AUTUMN SHOW

Despite a summer that was first hot and dry and then wet, the gardeners of Ash & District produced a memorable show, as commented on by the judge: “The standard of the show entries was excellent. Please do let your participants know their produce look great and would certainly hold their own at a national show!”  It was a memorable year for apples with 10 entries, won by the Grannie Smiths entered by Val McCulloch. There were fewer flower entries, reflecting the weather conditions, although there was a good display of dahlias. The flower arranging classes proved popular, with a new member, Sue Towndrow, winning two of the three classes.

The prizewinners at the Autumn Show 2025 (l-r)

Janet Giles: Salutation Cup for best dahlia; Sue Towndrow:  Charles Petley Rose Bowl for best floral art; Peter Ellis:  John Beer Cup for best onion; Linda Ellis:  Bates Cup for best exhibit in the Flower classes, and the Jean Grugeon Award for best pot plant; Christine Brown: White Cup for best exhibit of roses, RHS Banksian Medal for most points in the flower classes;  Helen Higginson:  Evelyn Rumney Cup for best first time entrant; Gary Bradbury:  Open Challenge Cup for most points in the Show; Linda Miller: Photographic Cup;  Liz Rath: Society Cup for best fruit exhibit;   Mike Humphrey: George Hills Cup Best for vegetables (squash); Suzy Rowe (not pictured): Nina Vallack cookery prize. At the front: Ian Venables’ pumpkin, awarded the prize for the biggest vegetable.