By Isle of Wight Observer
A day of fun, games and the serious business of the Brighstone Horticultural Society’s (BHS) Summer Show. It took place at Warne Lane school playing field on Saturday.
It was the first time since 2022 the event had been held outside, and also featured stalls, swing-boats, a coconut shy, ice cream, a refreshment bar and tent, entertainments from a variety of local dance and music acts, classic cars and tractor and free children’s craft activities.
Co-chairman, Elaine Squire, said: “Since taking over the running of the BHS in 2023, there’s been a lot of enthusiasm for our Spring, Summer and Autumn indoor shows – they’ve far exceeded our initial expectations in terms of the number and quality of entries.
“We agreed to run an outdoor summer show as a trial this year, in response to feedback around the village, and our aim was to make it a real community event with other village organisations, like the WI, Social Club and School benefitting from it.
“With more than entries from 122 entrants, the horticultural marquee was filled to the brim and there were lots of happy smiling faces, enjoying a day out in the sun with friends and neighbours.
“Earlier in the year we gave two seed potatoes, a bag and growing instructions to anyone willing to have a go, and possibly enter a potato society challenge class at the show.
“Judging was based on weight of potatoes alone, and competition was friendly but fierce – we were absolutely delighted that 29 people were brave enough to enter and now we hope they go home and enjoy eating the fruits of their labour!”
Results: Best in Show, Adam Peckham Cup (best handicraft entry) and the People’s Choice Award: Bob Castle for his wooden ark. Waytescourt Cup, most points: James Kingswell, including six other vegetable cups (onions, potatoes, best vegetable exhibit, most points in vegetable classes and different best collections of vegetables).
Newnham Cup, best tomatoes or cucumbers: Ron Willis; Rachel Cup, fruit classes: Gretel Stanley; Debney Cup, best flower: Sarah Long; Centenary Cup, rose: Di Whitelock; Harry Cole Cup, sweet peas: Liz Prior; Doug Sibbick Cup, gladioli: Liz Prior; Hollis Jubilee Cup, vase of flowers or flowering shrub: Darren Everest; Harry Cole Memorial Trophy, most points in flower classes: Simon Burrough; Cooke Cup, most points in pot plant classes: Mark Larter; Village Society Shield, floral art exhibit: Janet Larter; D A Marshall Cup, floral art classes: Sue Cox.
Gold Cup, best bowl of floating flowers: Sue Cox; Cookery Cup: G Joy; Williamson Cup, handicraft classes: Carys Gladdish; Rector’s Trophy, photography: Verity Bird; Wine Cup: Mark Larter; Beagle Memorial Wine Cup, most points in wine classes: Mark Larter; Hayes Cup, best children’s floral art exhibit: Helena Palmer; Bradley Cup, best children’s photographic exhibit: Connor Hollis; Salter Cup, most points in children’s cookery classes: Edmund Williams/Charlotte Warvill; Children’s Cup, best children’s handicraft exhibit: Molly Herbert; Frank Manison Cup, most points in show (children’s classes): Edmund Williams.
Isle of Wight Observer