Beautiful displays at Felpham and Middleton Flower and Produce Show despite heatwave

The show was a success despite the heatwave conditions. Without rain so many of the exhibit categories were hit because the plants were past their best, but members of the Horticultural Society still managed to fill St Mary's Hall with fabulous colour and scent.

The floral art tables were full of designs under Exotica, Fruity Autumn and a petite Arrangement in a Shell. The dahlia classes were magnificent with blooms ranging from the smallest pom-pom through to the huge cactus variety, and the orchids were pristine, with one entry from Paula Puleston winning Best Orchid in show and Most Outstanding Horticultural Exhibit.

The fruit and vegetable tables were covered by beans, peppers, tomatoes, carrots, onions and potatoes, apples and rhubarb. While the cookery tables were laden with cakes, flans, flapjacks, jams, pickles and chutneys all beautifully presented.

See pictures from the event here.

Despite dedicating so much of their time to perfecting their flowers and produce, the members still had time for handicraft and presented a selection of quilts, hand made jewellery, papercraft, paintings and more.

After the long absence due to Covid restrictions, the Society had a successful day, with organisers saying that the only disappointment was the lack of children's exhibits which they hope was a one off occurrence.

Trophies awarded on the day included:

Kane Challenge Cup – Margaret B Howard; Salmon Cup – Sandra Dean and Linda Wilson jointly; Horsfield Cup – Anna Hawkes; Photography Cup – Don Faircloth; Diamond Jubilee Cup – Margaret B Howard; West Sussex Flower Club Trophy – Sandra Dean; Pam Grant Cup – Ivy Harding; Beryl Allen Plate – Paula Puleston; Jescot Cup – Pauline Scrace; Norman Beeson Cup – Pauline Scrace; Carter-Clout Cup – Sandra Dean; Clarke Cup – Sandra Dean; Kane Cup – Sandra Dean; Manor House Trophy – Sandra Dean; The Banksian Medal – Sandra Dean; Adames Cup – Paula Puleston.

The society’s next meeting this year is on Thursday, September 22 at St Mary's Hall when Rosy Hardy will be hosting a talk on Autumn Plants.