THE Ilkley Show was a great success in-spite of all the other attractions in the town last Saturday. Disaster almost struck when Chairman Annette Ackroyd was hospitalised on the morning prior to the Show. Councillor Jennifer Souter ably took hold of the reins, whilst Mary Macphail, past Chairman, dusted off her Chairman's hat and stood in to receive Councillor Steve Butler, the Chairman of the Parish Council who opened the Show. There was a wide range of entries, vegetables (a few more, please), the beautiful and colourful Dahlias took one's breath away. The decorated hats were artful and the flower arrangements quite lovely. Photography and painted pictures were of a high standard, some quite haunting. Handicrafts were well represented and notable were the decorated spoons, so inventive. Once again Baking provided a brave display, but how we missed cup holder of many years, Ruth Brown. Men's baking was very encouraging, five entries this year, one entrant thought jam tarts were the size of mini-pizzas, perhaps this could start a trend. Thanks go to all who keep and kept the Show on the road - the Judges, the Judge's Secretaries, the Officers and Show Officials and the catering team who shared the kitchen with helpful and accommodating Clarke Foley Staff. Audley Clevedon helped out with two magnificent cakes, the chocolate one was declared the best we had ever tasted; congratulations to the baker, please enter the Show next year. Brilliant photographs have been taken by Chris Short of Ilkley Wharfedale Rotary Club. Our thanks go to all who advertised in the schedule and the businesses and individuals in the town who provided special prizes. Last but not least, the Committee thanks our entrants of all ages; the winners ranged from Imogen Smith, aged six-and-a-half, of All Saint's School who won three cups and prize money for her entries to Mr Denis Rawson-Chad, in his 90th year, who claimed the prize for his sweet peas, an all age show! Without our entrants there would be no show.

I think our President Alan Titchmarsh would be proud of us. See you all again next year.

report by Sylvia Mann

photos by Chris Short of Ilkley Wharfedale Rotary Club