Even more entries for show

Three of the 33 exhibitors were newcomers.

The 11 creations staged by the flower arrangers drew much admiration from the 100 visitors for the varied interpretations of the class titles, and set the tone for the rest of the show.

The vases of sweet peas were of excellent quality and the roses were most competitive in the buttonhole class. Each entry in the pansy floret class was worthy of attention and the judge showed particular interest in the cacti and succulents and concluded his assessments with the fruit and vegetable entries.

The cookery classes were largely supported by men, as is now usual. There was a small children's entry but the photographic classes drew the attention with their varied images.

Despite rain falling in mid afternoon, the steady stream of visitors continued.

The choice of sidestalls included bedding plants, bunches of sweet peas, cactus seedlings, cakes, raffle and having a go on the day's lottery Bonus Ball television broadcast.

The tea bar did good business dispensing light refreshments and cream teas.

Many people remained at the close for the trophy awards.

Cottage Gardeners' chairman Roy Phillips, presented the Godfrey Challenge Cup to Stan Crouch who garnered most points in the rose classes, and committee member Alan Hunphrey took home the Hawthorn Trophy as the most successful sweet pea grower.

Anne Adams was presented with the Bill Payne Memorial Trophy for her excellent staging in the cactus and succulent classes, and for her two first prizes, 12-year-old Jessica Thew had enough to win the Junior Flower Cup.

The full results will be available to view at www.yaptongardeners.co. uk.

The annual show is set for August 11, with more than 170 classes in the schedule, and British Gladiolus Society (Sussex branch) members will be joining Yapton society participants in the marquee on the recreation ground.