West Show vice-president Rodney Dyke is a former farmer whose efforts at horticulture will account for nearly 40 entries this year. (Picture by Tom Tardif, 0821768)

THE West Show has lost none of its appeal to Rodney Dyke, even after more than 50 years.

A show committee vice-president, Mr Dyke, 62, would not miss the annual event for anything.

‘I just love it,’ he said. ‘It’s a great community experience and a good get-together.

‘I spend most of the two days chatting, which I’m very good at.’

A former farmer, Mr Dyke works for Stan Brouard Ltd. He has been an exhibitor at the show for the last 55 years. His specialities are flowers and vegetables and this year he expects to have 38 entries in the show tent, more than ever before.’

A show committee member for nine years, he is following in the footsteps of his father, Walter, and uncle, Lloyd Dyke, who served the show committee for 60 years between them.

The 2009 event promises to be the most local for years with just about all of the entertainment Guernsey-based.

‘It costs a lot of money to bring people in and the entertainers are here, so why not use them?’