Blooming delights at Spring Show

Paul Sedgwick, society press officer, said: “Although the weather in the weeks leading up to the show included a prolonged cold spell attributed to ‘The Beast from the East’ there were a stunning variety of daffodil and other narcissus exhibits of excellent quality giving the judges a difficult task to determine the winners in each class. The judge was particularly impressed with exhibits of the newer varieties of pure white and pale lemon daffodils which are extremely difficult to exhibit without blemish.

“The other horticultural classes were generally well supported although the weather had taken a toll with the absence of any pansies or rhubarb, classes which usually attract a large number of entries. Classes for Hellebores, Camellia and Orchids each attracted a large number of entrants.

“The floral art classes attracted a particularly high standard of entries. The winner of the ‘For my mother’ class was a delightful collection of Dianthus, Michaelmas daisies, Chrysanthemums and Lyzianthus, all in carefully arranged in a wicker basket. The ‘Easter parallel’ class winner featured a yellow arrangement of and Chrysanthemums, daffodils, roses and freesia, punctuated with maroon Chrysanthemum and blue iris, incorporating a miniature nest and topped with a couple of model hens. The petite ‘Look Closer’ was won by a delicate arrangement of tiny flowers which encouraged visitors to do just that! The novice class, ‘Springtime’ produced a simple but stunning arrangement of daffodils and tulips in a basket, which was also judged ‘best in show’.

“Intricate and accomplished exhibits made up the handicraft classes with excellent skills demonstrated in knitting, needlework and art. The cookery classes were also well supported with some mouth-watering cakes and preserves. The three photography classes attracted high quality entrants with some very different interpretations of the class titles!

“The classes for seven years and under and eight to 14 years produced excellent entries and demonstrated the creativity of the youngsters.

“Visitors to the show enjoyed the visual experience of the exhibits and the unmistakable fragrance of spring!”

The Alan Twaites Memorial Trophy went to Mac MacCulloch, for the most outstanding exhibit in daffodil classes. Mac also took home The Daffodil Society Medal for most points in daffodil classes, as well as The Rossiter Cup for the most outstanding horticultural exhibit. Ann Travers won the Travers Trophy, for most points in flower classes excluding daffodils, while the Patsy Foster Trophy went to Pat Smith for best orchid in show. The Rossiter Cup for the most outstanding horticultural exhibit. The Ball Trophy or best exhibit in floral art went to Linda Wilson, while the Salmon Tankard for most points in cookery classes went to Ann Travers. Sue Abbot took home the James Cup for most points in handicrafts, while Pauline Scrace was awarded the Felpham and Middleton Horticultural Society Trophy for the most points in show. The Children’s Awards went to Jessica Willmott in the seven years and under category, and to Sally Atkins in the eight to 14 category.

The society’s Rose and Sweet Pea Show will take place on Saturday, June 16, at St Mary’s Centre, from 2-4.30pm.