SOUTH Show stalwart Olive Sarre is competing again this year. The 75-year-old has been exhibiting since 1965 and has entered tomorrow’s show at the St Martin’s Community Centre.

‘I started by helping my husband the year after we got married, entering vegetables,’ she said.

‘He died 17 years ago and after a year or so of not entering anything, I thought I had better get back into it so I have been entering pot plants ever since.’

The show is a chance for people to exhibit their home-grown produce, baking, floral displays and various other crafts.

It is not the grand event it used to be, but supporters such as Mrs Sarre have kept it going.

She was brought up around the shows as both of her grandfathers exhibited in them and her mother entered gache and cakes in the baking category.

‘I have entered cakes before, but I prefer to exhibit pot plants.

‘I love flowers and when I’m out in the garden I feel like I’m in a different world. It is very relaxing.’

Mrs Sarre is also entering cooking apples and herbs this year and is looking forward to seeing people she knows from the show.

‘I’m a Guernsey person and I speak the Guernsey language.

‘It’s nice to get together with people at the show and have a good old natter in patois.

‘The show is a part of Guernsey heritage, but younger people are not quite so interested in it.

‘I don’t think it should die out because people need to take time and appreciate these things.

‘I’m looking forward to it. I’ll be up early in the morning giving the flowers a final watering.’

* Judging takes place at 10am today. The show is open from 1 to 9pm today and 10am to 8pm tomorrow. Admission is £2 for adults, 50p for children and free for members.