THE inaugural Annual Mayor’s Community Show will take place at Launceston Town Hall on Saturday, September 14 to raise money for Freddy’s Fund.

Councillor Dave Gordon, mayor of Launceston, is aiming to raise around £4,000 to provide two-year-old Freddy Jackson with a specialised bed which will help as his needs constantly change.

Freddy and his twin brother Bobby suffered from twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). This caused an uneven blood flow between the twins, with Bobby receiving more nutrients and fluid. Bobby, the recipient twin, grew too big whilst Freddy, the donor twin, grew too slowly. The boys were born in May 2017 by caesarean but sadly Bobby was born sleeping.

Upon meeting Freddy and his parents Rebecca Jefferies and Andrew Jackson back in May, Cllr Gordon chose to create Freddy’s Fund with the aim of raising £4,000 towards a specially adapted bed, and has been raising money ever since.

Because Freddy was born in Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, Devon but lives in Launceston (Cornwall), no agreement has yet been reached as to which NHS governing body is responsible for supplying the equipment he needs.

The idea of the Annual Mayor’s Community Show was that of Ruth Maunder and Lauren Greene at the Launceston Tourist Information Centre. Ruth takes up the story.

“The idea came about because we had a customer come in and we were chatting away and said that years ago they used to do the Launceston Cottage Garden Society and that it used to be held in the town hall each year.

“So I boldly said lets revive it, obviously not on the scale that it used to be held on in previous years, hence we’re now going to do the Annual Mayor’s Community Show. We’ve decided to call it that because it could be held annually and the funds raised could go to the mayor’s charity at that time, and who better to do it for than Dave’s (Mayor Dave Gordon) charity this year, Freddy’s Fund.”

Cllr Gordon said: “I think it’s brilliant to hold such an annual event, supporting the mayor’s charity. I know that a lot of entry forms have gone out. It’s a bit of fun but also is helping someone at the same time.

“We’ve got a couple of trophies to hand out, including an old one found which has been given to the TIC. We’re also on about getting a new trophy.”

Since Cllr Gordon was appointed as mayor, money has continued to stream in for Freddy’s Fund, much to the mayor’s delight.

Cllr Gordon said: “I’ve been overwhelmed really with the way people have got behind the charity we’ve chosen.

“People have raised a significant amount of money; close to £1,500 to help Freddy with his problems in such a short space of time.”

The show will see nine adult categories — vegetables, fruit, flowers, handicraft, flower arrangements, cookery, men only, a closed category for town councillors and staff only and photography where each photo must be 7x5 inches and mounted.

On top of the adult categories, there are three ‘Children Categories’ — for those aged seven and under, 8-11 and 12-15.

Ruth said: “We looked at other village shows in and out of the area and picked some ideas from each, as well as taking advice from some of the judges and locals.

“People have been handing out schedules and the reaction has been positive, so all we need now is for people to enter.

We’ve got lots of prizes in the grand prize draw which will be drawn on the day.”

Entry forms are available from the Launceston TIC (White Hart Arcade) and must be returned by 3pm on Saturday, September 7.

Each entry into the show is 50p while admission into the show is £1 for adults with children and exhibitors priced at just 50p.

Prizes will be awarded with the winner receiving £1.50, second place £1 and third place, 50p.

On the day, the town hall will be open from 8.30am with exhibitors having until 10am to set up. The judges then come in at 10.15 before the show opens to the public at 2pm. Refreshments will be available.

At 4pm the presentation to the winners and raffle draw will be held before the show closes at 5pm.

Launceston TIC are asking that if anyone has any spare or old trophies from the old event, please drop them into the Launceston Tourist Information Centre or call 01566 772321.

To get a full run-down of all the different classes within the categories, visit Launceston TIC, call the number above or search ‘Launceston Tourist Information Centre’ on Facebook.