLERICAY - UP WITH THE FLAGS

We couldn't miss the large crowds at Sun Corner taking part in the VE Day 80 Beacon Lighting event on Thursday. The atmosphere was exceptional and there was a great sense of community spirit throughout the evening.

As usual, we welcomed our musical friends, High Voltage Performing Arts along with the fabulous Lorraine Cater who was brilliant helping the crowd singing along and celebrating together.

Jim Devlin, our chairman, gave a warm opening speech, and we were proud to have two members of our Youth Council read the National Tribute.At exactly 9:30pm, our Citizen of the Year, John Smart, had the honour of lighting the beacon as part of the nationwide commemorations.

Our super 2393 RAF Squadron cadets, along with other Billericay uniformed organisations were present and the evening was a great success.