By Lucy Waldron
The symbol of love, of strength, of hope. A rose holds many meanings.
For Warwick it is the flower that lines the streets, the flower that blooms vibrantly and the flower that welcomes visitors with its fresh fragrance.
But the meaning of the rose goes deeper for Warwick as the Rose Festival is an event that has occurred on the second Friday of every October for 60 years.
This year on Friday 13 October, St Marks Parish was transformed into a vibrant display of roses from pinks to reds to whites and yellows. The hall came alive with several participants and community members attending to support the festival and enjoy what the day had to offer.
A homemade high tea with cakes and sandwiches along with a diamond quiz to celebrate the 60-year millstone kept everyone entertained along with the award ceremony to congratulate all the winners.
With 86 entrants in the competition, judging the roses was no simple task. Michael O’Leary, the judge, assessed each bloom with great attention to detail. Ultimately, Lorraine Locke took home the champion rose title with her stunning single pink rose. Christine Hayes received the reserve champion title for her single white rose, while Colleen O’Brien claimed victory with her bowl of roses.
Lorraine said it was a thrill to have won the champion rose as well as awards from other sections.
“What makes it the winner is that the centre of the rose is in the middle and there is a nice curve of petals,” Lorraine said.
The participants have been preparing for this event weeks in advance in order to put on a show to everyone involved and their dedication does not go unnoticed.
In his opening speech, Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi said this event is another example of ordinary people doing extraordinary things and the community rallying behind them to create something beautiful.
“Let us all stop for a moment to smell the roses.”
