A FLOWER and craft show made its long-awaited return to Bridgwater after nearly four years away, led by a mostly new committee.

Bridgwater Flower & Craft Show was held for the first sime since 2018 on Saturday, August 27 at Westfield Church. 

It featured flowers, vegetables, and other home-grown produce, plus craft stalls and children's classes. 

There were around 80 classes in total throughout the event, giving attendees plenty to see and do. 

The show was open to the public between 12pm and 4pm, when mayor Liz Leavy and her consort Alex Glassford presented silverware and prizes to the winning entrants. 

Guests also had the chance to enter a tombola or purchase decorated glass, hand-made greetings cards, and knitted and crotchet wear.

Horticulturalist Roy Cheek also hosted a seed swap and a display of plants at the free-to-enter show. 

Bridgwater Mercury: Margaret Major from Flaming Paperie at the show. Picture: Steve RichardsonMargaret Major from Flaming Paperie at the show. Picture: Steve Richardson

An event spokesperson said: “After a three-year gap and a new name, The Bridgwater Flower & Craft show welcomed exhibitors and admirers on August 27.

“A new venue was chosen at Westfield Church but kept to the traditional date. The area was bright with a lovely café, the atmosphere was very friendly and many prizes were won!

“The new committee worked tirelessly to put on a show to be proud of, so congratulations to all involved - there were over 360 entries from 73 exhibitors.

“A select group of crafters brought their goods to sell, the Bridgwater Photographic Society put on a splendid display and Roy Cheek amazed all with his carnivorous plants some not even shown at Chelsea yet!

“Thank you to all those who helped make this possible and to the people of Bridgwater and villages who visited and made it a very successful day with many who have now decided they want to take part next year!”

The main prize winners were:

Child with the most points - Charlie Childs, who was most successful with his biscuit decoration and photography.

Lady with the most points - Angela Coleby, who was most successful in vegetable and fruit classes.

Man with the most points - Rodney Loader who was most successful in pot plant, cut flower, vegetable and fruit classes.

Best in Show, by judges’ unanimous decision, was Linda Murphy for her stunning sewn artwork.

Gallery: Bridgwater Flower and Craft Show returns 

Bridgwater Mercury: Janet Chard, Graham Treharne, and Frances Davies in front of a crafts stall. Pictures: Steve RichardsonJanet Chard, Graham Treharne, and Frances Davies in front of a crafts stall. Pictures: Steve Richardson

Bridgwater Mercury: Cxhibitor Maureen Hewitt with some of her prize-winning entries.Cxhibitor Maureen Hewitt with some of her prize-winning entries.

Bridgwater Mercury: Visitors Fiona and Naoise White with Cliona Dolan.Visitors Fiona and Naoise White with Cliona Dolan.

Bridgwater Mercury: George Long and Alison Lodley with some of their exhibits.George Long and Alison Lodley with some of their exhibits.

Bridgwater Mercury: Yolanda Bentham and Pat Davey at the tombola.Yolanda Bentham and Pat Davey at the tombola.

Bridgwater Mercury: Visitors Jenny and Tony Ashworth with Huey and Freddy Ashworth.Visitors Jenny and Tony Ashworth with Huey and Freddy Ashworth.

Bridgwater Mercury: Pat Morgan with some of her knitted exhibits.Pat Morgan with some of her knitted exhibits.

Bridgwater Mercury: Horticultural experts Roy Cheek and Martin Peck.Horticultural experts Roy Cheek and Martin Peck.

Bridgwater Mercury: Vicki Gardner and Bernice Lashbrook from the Ladies Knitting Guild at the Unitarian Chapel, Bridgwater.Vicki Gardner and Bernice Lashbrook from the Ladies Knitting Guild at the Unitarian Chapel, Bridgwater.

Bridgwater Mercury: Bridgwater Flower show committee member Peter Phillips.Bridgwater Flower show committee member Peter Phillips.

Bridgwater Mercury: Visitors Molly and Tony Russell next to a display of knitted goods.Visitors Molly and Tony Russell next to a display of knitted goods.

Bridgwater Mercury: A visitor looks at the vegetables entered into the flower show.A visitor looks at the vegetables entered into the flower show.

Bridgwater Mercury: The show was held at a new venue, Westfield Church.The show was held at a new venue, Westfield Church.