Wide variety of entries at Billingshurst Horticultural Society Flower Show despite drought conditions
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Billingshurst Horticultural Society staged its annual Flower Show at The Community Centre on Sat 15 August 2026. The Show attracted 53 exhibitors with 411 entries. Horticultural exhibits were, not surprisingly, fewer in number due to the drought-like conditions of recent weeks. Nevertheless, exhibitors produced a wide range of vegetable & floral entries. David Stevens was the runaway winner in the horticultural classes, winning 6 Cups, including the Kingston Trophy for the best entry, a display of vegetables in a trug or basket. Daphne Drabble won the Dugdale Trophy for overall winner in the Flower Classes and the Ladies Cup for Lady with most points in Show.
Ro Jennings retained the Puttock Memorial Cup for Floral Art and won a diploma for her entry “Shades of One Colour”.
The Howard Cup for non-NAFAS floral art was won by Rosie Osgood.
Cookery Classes were well supported, with Ro Jennings retaining the Coronation Cup for most points and being awarded a diploma for her Victoria Sponge.
A wide range of excellent craftwork was on display. Sheila Partington was awarded a diploma for her painting of a winter scene and Lisa Brazier for a favourite drawing. The overall section winner was Pearl Budgen. Entry numbers increased significantly to 73 this year.
The newly donated Society Photography Cup for most points in Show was won by Ray Chick. The Eve McHugh Award for best photograph went to Annabel Hurley. The photography section contained many entries of high quality.
The Junior Cup winner was Rosie Osgood age 11. Mabel Roberts, age 7 was awarded a diploma for a striking “Seaside Collage”, featuring seashells.
Three Billingshurst W.I. Cups were awarded to members: Madeleine Woods for cookery, Pearl Budgen for craft and Melanie Roberts for most points in Show. The Billingshurst W.I. trophies were presented by W.I. President, Mrs Denise Waller.
Other features of the Show included a raffle, wine-box, chocolate tombola and cake stall.
The Society extends sincere thanks to all the exhibitors for supporting the Show despite the prolonged hot weather and hope others will be encouraged to enter next year. The date for the diary is 21 August 2027.
Show schedules & entry forms will be at the usual place, Austens Homehardware, nearer the time.
The help of the Committee and Society members in staging and manning the Show is, as always, greatly appreciated.