Not so many years ago at the end of October and beginning of November The Lizard held an annual show in the Reading Rooms known fondly as “The Chrysanthemum Show”. There was always a local dignitary on hand to open the show and it was a day to look forward to and enjoy with many villagers entering their flowers (chrysanthemums to the forefront) vegetables, arts and crafts, home-cooking and baking exhibits, all hoping for that much coveted 1st Prize certificate and Cup! There were also many entries in all categories from our neighbouring villages. Unfortunately, over the years, support dwindled and eventually, with sadness the show was discontinued.
The picture collage shows something of the 75th Chrysanthemum show held in 1985, with Landewednack School children and local villagers admiring the entries. The school was a stalwart supporter of the show with most schoolchildren exhibiting in many categories. There was always a good show of entries from our neighbouring villages too. The Lizard children pictured with their trophies are, top left, Sally Richards, bottom left Demelza Hill and top right Yvonne Skerten who had been crowned our village Carnival Queen for that year. Billy Lovell is also pictured with a well deserved trophy for his prize winning onions!!
It’s sometimes easy to forget just how much hard work behind the scenes goes into producing these events, but wouldn’t it be great if we could manage to revive this event? Village activities such as this, along with our carnival and feast days go such a long way in bringing our village together – so it is really pleasing to know that there are people in the village who recognise this and have already made a start in reviving some of our favourite village traditions.
This collage shows something of the 75th Chrysanthemum show held in 1985,
with Landewednack School children and local villagers admiring the entries.
