By Isle of Wight Observer
Last Saturday’s Freshwater Summer Show was pronounced a huge success, with hundreds of visitors to the Jubilee Field, next to West Wight Sports Centre.
The main attraction, the flower show, was held in a marquee for the first time in many years. Outside stalls sold a vast array of local produce, including flavoured vodka, cider and apple juice, honey, garden plants, crafts and fudge. There was also a popular dog show. Refreshments were served by volunteers from the Freshwater Horticultural Society (FHS).
Show manager, Darren Everest, who writes the IW Observer’s gardening column, his wife, Dawn, chairman of FHS, and the show committee have worked tirelessly over the last few months to organise and set up the show in its new venue. They attracted more than 380 exhibits, many of very high quality, from 61 exhibitors.
The judges said they had their work cut out and were extremely impressed with the standards on display, in flowers, vegetables, floral art, home baking, handicraft, photography and children’s classes.
Darren said: “The show has blown us both away. We had a vision in our heads of what we wanted to achieve, but it far exceeded our expectations.
“We would like to thank everyone that has helped make the show such a huge success. I would personally like to thank the exhibitors, for without them we wouldn’t have a show. Flower and vegetable growers have produced some amazing exhibits in another difficult growing season. We had some new exhibitors, showing for the first time and they have thoroughly enjoyed themselves and won some prizes so hopefully they will be back again next year.”
The major awards were: Dr P A Knill-Jones Cup – most points in the show: James Kingswell, C Holland Besley Cup – best exhibit in show: Vida Yalden, Freshwater Cup – most points in dahlia classes: Darren Everest, Hume Cup – best exhibit in novice dahlia class: James Kingswell, Hilton Barlow Cup – best vase of dahlias: Darren Everest, Pinfold Cup – best exhibit in roses: Simon Burrough, Charles Bound Cup – most points for fruit: Geoff Harris, Chalk Cup – best collection of vegetables: Ron Willis, Saunders Challenge Cup – basket of vegetables: Janet Haire, Causeway Cup – two plates of potatoes: Di Plumley, Rees Cup – master gardener: James Kingswell, Revd Puntan Cup – most points in horticultural classes: James Kingswell, FHS Cup – most points in floral art: Helen Hunt, Mrs E Ward – class 81 floral art: Scilla Rolison, Mrs Pink Cup – class 83 floral art: Helen Hunt, Hilarious Jarman Cup – most points in cookery: Jackie Ridley, RHS Banksian medal – most points in horticultural section: James Kingswell, National Dahlia Society Silver Medal – best dahlias exhibit: Darren Everest, NDS Bronze Medal – best vase of dahlias: Darren Everest.