Village Show
Oakley Village Show
The first village show took place on 14th September 1996. Organised by the Oakley Gardening Club, the Parish Council and the two Oakley WI’s, it featured 23 classes with some stalls and a raffle. In some ways, not a lot has changed, except it has grown and now comes within the activities of the Oakley Community Association.
The show now offers about 90 classes, ranging from potatoes to poetry and carrots to cross stitch and in addition to stalls, there is now an arena offering entertainment for all the family.
Although the size of the show has changed, the Show Committee, (which now comprises members from all sections of the community), is determined to maintain the ethos of the show: a village event which will appeal to all ages. To that end, the Committee tries to provide a wide variety of classes for young and old to enter, emphasising that entering is as much fun as getting a rosette. Most of the classes are judged by personal experience and expertise rather than formal rules and everyone is encouraged to have a go.
Similarly, the stalls at the show are there to attract interest from across the community with a mix of commercial, charity and small businesses showcasing what they have to offer and a children’s play section.
In the arena, there is usually live music, dancing and a children’s entertainer. And as no village show would be complete without a cup of tea and WI cakes, the committee makes sure they are there, alongside a beer tent, food and ice cream.
The show is staged by an enthusiastic committee who are always open to ideas and particularly, offers of help, especially on the day, when it’s all hands to the deck. Like most things, the more you get involved, the more enjoyable it is.
The show provides a brilliant opportunity for the village to come together and be a community, so make sure you find out as much as you can by looking in “Link,” or going on the OCA website.
If you want to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in, you can email Ann Davis on [email protected]