A MARROW weighing an impressive 30lbs stole the show at a celebration of harvest held at a Wokingham church earlier this month.
St Paul’s Parish Rooms on Reading Road was once again the venue for the Wokingham Horticultural Association’s quarterly event, showcasing the efforts of its green-fingered members.
There were a wide range of classes on offer for the contest, covering everything from flowers to vegetables with home baking and fruits also in contention. Children were able to enter some of their own categories too.
A special class open only to men asked them to create cheese scones and the winner, Nigel Booth, created a savoury treat that judges described as “perfect”.
It was Mr Booth’s first show and the Association said that it always welcomes new exhibitors. Also making their debut were Paul Jarvis and Robin Goddard, all three of whom did very well.
The Association said that its plant and produce stalls did a steady trade all afternoon, selling out of local eggs, honey, lemon curd and homemade cakes donated by members.
Association President, Richard Gillings, congratulated winners as he presented cups and certificates, and the afternoon concluded with drawing the raffle.
Rachael Norwood won a prize for guessing the name of the WHA scarecrow (Bertie Bedstraw) who had been created by members of the Craft Group to enter the Hurst Show in August this year.
WHA Chairman, Tony Eggleston, said that the afternoon had been a success despite the damage caused to garden flowers by the recent thunderstorms. He said that all gardeners like to blame the weather, but Thursday’s rainfall was exceptional. He also thanked everyone who had worked so hard to put on the Autumn Show.
The Association is now preparing for the start of its winter talks series, which will take place at the Bradbury Centre on the second Tuesday of the month from 7.45pm.
At the first of these, on October 11, Richard Gillings will share his knowledge of daffodil growing in the UK. He is a member of the Daffodil Society and also their Show Manager.
For more details, log on to www.w-h-a.org.uk
