St George's Sunflower Race, 2009

This year’s sunflower race finished at the end of August and, with around 20 people registering scores, turned out to be the best ever so thanks to all who took part.

Scores kept coming in throughout Saturday 29th August – “Judgement Day.” By early afternoon there were two people both claiming heights around 10 feet so it was necessary for the Judging Team to visit both Val Davies and last year’s winner Ken Burton. But the visits, whilst confirming the heights, could not separate the two and it looked as if it might have been the first ever tie in the history of the competition as both clocked in at 10 feet, on the button.

The Judging Team returned home to mull over the situation and have a final check of those who had registered scores via e-mail, and it was a good job that they did. There was a new message from Sam Flint to tell us that her daughter, Jasmine, had grown one to the colossal height of about 12 feet and 6 inches – WOW! It was growing in the garden of Sheila Hall who is Jasmine’s grandmother and Jasmine had been calling in of an evening on the way home from school and during the holidays to water the plant and generally whisper words of encouragement to it.

The Judges decided to check Jasmine’s plant on the following morning and duly arrived at Sheila’s on the way to church the next day. It turned out that 12 feet 6 inches had been something of an overestimate, but nevertheless, at 10 feet 3 inches it was still the winner so well done Jasmine.

The third and fourth place slots this year were occupied by Robert Webster (another former winner), and Wendy Lloyd so well done to them too.

Once again, thanks to all who took part and we look forward to seeing you all have a go again in 2010.

The Shepherd Family