This year proved something of a challenge for exhibitors with variable weather making growing conditions difficult, some fruit and vegetables being way ahead of the usual and some days or even weeks behind. It all meant our entries were just under half the normal numbers necessitating a reduction in table space to make it all look good. Come the day though quantity proved to have been sacrificed for quality and there were some superb exhibits, showing once again the Parish can hold its own.
Sadly there were not many entries in the children’s classes but there again the few who made the effort did some superb work and really impressed the Judges. The local schools made a lovely lot of gardens, William Gilpin's reflected their pupils interest in the plans for their school field with miniature wild life ponds, all wonderful and imaginative. South Baddesley, Key Stage One took the School’s trophy this year with Olivia Lightbody winning the Blakeway trophy for people 7 or under and Arran Small the Young Exhibitors award for older children, worthy winners both but caused the Judges some heartache in deciding winners from such very good entries.
In the open classes standards were again high with large entries of Broad Beans and potatoes in particular. The cake, an old Edwardian recipe, was something of a novelty and raised a few problems but it results in a good cake which keeps well, I guess our predecessors needed that without all our modern amenities. The flower section made it’s usual splash of colour and scents the whole Hall as you enter, some beauties there too, and the geraniums provided by the Committee were a riot of colour, the nurseryman told me they made a good plant and he was right! Trophies this year went to Mrs. Ball, Mrs. Bolton, Mr. Gaylard, Mrs. Gibbons, Mrs. Grainger and Mr. Tanner with Mrs. K. Bailey and Mr. P. Grainger sharing the cup for the first time show entrants.
Here's a few photos from the event, showing the great exhibits. Hopefully this will inspire you to enter in 2016!
Another successful day but one which could not be achieved without the hard work of the people who volunteer to make it work, the Judges, Stewards, tea ladies, stallholders, the Shop who distribute schedules, all those who generously stay to help clear up and, not least, you who enter. We need you all to maintain our village tradition and character. The Committee are very grateful, next month we’ll start on next year's Show!
