First the bad news: dahlia and open vegetable entries were right down.
This was a sign of the changing times and circumstances plus some bad luck and it resulted in many empty classes – not a sight that we want to see. Now the good news: some of the newer slightly different classes attracted good entries so the show benches were nicely filled.
Absolutely anything in a pot that can be carried or towed into the hall seems to be growing in popularity.
Star of the pot plant show was Maggie Martins scarlet-flamed Mandevilla “Bella” or
Peruvian Vine which justly won her a first prize.
The hall was filled with autumn scents and colours by 10.30am when judging began. It had
taken a great deal of work by many volunteers to reach that point. Later over 250 visitors
enjoyed the spectacle and Junes team of afternoon tea helpers did a roaring trade as did all
the attractions around the hall.
The best dahlia was Allan Chivers Oatwood Goldcrest. The Floral Art was a fantastic
backdrop with titles of “Any Old Iron” “Autumn Fire” and “Tapestry of Colour”. Debbie
Hick won the Floral Art Bowl and the Judges Personal Choice Diploma with her colourful
and atmospheric representation of fire showing the movement of flames using Strelitza Bird
of Paradise flowers with simulated charred wood and ash. Sue Varley presented a stunning
vase of mixed dahlias Wendy Sandham won the fuchsia trophy with a beautiful plant and
Malcolm Sprinks large cactus decided to produce not one but two amazing one-day blooms
for his and our delight on 6th again following the popularity of anything in a pot the cactus garden class has developed from simple beginnings to an art form. Hotly contested Show Manager Norman Newtons prickly arrangement was the winner. John Larks pomegranate tree in a pot had produced fruits for the first time. There was a good display of orchids. (I must neglect mine it seems to work!) Jersey Lilies Amaryllis Belladonna have bloomed early and there was a lovely display.
There were massive onions from Gordon Cooper a perfect cucumber from David Johnstomatoes chillies peppers and squashes in profusion. Chilli plants in pots are proving
popular at the late summer shows another patio plant enthusiasm.
Some juniors presented chocolate chip cookies. The judges comment on Florence
Robinsons stated “Looks good and tastes good.” The Heaviest and Longest section is
always of interest. There was a 5.5kg beetroot an 11kg pumpkin a 41.5cm runner bean and
a Skipper Trophy-winning 4.5kg onion. The Cookery section was a delight to behold with
such classes as Coffee Walnut Gateau and Lemon Sponge and well entered. Savoury dishes
are now a problem as so many ingredients such as rice meat fish and cream cannot be used
because of Health and Safety.
September!
The handicrafts were well represented. Michelle Fullers papercraft tree and crochet work
stood out as did Barry Saddingtons coffee table and Linda Jones jacket but the craft items
entered were all of a very high standard showing the talent of Hayling Islanders.
June Kemp and her band of helpers kept the teas and donated homemade cakes flowing all
afternoon in the tea room. A big thank you to all who made the delicious donations. Thank
you as well to June and her team for providing a lovely lunch for the judges stewards and
volunteers.
The prizes and trophies were presented by Howard Clark Leader of our very successful
Growing Together Project for 3 years. Thank you to Audrey White who reclaims sorts and
polishes the trophies and arranges he engraving afterwards. A very tired team of volunteers
packed away the show at the end of the day with lots of work still to be done during the
following weeks – holding a post-show meeting sorting everything out and planning for
2015.
Jan Mitchell
