Update 17 June 2011
We are now counting down to this year’s Show, and as you read this there will be around three weeks to go. Our feature on the front cover of this month’s magazine is a gentle and picturesque reminder of the date. Please take the opportunity to buy a programme in advance for this year’s Show from our sellers, who will be touring the village in their distinctive orange shirts. Programmes are also available from the Post Office and East Bridgford News, as well as the Reindeer and the Royal Oak.

For this year’s Show - and I am writing this in the euphoric national mood post-Royal Wedding – our theme is ‘Kings and Queens’ which we look forward to capturing in the widest possible sense, particularly with the Fancy Dress Parade.

Our main feature will be the 3Sixty Bike Display Team, who will also be teaching kids bike tricks between their show slots. New on the field is the ‘Super Jumper’ trampoline and mini-bungee, and we welcome the Langar Model Aircraft Club with their wide range of large-scale model aircraft. We are delighted to once again feature the Shan Jones School of Dance from Bingham, and we have a surprise dance exhibit from ‘Britain’s got Talent’. On the dance theme, St Peter’s School will be presenting their ‘Rock Challenge’ dance crew, showcasing their recent participation in a County competition. We also have refreshments, activities, competitions, BBMF fly past and – in response to your requests – a larger number of stalls, with more food and jewellery in particular and an interesting stick-carving demonstration from our own Tony Beresford, and a ‘Come to Paint’ invitation from Julie Marston.

However, the main thrust of the Show is focussed around the horticultural and homecraft tent. In recent years we have seen excellent expansion. This is the opportunity to showcase our local talent with many horticultural and homecraft sections open to both new and experienced exhibitors. I have been particularly requested to highlight flower-arranging (these can be bought flowers and do not have to be from your own garden) which is an area in which the homecraft organisers are keen to see an increase in entries.

You can also try your hand at baking; jam making; handicrafts; painting; photography and many others. There are different classes for all ages, so don’t be shy! The newest category is for hen’s eggs which should have been domestically reared and not commercialised. There will be four classes:

1. Four eggs, brown, displayed on a plate
2. Four eggs, tinted (light brown), displayed on a plate
3. Four eggs, any colour, displayed on a plate
4. Contents of one egg, displayed on a plate

In addition, a new trophy will be awarded for ‘best in class’.

Finally, at this year’s Show we will have a notable absentee – ‘Bas’ Guy. He was a stalwart of the Show over many years, and we will be unveiling a new bench on the field to his memory. In addition, his uncle, George Guy, is proudly donating a trophy named in Bas’s honour, to be awarded for the tug-of-war which was one of Bas’s passions.

If you are able to help out for either a ½ hour or hour long slot on a stall then please contact either myself at cmhenwood@waitrose.com or our Secretary, Helen Wilkinson, at helenwilkinson64@btinternet.com.

Update 29 March 2011
The theme of Kings and Queens will be reflected in the Show's events and we are sure this will inspire the fancy dress contestants to impress and hopefully be crowned winners in their category!

So far there are some 50 stalls committed to be at the Show - many more than last year. In response to your feedback we have increased the number of "foodie" stalls and jewellery and handicraft participants. Also on the field will be an exciting new "superjumper" experience which combines 4 trampolines and mini bungees - not to be missed.

In the main arena the highlight will be the 360 Mountain Bike Display Team - who, in between thrilling you with their breathtaking stunts will be inviting you - adults too! - to try your hand some of the tricks displayed.

There will also be some innovation in the horticultural marquee. Some residents may have noticed an increase in the number of poultry keepers in the village and to introduce even more competition amongst them we are introducing a "hen egg" class. This will be judged by an expert (or eggspert) from Kinoulton, who has many years experience in this field.

Follow the Village Show news and updates by visiting our Facebook page: East Bridgford Village Show - June 25th 2011/