Chale Show

For the 82nd consecutive year, people travelled from far and wide to the show ground at Chale to be a part of the most traditional and distinguished family summer show on the Island.

As always the Chale Show boasted an incredible display of horticultural exhibits, a craft marquee, antique fair, farmers market, helicopter rides, steam fair and vintage vehicles. The organisers also chose 2008 to unveil several rousing new additions to the already impressive order of events, including an international spectacular motorcycle stunt show, cheque presentation and the introduction of an exciting new lead sponsor.

The cream of the crop

The weather may not have been as generous as in previous years, but this did not deter thousands from attending; knowing that shelter from the occasional rain showers would be available in over 20,000 square feet of covered attractions, tents and marquees at the show. With 160-plus pitches and a record-breaking number of exhibits in the huge 185ft Horticultural tent for people to marvel over, there was plenty to keep the whole family occupied.

Of the incredible 1323 entries submitted by keen growers, cooks, photographers, artists and florists all hoping to impress the judges with their creative masterpieces - the most prolific winner was John Pearce from Carisbrooke who, out of his 60-odd entries, scooped 19 first place prizes, 15 seconds and ten thirds! Overall in excess of 30 trophies were handed out after the judging took place on Saturday morning, with more than £1000 in prize money and several other awards presented to the best of the bunch.

Crowds were wowed by an outstanding floral show-stealer of brilliant blooms that formed the centrepiece to the Horticultural marquee and captured everyone's imagination. Shanklin-based florist Mon Cherie Flowers provided the assembly of arrangements based on the forthcoming Beijing Olympics.

At the close of the show on Sunday, many of the exhibitors donated their prize-winning produce to be auction; the proceeds of which were all given to local good causes.

Stunt stunner

Entertainment was high on the agenda with the main arena playing host to a varied program of activities throughout the course of the weekend The traditional performances ranged from the Wight Diamond and Medina Marching Bands, children's favourite David Randini, Matt Splatt's circus acts and a parade of incredible vintage steam engines, tractors and military vehicles.

However the highlight of the weekend was this year's headline act - the internationally renowned James Dylan's Stuntworld. The team, which consisted of four riders, a commentator and stunt co-ordinator, performed twice daily and had audiences captivated with their sensational fire stunts, huge jumps and wheelies all mixed in with a sizable amount of fun family comedy.

One routine saw 10 members of the crowd laying flat on the ground at the opposite end of a ramp whilst a motorcyclist mounted the ramp on his bike and was propelled through the air above, landing just inches from the final brave volunteer in the line. Wightlink sponsored the act, which proved to be a winner with all age groups.

Championing our outstanding local producers & supporting local businesses

Southern Co-operatives, the Island's largest independent food retailer was delighted to fill the position of the show's main sponsor this year. With 13 stores across the Island, the Co-op are firm believers in sourcing and supplying locally grown and produced products to their customers. Since the Chale Show takes a leading role in celebrating local talent and supporting the local community, their newly formed association with the popular supermarket chain proved to be the ideal match.

The Co-op housed its own 'Local Flavours' marquee containing a wealth of local produce to sample, including treats from the Isle of Wight Cheese Company's award winning Blue cheese, Rossiter's Vineyard famous wine and Calbourne Classics delicious cakes alongside the supermarket's own Fair Trade food range. The company also donated a prize hamper which was awarded to the entrant with the highest number of points in the show overall.

Other opportunities for visitors to the show to have their taste buds well and truly quenched were available via the Isle of Wight Farmer's Market tent, the original Italian-style Pig Roast, traditional Isle of Wight Ice Cream, various hot dog and burger vans and Yates' Brewery.

Making provisions for the future

The Chale Show is organised by the Chale Horticultural Society who rely upon the support of a large number of willing volunteers, Island people and organisations to ensure its success year after year.

The Island's High Sheriff Alan Titchmarsh made a special visit on the Saturday of the show to present a cheque on the Society's behalf to the Chale Recreation Field Trustees for the purchase of the field from the IW Council. This was a poignant moment, as not only does this secure the future of the show on this site but the long-term recreational use of the field for the Chale people and surrounding community. The funds were generated from the profits of previous shows and the cheque presentation marked the official hand over of the ground to the people of this picturesque village.

The Chale Show helps local charities to raise money for their cause by welcoming fundraising stalls and initiatives. This year saw representatives from the Earl Mountbatten Hospice, Age Concern, Naomi House Children's Hospice, the Sandown and Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat and the Barely Born Appeal who hosted a tent especially for mothers and babies, to name but a few. This year the show also teamed up with Isle of Wight Council and Biffa to promote recycling as part of the Island's eco-Island vision.

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