Quality show displays despite bad weather

Debbie Lawrence with her spring offering PHOTOS: Louise Adams LA1500018-3

Three newcomers were among the 37 exhibitors who staged a total of 229 entries, an all-round increase over last year’s show, and rewarded with a turnout of 100 visitors.

The narcissus classes were well supported, and one for three hellebore florets, floated on water, attracted 11 entries, demonstrating the garden worthiness of the modern introductions in this group of plants. Other classes with good numbers included polyanthus, herbaceous border plants and cut shoots of flowering trees and shrubs, pot plants including succulents, vases of herbs and an assortment of vegetables.

The flower arrangements may not have been numerous, but still demonstrated the skills required to win prizes. The cookery classes began with an excellent array of jars of marmalade, with bread rolls, quiche, fruit cake and confectionery also in the schedule. There was a resurgence of interest in the photographic section, with several participants entering all available classes. Small numbers of exhibits were staged in the handicraft and children’s sections.

David Stubbings works on his floral design LA1500018-2

Supporting this successful show were various side stalls, including a well-patronised bottle tombola, local honey producers, cakes, breads and preserves, the forecast of the day’s television lottery bonus-ball and the obligatory raffle. The kitchen was kept busy serving teas, coffees and slices of cake.

The event was brought to a close with an auction of donated produce and the presentation of trophies by society vice-chairman Vicky Millis. Alistair MacCulloch, who had travelled from the Brighton area with his fine narcissus entries, received the Harry March Cup, and show secretary, David Donovan retained the Pratt Trophy for cookery prizes. Cerys Hier, six, was awarded the Junior Spring Cup as the most successful child exhibitor.

This was the society’s first competitive event of the year, and the friendly rivalry will be renewed at the early summer show on June 20, also at Yapton Village Hall.

First prize winners: David Stubbings, Terry Booker, Alistair MacCulloch, David Donovan, Barry Bezants, Elaine Cordingley, Anne Hollis, Irene Jordan, Mary Carmel Pardi, Debbie Lawrence, Diane Booker, Peter Maynard, Malcolm Paradine, Joan Jackson, Judy Barratt, Eva Pendreich, Jennie Pay, John Knight, Alan Thew, Shirley July, Patricia Dawson, Cerys Hier and Amy Hunt.

Full results can be found on the society’s website, www.yaptongardeners.co.uk