The weather wasn’t so kind to those who attended the official opening of Daffodils at Rydal with the large group taking shelter in the studio in the beautiful grounds of Chapel House, owned by Jo and Michael Maxwell.

During intermittent rain, MC Laurie Green welcomed the guests and told of how the concept of Daffodils at Rydal was born.

Now in its seventh year, the festival has grown to include musical events over the two weekends.

Guests at the opening were treated to a preview of the high quality entertainment to feature during Daffodils at Rydal, with the talented Martin Doherty and Leigh Birkitt performing.

Mr Green welcomed the addition of music to the weekends and said that in the future possibly street theatre and opera in Pioneers Park could be included.

The success of Daffodils at Rydal is seen in that it is a major event on the yearly calendar for NSW and that nearly $50,000 has been raised for aged care in Lithgow since its inception in 2002 from proceeds from garden entries.

Mayor Neville Castle reinforced the positive effect of the event, saying that Daffodils at Rydal is becoming an institution where you hear about it not only in Sydney but statewide, becoming a major part on the social calendar.

He said the wonderful amount raised for aged care over the years would be envied by many organisations.

Guest of Honour Judy Horton commended the Rydal Village Association for all their hard work and for putting Rydal on the map by working as a united group.

Judy, well known for her role on the ABC Gardening Show on a Saturday morning and as the Communications Manager of Yates, gave an entertaining talk on the history of daffodils and their eventual journey to Australia.

She spoke about how Rydal’s climate does well for daffodils, making for such a wonderful display that many people enjoy so much.

“It’s a wonderful sight and such a privilege to be asked here,” she said.

She said that although she was embarrassed to say it was her first visit to Rydal “I can assure you, this won’t be the last time”.

Mrs Horton had cut short her holiday to attend the opening and also brought her husband and mother with her.

Although the opening was slightly marred by showers, the real worry had been the earlier than usual blooming of the daffodils and the hailstorm that went through Rydal on Monday night.

The 2009 Daffodils at Rydal begins this weekend and will continue the following Saturday and Sunday.