Because Tom Hancock loved growing things, his mum Heather plans to sow sunflower seeds and sell the young plants to visitors in the Grand Plant Sale at Welshampton Fair, to be held in Welshampton Parish Hall on Bank Holiday Monday, May 5.
Growers will then report back the height of their plants in September to the event organisers and the winner will receive a specially commissioned, two metre high sunflower garden sculpture.
The sculpture is being made and donated by Clive Knowles, managing director of Black Country Metalworks, Oswestry, who said: “I’m delighted to be able to help with my support.”
Last year’s Welshampton Fair attracted a record attendance and raised £6,500, which was divided between Shropshire Macmillan Cancer Support and St Michael and All Angels Church in Welshampton.
Gardening enthusiasts are given a unique opportunity to buy rare plants from national collections across North Shropshire and the Cheshire border at the event, which includes an auction of ‘special plants’ by Halls’ senior fine art auctioneer and valueer Andrew Beeston, who lives locally.
These ‘special plants’ are kindly donated by private national collection holders, nurseries and leading plant specialists in the area. Event co-ordinator Gillian Eleftheriou reports an encouraging early response by generous donors to this year’s event.
The fair opens at noon for the Grand Plant Sales and to allow visitors to view the auction lots, which go under the hammer at 1.15pm. Visitors will then be in for treat this year when Andrew Humphris, head gardener at the highly acclaimed Wollerton Old Hall, speaks about “August Pzzazz the Wollerton Way”.
Many gardens peak in July, so Mr Humphris will be giving his top tips to visitors on prolonging colour into high summer and beyond.
Mr Beeston said he was delighted to support his local community and the two excellent charities.
“The fair provides a unique opportunity to buy specimen plants, from personal national collections and private gardens, that are not generally available to the public,” explained Mrs Eleftheriou, a keen gardener.
“The fair tends to attract local people, visitors and plantaholics because it offers such an unusual selection of plants. In the grand plant sale alone, we usually have well in excess of 1,000 plants on offer, all grown by a dedicated team of people.
“We have chosen Macmillan Cancer Support because it provides wonderful support for so many local people. There is hardly a family in the area that has not been touched by cancer.”
The event, which has donated more than £30,000 to charities over the past eight years, will also feature quality cake, preserves and craft stalls. Entry and car parking are free.
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