By Isle of Wight Observer
James Kingswell swept the board in the vegetable category at the Haylands Horticultural Show, at the Ryde United Reformed Church last Saturday.
James’ entries included Best Vegetable for his giant carrots and Best in Show, also for the carrots. Andrew Nightingale, though, continued his dominance in the Dahlia Classes, pipping James to the trophy by a single point.
Ian Stock continued his fine form in the Chrysanthemum classes, winning the Terrence Drudge Cup, in honour of the former Church gardener and club member who passed away in 2023.
Despite the weather being indecisive, the show attracted 258 exhibits from 37 exhibitors in 88 classes over six sections. Entries were down on last year, notably due to the deaths of two stalwart exhibitors, Tony Fowler and Gerry Smith, who were remembered during a moment of reflection prior to the prize-giving, led by Rev Brian Harley.
Show secretary, Martin Stock, said: “It was great to see the bright array of entries once again. The flowers, and particularly the large number and variety of dahlias, were simply awesome, and who could forget those carrots!
“As well as a wonderful display of cakes and handicrafts, it was good to see a number of entries from the reception class at Haylands Primary School, whose face masks were a real delight to see.”
Main winners: Show Cups: Rose Bowl (most points in Floral Art): Mrs M Cope; Gatrell Cup; Dahlia Cup: A Nightingale; Terrence Drudge Chrysanthemum Cup: I Stock; Best Flower Exhibit, A Nightingale; Best Foliage Plant, S Woods; Fred Jolliffe Memorial Trophy (Fuchsia): A Nightingale; Cup for most points: J Kingswell.
J Sims Cup (most points, Cookery): Mrs J Carlin; Ryde URC Cup: Mrs A Keefe; Preserves Tray: J Kingswell.
Shackleton Trophy (Vegetables): J Kingswell; Jubilee collection: J Kingswell; Jolliffe Trophy (Onions): J Kingswell; Jolliffe Trophy (Potatoes): J Kingswell; Festival of Britain Cup (Tomatoes): J Kingswell; Scammel Cup (best Veg): J Kingswell.
Photography Cup: B Cope; John Garner Cup (most points Handicraft): Mrs G Earley; Jolliffe Cup (Best Exhibit in the Show): J Kingswell.
Mal Butler 
Tilly Walder