Last updated 21:28, Wednesday, 27 August 2008

WE are well into the show season by now. Despite the weather an excellent display will have been presented.

Although the craft sections are dwindling I take heart that many youngsters can bake, paint, draw and make incredible works of art. The fruit flowers and vegetables have had a battering from wind and rain. I had hoped to enter a few items but the slugs got my cauliflowers.

My lettuce bolted and the tomatoes are slow to ripen. My efforts are best viewed in the dark. The flavours are magnificent and I look forward to a steady supply of spuds this winter.

The rain has made it difficult for the animal classes. It must be heartbreaking to groom and prepare and then have to wade through a sea of mud to get to the venue.

August is always the silly season, but this year it has been the mean-hearted attitude of Customs and Excise that get the raspberry. Imagine insisting that red diesel must not be used to help set up these community events. This is how farming folk have helped their neighbours for centuries. At shows there is always great support for charities. I hope the money-grabbers faces are as red as the diesel they want to detect. Shame on you.

Good neighbours should be treasured

A shared meal or a helping hand

Gives great pleasure to one and all

May we all have warm and generous hearts