Wild West theme at the Shrewsbury Flower Show

We have to confess that the Flower Show, now in its 135 year did not entirely live up to expectations or the praise we'd heard. Not that it wasn't interesting but in our opinion there were not enough FLOWERS! Many, many trade stands, not always to do with gardening. Some interesting marquees, with displays by the national organisations for dahlias or chystanthums, vegetable competitions, the WI tent, food hall and so on but we were expecting more nurserymen there, with their plants and displays.

The Show ended with a bang with a massed millitary band playing all the old favourites, Rule Brittania etc all rounded off with a massive firework display accompanied by music from films and shows about the Wild West, which is why this shot was chosen as today's blip. This was the only "garden" on display, cleverly done, interpreting the desert with the Shropshire Stiperstone Hills used as a backdrop.

We had to leave the fireworks a couple of minutes before the finale in order to catch the train. When we arrived at the station we found the train had been delayed for 12 minutes. We could have seen the end after all! There appeared to be no cooordination to help the independent traveller who didn't want to come to the event by car.

Before the finale we repaired to a nearby pub for a beer or two and to rest Susan's sore hip. I at least enjoyed some local brews in the Armoury which was a very pleasant pub by the River Severn. While there we had a very interesting chat to a couple, Chris and Bob who happened to sit opposite us in a couple of other high backed winged chairs. A chance encounter with two very pleasant people.

Earlier in the day I'd take Hugo out for a walk up the Wrekin with the goal of breaking Maurice's record of getting to the top. His best is 26 minutes, I managed the 1.45 mile ascent in 22 minutes 46 seconds which pleased me no end. Hugo was not allowed to sniff, wee or do anything else on the way up but he was allowed to stop and sniff all he wanted on the way back.