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Lossie flower show blooming at 40


By Lorna Thompson

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THE Lossiemouth Flower and Produce Show will be more colourful than ever when it celebrates its 40th year this September.

The show will open with a flourish on Saturday, September 21, at Lossiemouth High School, with some 40th themed events added to the full to bursting programme of entry classes – such as a ruby wine and a ruby anniversary theme in the floral art section, a ruby anniversary card and anniversary sponge in the children’s sections, and a prize for the best ruby decorated cupcakes in the baking section.

Forty years after founding the show in 1979 when minister of the town's St Gerardines’s Church, the now retired Reverend David Laing will present the prizes.

When he set up the annual celebration, the Rev Laing was following in the footsteps of his father who had established a similar show in Lhanbryde to encourage people to tend their gardens. The only date which did not clash with other local flower shows and events was the third week of September – and so it has remained ever since.

Jake Millar, who has been show president for almost all of its 40 years, and his small committee, would love to see more first-time entrants and this year have introduced a new section for anyone who hasn’t won a category.

Mr Millar's advice for anyone considering entering for the first time is: "Bring it along on the day. If you have something you want to enter, the committee will help you in every way they can. We have a range of vases and boxes to lend you and we have lots of experience and enthusiasm to help you put on the best display. There are lots of categories and sometimes we don’t get three entries in each category, so you can stand a good chance of winning even if you haven’t the biggest bloomers."

The first Lossiemouth Flower and Produce Show in 1979.
The first Lossiemouth Flower and Produce Show in 1979.

Local politicians and councillors praised the dedication of the team behind the popular and long-running show.

Moray Conservative MP Douglas Ross said: "It is fantastic that Lossiemouth Flower and Produce Show is celebrating its 40th year. To have continued with such success for four decades shows how popular the event is and underlines the outstanding dedication and commitment of all those who have been involved in the organisation of this show over the years.

"Our area has a rich supply of talented gardeners and their efforts make the town look amazing each year. The show provides a great opportunity for some friendly competition among local gardeners and horticulturalists."

Moray SNP MSP Richard Lochhead said: "The legendary Lossiemouth Flower and Produce Show is a major event in the local community’s calendar and certainly the most colourful, aromatic and mouthwatering.

"I congratulate everyone involved down the years and today who have helped the show reach its 40th year, which is a hugely impressive milestone.

"There is always such a buzz at the event and the public get a thrill at witnessing first-hand such perfection when it comes to prize-winning vegetables, cakes, jams, chutneys, crafts and so much more, all of which is the result of much creativity, attention and time invested by so many people."

Councillor Graham Leadbitter, Moray Council Leader, said: "Lossiemouth’s annual celebration of flowers and produce is a hugely popular event and with this year marking the show’s 40th anniversary it is a testament to the hard work of both competitors and organisers. Encouraging people, young and old, to grow their own produce and get involved in gardening and crafting is more important than ever. With a drive to reduce food miles, the closest food you can produce is in your own home and garden. Best wishes to everyone entering and huge thanks to the volunteers who make it happen."

Councillor John Cowe, Heldon and Laich, said: "Congratulations to the Flower and Produce Show for reaching the grand age of 40. Blooming marvellous!

"The show is one of the most colourful events in the calendar in Lossiemouth and a great celebration of all the skills we hold dear such as gardening, baking, flower arranging and all the many crafts. Well done to all those who have volunteered their time and skills to make this show such a success over the years."

Entries can be dropped off at Lossiemouth High School on Friday, September 20, between 6-10pm, or Saturday morning between 7.30-9am. Doors open at 1pm on Saturday, September 21.


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