Show goes on despite strong winds

Horsham & District Horticultural Society had a near disaster on their hands following the gale force winds which devastated members' gardens on the weekend prior to the annual Spring Show on Saturday, April 2.
Horsham Horticultural Society president President Bob Taylor with Carolyn SmithHorsham Horticultural Society president President Bob Taylor with Carolyn Smith
Horsham Horticultural Society president President Bob Taylor with Carolyn Smith

Many flowers and plants had been ruined and therefore unfit to be exhibited. At the closing time for entries on the Thursday before the show only 20 entries had been submitted.

At this stage the committee seriously considered cancelling the event, but after appealing to members to ‘save the show’ a magnificent array of 120 exhibits were staged.

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Contestants entered their daffodils, spring flower arrangements, potted plants, handicraft and cookery exhibits at North Heath Hall, St Mark’s Lane. Carolyn Smith was the winner of the Weald Cup for the highest number of points gained by an individual exhibitor.

The judging of the horticultural entries was undertaken by Mr Peter Cooper and the domestic and handicraft entries by Mrs Gill Mansell. The society’s president, Mr Bob Taylor, presented the awards.

Vice chairman Lynda Ashby said: “This was the first show staged after Mr Geoffrey Kirk, show secretary for the last ten years, had retired from the post.

“However we were very grateful Mr Kirk was still on hand throughout the day to give advice and act as steward whilst the judging was taking place.”

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The society is currently looking for a new show secretary to take on this important role. Applications should be made through our website www.horshamhorticulturalsociety.co.uk

n STANLEY CUP

For the best exhibit in classes 1-7 -Daffodils/Narcissi - Janet Girdlestone

n IRENE CRACKSTON CUP

For the best exhibit in classes 8-11 - Pot Plants - Molly Gould

n RON BALL CUP

For the best exhibit in classes 12-14 - Cacti/ Succulents - Carolyn Smith

n SPRING FLORAL CUP

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For the best exhibit in classes 15-18 - Spring Flowers - Molly Gould

n SECRETARY’S CUP

For the best exhibit in classes 19-21 - Petite Arrangement - Janet Girdlestone

n WOODS MILL CUP

For the best exhibit in classes 22-23 - Shrubs etc. - Margaret Rogers

n DOMESTIC TROPHY

For the most points in classes 25-30 - Cookery - Sue Hammond

n BUTCHER’S TROPHY

For the best exhibit in classes 31-32 - Best Handicraft - Eileen Sendall

n WEALD CUP

For the highest number of points gained by an individual exhibitor in whole show - Carolyn Smith