VIPs at Chelsea

I can’t decide if I an annoyed or envious. Probably both.
I have nothing against the celebrities I saw on the TV attending Chelsea yesterday, indeed I often admire the work they do as entertainers. But why does being an actor, presenter, musician, comedian or whatever entitle you to a - no doubt free - ticket on the best day by far to attend Chelsea?
Does Chelsea really need the added lustre of these people? Surely the press would be there in droves anyway even without the added bonus of Joanna Lumley et al. (And is there a photo opportunity where that woman is not present?!). I also find it galling when so many of them, when interviewed, said this is their first time at Chelsea so it’s hard to believe they’re true enthusiasts. Yeah, they admit to loving their gardens but that’s akin to loving apple pie and motherhood.
What I would like to see happen is for the famous faces to be massively reduced in number and freebie invitations should only be sent out to celebrities who have shown commitment to charitable projects somehow aligned to the values of the RHS. In place of the freeloaders I would have a ballot of RHS members and invitations would then go to people who really can tell their arbutus from their elodea.
I have nothing against the celebrities I saw on the TV attending Chelsea yesterday, indeed I often admire the work they do as entertainers. But why does being an actor, presenter, musician, comedian or whatever entitle you to a - no doubt free - ticket on the best day by far to attend Chelsea?
Does Chelsea really need the added lustre of these people? Surely the press would be there in droves anyway even without the added bonus of Joanna Lumley et al. (And is there a photo opportunity where that woman is not present?!). I also find it galling when so many of them, when interviewed, said this is their first time at Chelsea so it’s hard to believe they’re true enthusiasts. Yeah, they admit to loving their gardens but that’s akin to loving apple pie and motherhood.
What I would like to see happen is for the famous faces to be massively reduced in number and freebie invitations should only be sent out to celebrities who have shown commitment to charitable projects somehow aligned to the values of the RHS. In place of the freeloaders I would have a ballot of RHS members and invitations would then go to people who really can tell their arbutus from their elodea.
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Or am I falling?
I would love to go to the Champions League final, but I can't get a ticket, and even if I could, I would not be able to afford it.
I have been to Chelsea [ the flower show ] a few times and I love it. It is not a cross section of society, and more than anything, it is a show, gardening is secondary.
To my chagrin
Getting sick and tired of
Feeling sick and tired again