The 129th Flower Show and Fete, Family Fun for All was exactly that as many families of all generations, friends, visitors, villagers, and lots of new faces to the show spent the afternoon together viewing the exhibits in the marquee and enjoying the stalls at the fete or having a lovely cup of tea and homemade cake.

Lively music by Bennie-Vee added to the atmosphere, and I don’t know who enjoyed the Funky Puppet show the most – the children, adults or grandparents!

Alan Davies, our Vice-Chairman, had to coax his miniature steam engine into life, as she was a reluctant participant, but when full steam was achieved, she delighted many children and adults with rides.

The Flower Show Committee would like to sincerely apologise to everyone, especially the children, who came to the fete expecting to see the Birds of Prey and Pets Corner. Unfortunately, Roy Steggles, of Sperring Court Animal Rescue, has recently been unwell. We send him our best wishes for a speedy recovery, and Pets Corner could not attend for similar reasons.

Despite the weather this year, and a very difficult growing season, our gardeners and allotment holders turned up trumps. Exhibitor entry numbers for the show were up in all sections, producing some wonderful fruit, vegetables and flowers. This made for lots of deliberation and difficult decisions for the judges. They commented that the standard and quality in all sections were outstanding, especially the handicraft.

The Chairman, Rob Langley, welcomed everyone to the presentation, and once again thanked all the exhibitors for supporting the show. He also said it was lovely to see new exhibitors and visitors at the show. Rob introduced Brenda Fisher to a packed marquee, and thanked her for coming to present for the first time the new David Fisher Memorial Trophy in memory of her late husband. The Chairman and the committee were sad to hear that our President, Mrs Gay, was unwell, and she apologised that she couldn’t attend.

Mrs Fisher kindly agreed to present all the trophies and medals to the following: The Booth Cup for Fruit and Vegetables and RHS book for growing vegetables – Tim Bawden. The Dick Price Cup for Best Exhibit and a Whitstones Voucher – John Packer. The Garden News Shield for Best Top Tray – Lucy Bush. The Frank Millard Memorial Trophy for Runner Beans – Sharon Stallard. Alan Gill Memorial Cup for Flowers – Lucy Bush. The Muriel Gill Cup for Best Vase of Dahlias – Simon Bartlett. Best Exhibit – Rob Langley. John Wilmott Challenge Cup for Floral Art and Best Exhibit – Amy Langley. Pre-School Painting – Lorena Ingram. Colouring or Crayon Picture – Lorena Ingram. Tree Shape Collage – Lorena Ingram. Hedworth House Children’s Cup for most points (and £15 Entertainer voucher) – Cordelia Langley.

Frank Millard Trophy for Runner Up – Cicely Langley. Jack Fussell Cup for Best Miniature Garden – Abbie Lake. The Paddy Creton Art Cup – Autum Bentley-Smith. The Dennis Rendell Memorial Trophy for Best Exhibit – Suzanne Bentley-Smith. The Entertainer Trophy for 7–8 years – Spencer Massey; 9–10 years – Suzanne Bentley-Smith; 11–16 years – Abbie Lake. The Audrey Lane Cookery Cup (and Whitstones voucher) – Jane Dowel. The Marian Davies Memorial for Best Exhibit – Jane Dowel. The Ladies’ Needlecraft Cup (and a Midsomer Quilting Patchwork book and squares) – Joan Lee. The Gloria Jenkins Plate for Best Exhibit – Susan Lewis.

The David Fisher Memorial Trophy – Lauren Carver. Best Exhibit – Susan Lewis. The Glass Photography Trophy – Dan Massey. Best Exhibit in Photography – Augusta Bush. Children’s Photography, The Bob Turner Trophy and a Writhlington Leisure Family Swim Session – Millie Heal.

The Dawn Robinson Cup for Best Exhibit – Millie Heal. The Hanover Salver – Jane Dowel. The Carpenter Championship Trophy (and Charlton’s voucher) – Tim Bawden. The Gerald Lane Championship Cup (and G. Mitchard and Sons voucher) – Jane Dowel. The Centenary Trophy for Best Exhibit in Show (and a Surefit-it MOT voucher) – Susan Lewis.

The Chair and committee thank all exhibitors, stall holders, families, friends and everyone who gave their time, help, and support to make this a great day. Thanks to all who donated and stayed for the Auction and Chairman’s efforts for bolstering Flower Show Funds.

The Committee are already planning the 130th Flower Show on 17th August 2019 – and have arranged a Fun Quiz Night on 3rd November and a Jumble Sale on Saturday, 2nd February 2019.

Helen Gulliford