THE August meeting is a very important one to the members of Fairfield (Dartford) Women’s Institute as they hold their produce show.

Members arrived carrying their garden produce, baking and home preserves and their craft items.

The three judges, Helen Wingrove (garden produce) Jean Garrett (cookery and preserves) and Melissa Cheeseman (craft) then have the difficult but enjoyable task of examining each entry.

While the judges went about their work, we discussed business and had tea and then the judges were ready.

Despite the hailstones last month, there was a good selection in all the classes, Helen said. Margaret Diplock had managed to produce 9lb 15oz from her seed potatoes and Sue Metcalf had grown the best verbena plant from a plug plant. 1) Caroline Limb 2) Judith Cheeseman 3) Melissa Cheeseman.

Jean Garrett was very impressed with the preserves and had some very helpful comments about all the exhibits.

She praised the winning entrances and explained why one item might have won over another by being careful about details and presentation. 1) Sue Metcalf 2) Jean Homer 3) Margaret Diplock.

Melissa stated the craft entries were very good and his year we had the decorated spoon as a new class. Pam Ide had won the Miriam Jowett Award for her Counted Thread Work. 1) Evelyn Matanle 2) Margaret Diplock 3) Maureen Williams.

The Institute’s Shield was won by 1) Margaret Diplock 2) Sue Metcalf 3) Caroline Limb Afterwards we all went to look at the exhibits and see how the different members’ entries had been done.

It was very interesting to see the different craft items and the photographs. Whether you entered or were a spectator you came away with the idea that next year you could have a go.

Never mind if your plant died or your victoria sponge did not rise, next year is another chance.

Next month: Flowers for Emma: A True Story Competition - a single flower Fairfield (Dartford) WI meets on the second Tuesday of the month at Dartford Grammar School for Girls, Shepherds Lane, at 7.30pm.