By Sue Bradley

VILLAGERS in Bisley are preparing to welcome Selwyn Mills as the special guest at their fete and flower show on Saturday, August 29.

The retired French polisher lived in the village for several years, during which time he gave up many hours of his time to look after the war memorial and to help care for centenarian Mary Millin.

Selwyn moved to Chichester to be closer to his family during the spring but will be returning at 2pm on Saturday to crown flower queen Christy Stevens and declare Bisley’s annual flower show and fete officially open.

“For many years Selwyn quietly went about keeping the gravelled area around our war memorial free of weeds and litter, on a completely voluntary basis,” explained fete organiser Peter Thorp.

“He also helped enable Mary to stay in her own home right up until a few weeks before her death.

“Selwyn is typical of the selfless people who really are the oil in the wheels that keep villages like Bisley so vibrant. We were delighted when he agreed to come along to open the fete and flower show.”

This year’s event promises fun for all the family, with a marquee bursting with fresh produce, flowers, handicrafts and cookery and a field full of stalls, games, a pet show and Bisley’s famous teas.

Meanwhile Avening Silver Band will be on hand to ensure the afternoon goes with a swing.

The fete and flower show is held on Evans’ Field off Cheltenham Road in Bisley, with all profits from the fete going towards the upkeep of All Saints’ Church.

In the evening the flower show marquee will host the Joliet Blues Band, while an inter-village quiz will take place on Sunday evening. Tickets for both these events are available from George Stores.

For more information about the event call 01452 770708.

Entry forms for the flower show are available from George Stores or the tourism desk at Stroud’s Sub Rooms.