Rolleston Village Country Gala
Saturday 18 September 2010

There were masses of Classes for everyone, filled with a flowering of family fun & packed with gala attractions. As well as all the exhibits in Rolleston Club, the Old Grammar School and on the croft, attractions included Ady’s Retro Roadshow, a bouncy castle, stalls for all, farm animals, rides & slides, and much more. Rolleston Village Country Gala was a total experience: a challenge for the enthusiast; an opportunity for the novice; a meeting place for families and a gathering ground for the community.

The officially opening of the gala by Andrew Griffiths MP planned for 12 noon was temporarily put on hold when a piglet got loose and tried to get inside the produce tent. The piglet was safely 'tucked up in bed' well before County Councillor Bob Fraser presented awards in the evening.

Horticultural Show History & Message

"Twelve years ago Jean Cadd and I took over the organization of Rolleston Club's Horticultural Show from Mrs Potts, who in turn had taken it over from someone else, mainly because our fathers and friends would have missed the community event if it had stopped.

Unfortunately, due to family commitments we were unable to run the event last year so we are very grateful that RODSEC has picked up the reins to carry on with the tradition.

Any money raised in the past had helped to subsidise the pensioner's and children's Christmas parties.

Looking back at past records 1978 is recorded as the earliest date, but no organizer is named. If anyone knows any more history perhaps it could be recorded in "Rollestonian" for all to read.

We would like to wish all entrants and organizers the very best and hope you get as much pleasure out of the day as we both did and (will) continue to support the good work for a few more years to come."

Linda Yates

Section Winners (£10 voucher)

Location Winners (£20 voucher)

Special Awards

Limerick Competition – A Selection!

First Prize

Whilst taking a walk by the brook
In Rolleston, thought I’d take a look.
Did I spy a pigeon?
A grouse or a widgeon?
A gannet? Oh no, it’s a duck!
Kay Holloway

Second Prize

Our Starbucks will not sell you coffee,
But plenty of chocolate and toffee.
You can find out who’s dead,
Buy a bun and some thread,
Or go for a win on the lottery.
Jenny Phillips

Third Prize

In Rolleston, ‘tis where I was born,
On a cold winter’s day in the morn.
It’s the best place to be
But I’m biased, you see,
To live anywhere else I would scorn
Cherry Roberts

Dove as in grove or Dove as in bird?

A young lady from Rolleston on Dove
Found her boy friend had started to rove,
So she followed her man
With an aerosol can
And painted his Porsche a pale mauve
Arnold Burston

Dove as in grove or Dove as in bird?

A young Rector from Rolleston on Dove
Would cry “Glory be! Heavens above!”
He could quote from Isaiah
While swallowing fire
And juggling two shoes and a glove.
Arnold Burston

The vicar of Rolleston on Dove
Was pushed to the ground with a shove.
With wondrous precision
He saw a great vision
And cried, “How I’m blessed from above!”
Simon Lesley

There was a young lady of Rolleston
Who quite suddenly put weight on.
Many tongues did wag
Whose was it in the bag?
At the end she and he were smiled on.
Ron Price

In Rolleston Village there once was a show,
For people all around to come and go.
They showed us how to bake, brew and grow
From sets and seedlings they had to sow,
So now the flowers are blooming with colours aflow.
D Vinnicombe

The Environmentalist

There was a young lad who said “Look
I think I can see cans in the brook”
As he looked in the water
He thought that he oughta
Fish them all out with a hook.
Sylvia Martin

Chapter & Verse

Our popular book club abounds,
From the Dove to the ancient Hall grounds,
We read Dickens and ‘Jane’,
Come sunshine or rain,
Oblivious to loud modern sounds.
Anne Winstone

Rolleston Scout group are camping today
Fifty kids are all going to stay
It certainly won’t be a bore
There’s some surprises in store
Here’s hoping the sun is coming our way.
Helen Barnett

In celebration of Val’s Scrabble Club

We come with our two-letter words
Some say such a game is for nerds.
We play with panache
Add wine, quite a splash
Wander home, in the dark undeterred.
Heather Taylor

There’s a Staffordshire village called Rolleston
With a keen group whose efforts have shone.
They’re called RODSEC for short,
And they really have taught
How community spirit with fun can be won!
Joan Price

There was a Rolleston club member,
Who drank so he couldn’t remember.
He danced on the tables.
Recited foul fables
Of judging, at Shows in September
Verity Conner

Thank You

The Committee acknowledges with grateful thanks the support of so many different organizations and individuals who have helped to make the Village Gala possible. Particular thanks go to all those people who have turned up on the day and helped to make it a memorable experience. This includes our guest of honour Andrew Griffiths MP, County Councillor Bob Fraser, our team of judges, Burton Sea Cadets, all first aiders, stewards, marshals, exhibitors and visitors.

We are so very grateful to all those who have kindly provided sponsorship. Your benevolence made entering this gala a very attractive proposition. In addition, we have secured considerable financial support from Staffordshire County Council's Local Community Fund. We are grateful to County Councillor Bob Fraser for his support, expertise and guidance in helping us to secure £716.00.