The wet weather failed to dampen spirits at Goostrey Rose Festival on Saturday as most of the event went ahead as planned.
Despite the rain, villagers turn out in large numbers to see the floats and the walking groups in the procession from Booth Bed Lane to the School field.
Following the severe weather forecast, the organising committee secured a larger marquee so the crowning ceremony could take place under cover.
The marquee was packed to see Amy Mitchell crowned Rose Queen supported by her attendants Esme Giles, Charlotte Gomes, Abigail Lynch, Samantha Ridell-Rovira and Tessa Sewell.
Retiring Rose Queen Isobel Cronin rewarded all the children in the procession with £2 which was increased from the usual £1.
Rose Day Chairman Julia Sewell said: “I would like to thank everyone for their tremendous support. The adverse weather brought out the best in the people of Goostrey.
“We were determined to hold the event because we know how much it means to children. In fact one child told her mother that postponing Rose Day would be like cancelling Christmas.
The village website www.goostrey.info came into its own on Saturday morning as parents logged on to find out the latest situation. There was a 9am update followed by another at 11am confirming the procession would go ahead.
The chocolate cake competition which was a new feature of this year’s Rose Day and dubbed a battle of the sexes as it pitted men and women against each other was won by Carolyn Wharfe of Main Road, Goostrey.
The circus won the best float competition and the Vikings took the prize for best banner. Churches Together, with their most appropriate Noah’s Ark theme won best adult float and the adult fancy dress was won by Janet and Bill Ollier.
Other competition winners:
Flower classes
Rose Festival Bowl – for the best single Rose of any variety, exhibited in a container of the competitors own choice: 1st David Jardine; 2nd Rosie Green; 3rd Anna Green.
Luke Brothers Trophy - for three Roses of one or more varieties, judged best in show: 1st Jill Whaling; 2nd Angela Hepwood; 3rd Fiona Hepworth.
Chairman’s Vase - for an arrangement of garden flowers judged best in show: 1st Chris Burgess; 2nd Pat Hurdle 3rd Margie Raynes.
Edward Simpson Cup - for the best flower arrangement of garden flowers in a jam jar by a child seven or under. 1st Lily May Hassall; 2nd Amy Jardine; 3rd Stephen Tomkinson.
Jim Schofield Memorial Cup - for the best flower arrangement of garden flowers in a jam jar by a child aged 8 – 11: 1st Emma Hewson; 2nd Emily Hocknell; 3rd Ruth Bailey.
Hodgson Cup - for the best flower arrangement that includes at least one Rose: 1st Jill Brown; 2nd Maggie Chaisty.
Children’s competitions
To mark the centenary of the Scout Movement (including Cubs, Rainbows, Brownies and Guides) children were asked to produce a hand/finger puppet and/or a decorated biscuit or cake.
Hand/finger puppet seven or under: 1st Heather Padely; second Anna De Souza.
Hand/finger puppet 8-11: 1st Matthew Beare; 2nd Charlotte Hewson; joint 3rd Emma Hewson and Alexander Beare.
Decorated biscuit or cake seven and under: 1st Archie Hocknell; 2nd George Beare; 3rd Heather Padley.
Decorated biscuit or cake 8-11: 1st Megan McCauley; 2nd Emily Hocknell; 3rd Honor Hocknell.