By Isle of Wight Observer
A life-like felted red squirrel, by Diana Turner, drew admiration from everyone and was chosen as the best exhibit at the Niton & Whitwell Horticultural Society (NWHS) spring show, at Niton Village Hall, on Saturday.
More than 200 exhibits were entered, by 35 members, with the cookery classes drawing good entries with some fine hot-cross buns and Victoria sandwiches, and an ‘outstanding date and walnut loaf’, according to judge, Terri Butcher, who had the difficult job of choosing winners in each category.
The children’s efforts are always enjoyed by visitors, and rewarded by small cash prizes, whilst the skill of villagers is admired in the floral arrangements and handicraft.
The heart of the show is the displays of spring flowers, their scent filling the village hall, and reminding everyone that winter is over. NWHS, established in 1866, is the oldest horticultural society on the Island.
The summer show will be on September 13; new members are welcome, with a trophy of their own to encourage novices. The society has a Facebook page, or e-mail nitonwhitwellhortsociety@gmail.com for more details.
Winners: Horticultural: Sam Twining; Best individual bloom: Trevor Hooley; Floral arrangement: Mary McCallum; Cookery: Joint 1) Lucy Dabell and 2) Jan Grosvenor; Handicraft: Joint 1) Rose Burnett and 2) Jill Hodgson; Other handicraft and best exhibit in Show: Diana Turner; Children: Maisie Walker-Green; U-16 in adult classes: Maisie Walker-Green; Photography: Katie Walker-Green.