Floral delight at Felpham spring show
On Saturday 14th March, St Mary's Centre was filled with glorious colour from the wonderful display of spring exhibits with outstanding entries in floral art and pot plants which complemented the colour of the daffodils and narcissi, with more flower and vegetable exhibits, especially daffodils and narcissi making it a truly "spring" Show. With unusually sunny warm day for this time of the year, the show attracted 119 visitors to view exhibits from 21 members and non-members who entered 210 items.
The daffodil and cut flower section drew a number of outstanding entries in particular daffodils. Hyacinths and tulips added to the colourful display. Sandra Dean won the Alan Twaites Memorial Trophy for most points in Daffodil Classes, the Travers Trophy for most points in flower classes (excluding daffodil classes) and the Rossiter Cup for most outstanding Horticultural exhibit. Finally winning, not surprisingly and well deserved, the Society Cup for most points in Show.
The vegetable section saw exhibitors demonstrate their growing skill with, in particular, some wonderful rhubarb exhibits. The Thorndyke Cup for most points was won by Margaret Howard.
The cookery and preserves section was not as well represented this year but attracted a number of delicious looking high-quality exhibits with the Salmon Tankard for most points being won by David Donovan.
Handicraft also fewer entries with the James Cup being won by the talented Charlie Fanklinwood.
The photographic section was highly competitive and diverse with intriguing images depicting the titles. This was a closely fought contest with the Cup being awarded to a new exhibitor, Vicki Kirby.
Unfortunately there were no entries in the children's section. We do need to have more of a younger element enter the Shows as they are the gardeners of the future.
Finally, but not least, Sharon Rowe was awarded a Cup for her Best Trug (judged for overall effect only).
Many of our visitors enjoyed a cup of tea and home-made cake after visiting the cake and plant stalls and having a go at "Where be the Treasure?" . Many also stayed on to see the winners receive their Cups and Trophies presented by our Chairman, Mrs Ann Travers.
Our Show Secretary, Don Faircloth, thanked all those who had made the Show a success and also said it was encouraging to see a new non-member enter for the first time and win a Cup, also a member exhibiting for the first time.
Our Summer Show will be held in St Mary's Centre, Grassmere Close, Felpham, on 18th July 2 pm. All welcome to exhibit and attend.
The next meeting of the Society is on Thursday 26th March, St Mary's Centre, 7.30pm when Stephen Harmer will talk on the Ars & Crafts Movement and its Gardens. Visitors most welcome.
See www.fand mhs.co.uk. facebook.com/fandmhs.