Today we got to interview Susan, Secretary of the horticultural section for Stithians Show which is taking place on Monday! We love Stithians Show, it’s one of the highlights of Heather & Lay owner Jo Lays social calendar! So – grab a cuppa and let’s find out all about the show…
Tell us all about Stithians Show. When is it and what can people expect?
It takes place on Monday 14 July. Stithians Show began in about 1834 but was not the same as it is now. It would have begun as a bit of a challenge between local parishioners over the standard and quality of their product - a bit of bragging! It would have been held in Churchtown back then and they obviously thought this is not a bad idea, so it carried on and it’s evolved into what it is today. Previously in took place in the playing field then it moved onto the present site that it’s on now in 1994. It’s a wonderful day out, there is everything – horses, cattle, sheep, pigeons, a dog show, flowers, vegetables, horse jumping, trade shows – it’s an entire day out. You can enter from 8am and leave at about 8pm at night. You can see the entire show in a day. It’s a wonderful experience and not too far to walk making it great no matter what age you are!
The show has been going for a very long time. What do you think has made it such a staple event in the Cornish calendar?
Because you can go to the show and see the same people each year. It’s very special for local people; those people who have moved away from Stithians and those still living here. It’s just something you always atend. When I was growing up and going to the local school, the excitement was beyond belief as the show got nearer – it’s very special for Stithians people and for children. There really isn’t another event like this, it’s become iconic for Cornwall and synonymous with Stithians. When you think of Stithians you think of the show!
We are proud to be sponsoring the horticultural section; we have keen gardeners in our team at heather and Lay and local produce is important to us. Are there opportunities for new sponsors to join?
There are! It costs £190,000 to put the show on – an eye watering amount. In our tent, the horticultural tent, we thought we would do things a little differently. Our prize money is £2.25 so we would need 10 entries per class to break even. We never cover our prize money so we thought if we asked businesses for money for 10 classes each that would help. All sponsors get mentioned in our schedule and on an A4 laminated sheet on our sponsors’ board. Heather & Lay did that for a while but now you sponsor us for more and are one of our bigger sponsors and we are very grateful to you.
The £22.50 fees might sound small but lots of £22.50 donations add up and it keeps it affordable for local businesses to support us. Our other main sponsors are Warrior Garden Centre and Jacksons Wealth Management. The show is always looking for sponsors for different parts of it so if anybody is considering it, please get in touch.
We believe the horticultural section is one of the longest established sections and premier attractions with over 300 different classes. What can we expect for this section for 2025?
Well, the horse and cattle are the longest standing sections and cattle and horses would have been of interest back in 1834 but our section is very long-standing. You can expect cacti , sweet peas, vegetables, flowers, fruit and children’s entries in a seed tray - they enjoy doing that! There is so much to see but of course, our tent is always weather dependent. Some years we have lots of sweet peas, but I remember one year when there were absolutely none! There has been rain this weekend and that can damage them. Up until the last minute we never know what we are going to get. That’s not so good when you’re the Secretary! Cacti and the children’s trays are the only thing for certain and indoor plants. You also have to watch out for little critters that eat into carrots etc.
You can expect dedicated “growers and showers”, including growers from allotments. Often people think it’s frightening to enter as it’s such a big show, but we also have categories for novices, so you don’t have to go up against the big boys who have grown and shown for years, it’s very beginner friendly. New for 2025 we have our event stage which will offer somewhere to relax and soak up the atmosphere and learn from the experts. We will be holding a Gardeners Question Time from 12.30pm with Nigel Pascoe and Liam Shoesmith, welcoming the Cornish Rose Company from 1.30pm and there will be a floral art demonstration from 2.30pm. We are very excited about this!
What is your favourite part of the show?
Would it be awful to say the end? It’s a lot of work! In all honesty, it’s the Sunday before the show as the majority put out their exhibits then. This is where you begin to feel the buzz and excitement and you meet all the exhibitors - old friends that you see year after year and new people that it’s always wonderful to meet and greet. I really love the Sunday. I arrive around 12.30pm and I’m there until about 10pm at night then on Monday we are back from 6.30am until 8pm – it’s a lot but we love it! The work begins on Wednesday, and we are always looking for help.
How do people sign up and get involved or come along?
We are always looking for volunteers. If anybody wants to get involved, please do get in touch right away because the help is most appreciated! For those attending you can just turn up – you don’t need to pre-book. And for those who wish to exhibit, you can still apply to show last minute, we understand the weather doesn’t know a date. On Monday morning we limit to 5 entries because of the paperwork and how busy it is but if you’ve got something to show, come and give it a go! Judging begins at 8.45am so be there early.
Tell us about your role in the show?
I am the Chairwoman of the horticultural section and one of four secretaries as it’s such a big job. My parents were horticultural secretaries from 1972 and as an only child I was roped in and on the committee myself, then 30 years ago I became secretary then I became chairwoman. Before my parents were secretaries my uncle was secretary when I was 5 years old, so I’ve never really known any different. I recently discovered that in 1921 my grandfather was part of the founding committee – 3 generations of our family! Then in 2021 I was the president of the show which was very special.
Quite a few families experience this, where their ancestors have all been part of the show and it’s handed down through the generations (sometimes you don’t get a choice!) But as people are getting older, we need younger blood and younger volunteers, we are always on the lookout so please do get in touch if you might be able to help.
Thank you so much Susan, is there anything you would like to add?
It really is a very special event and a wonderful day out for the entire family. Lots of people enter not to win a prize but just to take part, it really is a lovely community event. It’s only £16.50 for adults and £5 for children or £38 for a family of 2 adults and 2 children. You can also become a member for only £21 which although it’s a bit extra, entitles you to free entry to the show, you get to park closer, skip the queue to get in and have access to the Members’ Pavilion on the day, overlooking the main ring – it’s well worth the membership fee! We are also looking for more sponsors for the horticultural section for £22.50 so if you would like to help the show thrive and support us, we would love to hear from you. Lastly, a final shout for volunteers on the Tuesday morning to lift and shift is always appreciated!
Image of Susan and Luke Roberts
