It's a tough job, but someone's got to do it.
Post categories: Sally Nex
| 16:03 UK time, Monday, 19 May 2008
The champagne has been flowing, the cameras have been flashing - it's a tough job, but someone's got to do it. Glamour and Chelsea go hand in hand: today we had everything from racing driver Damon Hill driving George Harrison's red mini through the showground to launch 'A Garden for George', to actors Felicity Kendal and Patricia Routledge having their pictures taken in the Great Pavilion.
Amid all the razzmatazz, a solemn group of be-hatted gentlemen clutching clipboards could be seen standing in the gardens, pointing things out to each other and talking animatedly. These were the judges, and their progress around the showground was watched as intently as that of any celebrity.
I collared one judge after the decisions were made to find out how it had gone: "some very lengthy discussions" was his verdict, so the decision has clearly not been straightforward this year. Well - we'll find out what conclusion they came to tomorrow at 8am, when medals and the top prize of Best in Show are awarded.
Now we all have to leave the showground ahead of Her Majesty the Queen's private visit. This is an old tradition in Chelsea week - but nonetheless nerve-wracking for the designers, some of whom will meet the Queen and maybe exchange a few words with her. Overheard near the small Courtyard gardens was an anxious discussion:
"I've been told it's Ma'am, as in 'ham' - not Ma'am as in 'harm'."
"Are you sure?"
"Well, that's what I've been told..."
The trials of being a Chelsea designer don't just stop at the garden gate, it seems.
Comment number 1.
At 22nd May 2008, matchinggreen wrote:I find the TV coverage this year somewhat disappointing and irritating. I have no objection to the presenters. I just feel they are not doing their job properly. The perpetual and repeated reference to Marshalls, the sponsors and to the fact that Chelsea is the best show, as if we did not know, is both irritating and patronizing.
Is this a ´óÏó´«Ã½ coverage or an advert for Marshalls?
There is not enough informed presentation and far too much chit chat and waffle, between and about the presenters.
Have they or the Producer lost the plot?
Bring back Monty Don or at least someone who knows how to present. Rachel de Thame at least puts on a good presentation.
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