News

By Sally Coleman

The popular Autumn Gardeners Show staged annually by the Newington & District Gardeners took place on Saturday in Newington Village Hall.
 

This year was no exception with thirty three exhibitors and one hundred and ninety three exhibits the hall looked a picture firstly for the judges and then to welcome the visitors. The judges were very complimentary and said that they were impressed with both the quality and content of the exhibits.

The award for best in show went to John Packer for his potted plant. Ray Hill collected the most points in the show and was awarded the Hopper Points Challenge Cup. He also collected the Dan Hopper Memorial Cup for his collection of four vegetables and the Perrin Shield for 4 onions under 8oz.

At the other end of the spectrum Peter Taylor collected the Jorric Trophy for the 5 heaviest onions they tipped the scales at just short of sixteen pounds. Peter also collected the Red Ribbon for the best specimen Carrot. Bill Cross collected the Eurotunnel Cup for his collection of three vegetables.

In the floral section Ann Vincent won the Cynthia Weeks Floral Trophy for her floral exhibit entitled The Jewels of Autumn and the Elkington Memorial Bowl for a floral arrangement in a bowl. In the domestic classes Jean Brisley won the Members Points Trophy for most points in the members classes and the Domestic Points Trophy. Liz Harding won the J & W Baker trophy for her ‘all in one’ fruit cake.

The youngest prize winner of the day was Adam Howard who won the Harriet Cup for his design of a Halloween mask in the over 8yrs class.

During the afternoon the weighing of the heaviest pumpkin took place. This was won by Malcolm Brisley with a mean 67lb specimen followed very closely by Kirsty Howard

Show Secretary Jean Brisley said she was thrilled with the show. She went on to say ‘it is extremely satisfying to have such a good number of entries, but when you see the quality and mix that with the excellent weather you know you have a recipe for success’.