By Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Former European heavyweight boxing champion Frank Bruno MBE gave a knockout performance when he officially opened the Diamond Jubilee Southport Flower Show.
One of Britain’s best-loved sporting legends was delighted to be at Victoria Park in Southport on Thursday, 17th August 1989 as he drew a crowd of over 25,000 visitors.
The appearance of Britain’s leading heavyweight boxer, then aged 27, gave the flower show front page publicity in some of the national newspapers resulting in bumper gates and a healthy surplus.
Frank opened the event to bright sunshine and beaming crowds.
The Southport Visiter at the time reported how the boxer ‘made a young boy’s dream come true as disabled Mark Niblett (12) of Saunders Street Southport was thrilled to get the man’s autograph. Great fan Frank Mark said: ‘I think he’s great’.
“We’re well up on last year” press officer Joan Ulllcy commented at the time.
Big Frank even had a flower named after him – a carnation.
Southport Flower Show Chief Executive Tom Bradshaw said: “Our objective over the Flower Show was to present a top quality horticultural show.
“We wanted it to be a happy, friendly show – and this year we wanted the happiness and friendliness to merge together in a special way.”
And who better to help do that for us than Frank Bruno, the former European heavyweight champion who subsequently fought the mighty Mike Tyson.
Frank stepped to the microphone and with the aid of a ringside bell announced: ‘Seconds out day one – the Southport Diamond Jubilee Flower Show is now open!’
Later Frank, whose presence had helped swell first-day crowds, was presented with the carnation named after him.
Tom Bradshaw said: “Thanks Carl McClure, the original brain behind saving the show, a flower was found that could be named after Frank.
“With the help of Steven Bailey an expert carnation grower from Hampshire we came up with the ideal choice.”
As the bloom was pinned to Frank’s suit jacket the VIP joked: “Watch the coat – it’s got to go back!”
Earlier at the opening ceremony Mr Bradshaw welcomed VIP guests and said: “Welcome to the Diamond Jubilee Flower Show on this beautiful sunny day.
“The Southport Flower Show began in 1924 and has gone from strength to strength ever since “But believe that this one is the best we have ever had and is typical a jubilee celebration.”
And he thanked the many volunteers who had helped stage the show: “There has been a tremendous amount of work put in – and some people are still at work as speak.
“They have created a village of a show within six weeks.”
He welcomed High Sherriff of of Merseyside Col Dai Morgan and the Mayor of Sefton Cllr Mrs Maureen Fearn:
“Maureen has been a staunch supporter of the Flower Show for many years.”
Retired rector of North Meols the Rev William Pick took the opening prayers for the show.
Organisers had taken no chances with weather in 1989 with the ground completely redesigned, after rainy weather the year before.
Showground director Mr Dave Clark whose 150-strong volunteers had been working on site for the past six weeks said: “A totally new layout has meant we’ve had virtually no problems.”
The Southport Visiter reported: “In bright sunshine and refreshing breeze, boxer Frank Bruno, the celebrity opener of the diamond anniversary show, was swamped by photographers and fans of all ages eager to collect the heavyweight’s autograph.”
The Southport Visiter reporting team at Southport Flower Show in 1989 included: John Dempsey, Angela Duffell, Alison Tarpey, Neil Johnston, Tim Fernandez, Sarah Heyhoe, and Rob Hopkins, with photographers: John Daly and Andy Teebay.
Southport Flower Show.
Photo by Southport Flower Show
Southport Flower Show, sponsored by Seventy Ninth Group is the UK’s largest independent flower show and attracts over 55,000 visitors every year. It will take place over four days from Thursday 15th August to Sunday 18th August 2024.
Southport Flower Show will have some special guests this year from the likes of Adam Frost of BBC Gardeners’ World, David Domoney of Love Your Garden and CBBC’s Blue Peter and CBeebies Star Justin Fletcher.
It will be officially opened by Southport-born BBC Radio broadcaster, TV star and DJ Adele Roberts.
For more information and tickets please visit the Southport Flower Show website here.
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