PICTURES: Rustington spring show

Abi Pendleton won the Knight Cup for her flower arrangement in a cup and saucer. Picture: Claudio Valentini

Nonetheless, some survived and the Woodlands Centre was filled with a beautiful spring show of daffodils, tulips, primroses, hellebores and many flowering shrubs.

Alison Valentini, show secretary, said: “The narcissi exhibitors succeeded in staging almost 100 vases of blooms, many of which were scented giving the gentle aroma of spring as visitors arrived.

“As always, the photography and cookery classes were popular, as were the homemade cakes, giving visitors the chance to relax and enjoy the floral art exhibits in the John de Bohun room.”

Mandy Gait won the Jack Hesling Trophy for her vase of narcissi. Picture: Claudio Valentini

The number of exhibitors was higher than usual, with ten children entering, as well as new adult exhibitors, many of whom were successful on their first attempt.

The show, while successful, was tinged with sadness as it followed the sudden death of Eric Norrell, one of its key helpers and exhibitors, earlier this month.

Alison added: “His partner, Christine Fry, despite her grief, helped with the show and this should not go unrecognised.”

Cup winners were Alasdair MacCulloch, Daffodil Society Bronze Medal for best single narcissus bloom; Gilbert Parry, best vase of narcissi and most points in narcissi and flower classes; Mick Marshall, best vegetable exhibit; Mandy Gait, best novice entry in narcissi; Dave Napper, best exhibit in horticultural sections and most points in cactus and succulent classes; Marie Keet, most points in floral art; David Donovan, most points in cookery classes; Linda Allardyce, most points in handicraft classes; Claudio Valentini, best exhibit in photography and art; Ethan Lecuyer, most points in young persons classes; Abi Pendleton, best young persons exhibit.

Alasdair MacCulloch, known as Mac, won the Gilbert Parry Cup for the best vase of narcissi. Picture: Claudio Valentini

Other first prize winners were: Anne Adams, Babs Blake, Julie Churcher, Carolyn Clam, Glynne Collins, Krishnan Davidson, Sylvia Hesling, Isabelle Layt, Julie MacCulloch, Margaret Maroney, Rohan Mills, Carmel Pardi, Mavis Potten, Michelle Potten, Eileen Rickard, Sue Rylands, Louis Staniford, Jenny Starns, David Stubbings, Alison Valentini and Barry Bezants.

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