By Isle of Wight Observer
Freshwater Horticultural Society held its Spring Show at the Methodist Church, on Saturday, with exhibitors filling the room with many wonderful entries, from. stunning spring flowers to handicraft, home baking, floral art, photography and children’s classes.
The competition amongst the daffodil growers was fierce. Liz Prior, from Chillerton, won the Best Bloom in the Show, with her vase of ‘Ombersley’, a division one (Trumpet) daffodil. She just pipped the IW Observer’s gardening columnist, Darren Everest, into second place, with his bloom of ‘Cameo Joy’.
Darren, however, didn’t go away empty-handed, as he took the Daffodil Society Bronze Medal for the Best Exhibit for his vase of ‘Goldhanger’, and the cup for the most points in the daffodil classes.
There were some superb entries in the other categories, of which the impressed judges. Vida. Yalden won the Best Exhibit in Handicraft for some incredible embroidery, and also the trophy for most points in Handicraft.
Sheryl Coombs won the trophy for most points in Cookery, and the Best Exhibit for her Lemon Curd. Helen Hunt won the trophy for most points inthe Floral Art, but Sue Cox won the Best Exhibit for her miniature arrangement.
Marion Wagner won the Best Exhibit in Photography, and impressed the judge so much that he awarded her a Gold Certificate.
Elsie Rudge won the Best Exhibit in the Children’s classes. Although not part of the competition there was a large display of daffodils put up by Darren using all his spare blooms. The judge awarded this a Silver Award.
Show manager, Darren, said: “What a fantastic day it has been. After a long and difficult winter it’s lovely to have the Spring Show to look forward, too, and the exhibitors and visitors alike have helped make my day.
“The visitors must have enjoyed the splendid selection of cakes, which were home-made by our committee and volunteers, as there were very little left at the end of the day. I must say a huge thank you to the committee, volunteers and, of course, the exhibitors for helping make this show a huge success. Let’s now look ahead to the Summer Show, and try and make this bigger and better than ever before!”
