Marehay Show 2008

The first Marehay Show for over 30 years took place on Saturday 6th September 2008, and the show was reintroduced in style not only with £1000 proceeds being donated to charity but also with over 1000 visitors throughout the day supporting the event despite the pouring rain.

The original venue, Marehay Recreation Ground, had to be abandoned due to the wet conditions, but thanks to the resourcefulness and enthusiasm of the community the event was quickly relocated at three local venues (Marehay Chapel, Marehay Miners Welfare and The Kestrel Inn). The ground crew and volunteers from Amber Valley Rotary Club assembled marquees on The Kestrel car park in the downpour ready for the day’s events. Entertainment included Folk Frenzy, who danced in the rain to everyone’s delight, Heage brass band, an entertaining dog show, children’s fancy dress and a very muddy tug of war! The junior classes were also staged here and were very well supported by local children. All events were coordinated by Richard Moulder who brought a bit of sunshine to the day with his own inimitable style and wit. Many thanks to Mr Moulder for this.

Marehay Chapel staged the home produce and handicrafts, along with a Flower Festival with the theme: ‘Building a strong community in Marehay’. The Chapel continued the weekend’s celebrations with a community service on Sunday morning, followed by bacon butties, and an evening service to bring the flower festival to a close.

This was the 21st annual Marehay Show, and despite the 30 year break the village showed their support by turning out in force to enter the competition classes. Over 400 competition entries were received, with a very high standard of produce, baking and art work. The fruit, vegetable, flowers, plants and floral art classes were staged in Marehay Miners Welfare where various stalls were also located.

The show celebrations started on Friday 5th September with a Barn Dance held a Marehay Miners Welfare. The weekend was rounded off with the drawing of the raffle and a quiz night at The Kestrel on Sunday 7th September. Prizes had been donated by locals and various businesses in the town including a very generous donation by Simon Eyre, plasterer, who provided amongst other things a boys BMX bike and a girls bicycle.

The show committee would like to thank all those who worked so hard to make the day such a success, all those who generously made donations, everyone who has sponsored competition classes, trophies and events, everyone who donated raffle prizes, all the stall holders and those who put on side show attractions, Amber Valley Rotary Club and Amber Valley Lions, all those who supported the show programme, and especially all the visitors who attended on the day. The village really supported the event and we had a terrific family weekend. If we can do this on such a rainy day, just think what we could do on a good day next year! Photos of this years show coming soon!

The show raised £1000 donated equally to Breast Cancer Care (£500) and Marehay Chapel (£500). A presentation to these two charities took place at Marehay Chapel during the Family Service on Sunday 28th September.

Trophy winners 2008