Organisers of this year’s autumn flower show in Abbots Langley have hailed it is as “the best yet”.
The sun shone as record numbers of visitors flocked to the Abbots Langley Gardening Society’s annual show in Henderson Hall.
The popular event featured a dazzling array of entries in categories which included everything from flower and vegetable growing, to handicrafts, baking and photography.
Secretary Jane Lay said: “This has been the best show the society has held for many years with an increase of 50 entries.
“The committee was panicking that they may run out of tables to show all the exhibits but luckily extra tables were found. The day ran very smoothly. We had record numbers who came to visit this year.”
Chairman of the Parish Council Councillor David Major presented trophies to new and current members.
Jane and Leon Lay again produced an abundance of “beautiful” dahlias while Keith Gissing, Carol Higgs and new entrant Brenda Verge also impressed with their lovely displays.
Roger Silvester and John Beaumont came up trumps again with their vegetables.
Doreen Higgs continued her winning strike with her cooking exhibits and a big surprise of the day came from John Tapster who’s tasty Christmas chutney not only impressed the judges but the ladies too.
Lynda Sutherland's photograph displaying a close-up shot of a bee in a flower secured her two cups.
The Lay family scooped the Challenge Plate after scoring the most points in the show.
Mrs Lay said she was pleased to see that two children had entered this year and hoped that more would be encouraged to enter in future.
The society holds social meetings every third Thursday in the month at the Manor House Sports and Social Centre. The next speaker will be Stuart Phillips talking about the secrets and mysteries of pruning on Thursday, September 17.
RESULTS:
BEST IN SHOW
DAHLIAS Gentry Cup: LEON LAY
ROSES Bert Cooper cup: JANE LAY
FLOWERS Leon G Lay Trophy: KEITH GISSING
FRUIT Norman Cup: CHRIS BROMWICH
VEGETABLES John Peaty Cup: JOHN BEAUMONT
ART/CRAFT Faulconer Vase: JO BROMWICH
DECORATIVE Silver Cup: CAROL HIGGS
HOUSEHOLD Crownshaw Cup: JOHN TAPSTER
YOUNG EXHIBITOR Barry Highland Cup: CHARLOTTE JEAVONS
PHOTOGRAPH Val Beattie Cup: LYNDA SUTHERLAND
EXHIBITORS GAINING THE MOST POINTS
DAHLIA Drusilla Dennis Chalice: LEON AND JANE LAY
ROSE Walter Ashby: CAROL HIGGS
FLOWER Jane Lay Chalice: BRENDA VERGE
FRUIT/VEG Kitchingman Trophy: ROGER SILVESTER
ART/CRAFT/PHOTOGRAPHS Silver Cup: LYNDA SUTHERLAND
DECORATIVE Henderson Cup: CAROL HIGGS
HOUSEHOLD Doreen Higgs Cup: DOREEN HIGGS
YOUNG EXHIBITOR 4 - 7 YRS Silver Cup: ARCHIE JEAVONS
YOUNG EXHIBITOR 8 - 12 YRS Silver Cup: CHARLOTTE JEAVONS
STEWART CHALLENGE PLATE
First:LAY
Second:HIGGS
Third:SILVESTER
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