The Shrewsbury Flower Show is becoming more of a family affair
than ever with the involvement this year of the fourth generation
of one local family.
Aubrey Kirkham Funeral Directors has long been a staunch
supporter of the event, with Aubrey himself acting as Chairman of
both the show and the Shropshire Horticultural Society between 2004
and 2008, both daughters taking on roles and wife Ann getting
involved too.
"As a family we've been proud to be involved in the organisation
of the Shrewsbury Flower Show for over 60 years now, in fact since
Ann's father Percy Thrower took up the role of Horticultural
Advisor in 1946" Aubrey explained.
Aubrey is Vice President of the show this year, while his elder
daughter Leanne Garvey has joined the General Committee of the
Shropshire Horticultural Society as a Trustee, and is also on the
show's Floral Committee, and younger daughter Selina Kirkham is
running the press tent at the show - a role she's held since the
1990s. This year's event also sees a fourth generation of the
family become involved for the first time, with Leanne's two
children, Joshua, aged eight, and Connie, aged six, taking part in
the children's Scarecrow Exhibition.
"It's a true family affair" explained Aubrey "with my wife Ann
once again involved in the show, in fact she's exhibited here every
year since she was just five years old when she was part of the
family business with her father Percy Thrower. Together they won
eight Best in Show awards as well as the Edith Aveling Cup, and we
were hugely proud when she received this accolade again in
2005."
"This year's show looks set to be as wonderful as ever with
medieval jousting, motorcycle displays, appearances from celebrity
chef Gino D'Acampo and TV Gardener Chris Beardshaw, showjumping,
plus the beautiful floral displays of course - there really should
be something for everyone."
A valued part of the local community, Aubrey believes
passionately in businesses supporting important events and
community initiatives, and was recognised at the prestigious Mayor
of Shrewsbury Awards this year with a Gold Medal for his work.