THERE was plenty of budding talent at a borough gardening show in St Paul’s Parish Rooms at the weekend.
Organisers of Wokingham Horticultural Association’s (WHA) Summer Show say the standard of exhibits was high, and they are pleased the event attracted new visitors.
Janet Gordon, WHA Secretary, said: “It went very well, and we had a lot of new faces which is always good.
“And we had more children participating, and coming to the show.”
Town mayor, Cllr Rob Comber, presented the prizes and, accompanied by WHA chair Lindsey Paine, chatted with the exhibitors and visitors.
“Previous town mayor, Cllr Sally Gurney was also there, and caused a bit of fun when she and her partner drew two winning tickets in the raffle,” said Ms Gordon.
“The standard of the exhibits was high; and there were fabulous flower arrangements and single blooms.
“The roses and sweet peas at this time of year are always outstanding.
“Terry Miller and Carl Curtis engaged in some friendly rivalry, both being excellent in their chosen classes – Terry is the sweet pea master and Carl excelled with his roses.
“Terry won the Wilson Flower Trophy, awarded for most points in the flower section not sweet peas and roses, beating Carl by just one point.”
Life President Jenny Gilbert won a cup for her vase of mixed flowers, and Doreen Hogston’s flower arrangements won the Greenfield Cup.
Lorna Atkins-Murphy’s display, Woodland Walk, won the Visitors Choice prize.
“The flower arrangements really were works of art, and very much summer themed,” Ms Gordon said.
“There was a delightful use of materials and plants, and a riot of colour and perfume.”
Young exhibitors at the event showed themselves to be budding gardeners and artists.
Amelia Downes, aged 8, did exceptionally well, winning four first prizes, The Southfield School Summer Cup, and a certificate of merit for her hand-picked arrangement in an unusual container.
“She’s a talent to be reckoned with in the future,” said Ms Gordon.
Mary Gillan won the Wallis Cup for the most points in the domestic section, which includes baking and preserves.
Ms Gordon thanks Tesco Wokingham, for kindly donating raffle prizes, and the WHA team serving tea and homemade cakes throughout the afternoon.”
The association holds four horticultural shows annually, and offers its members a programme of meetings and social activities.
Members can visit the group’s trading store at Ormonde Road allotment on Wednesdays and Sundays from 10.30am until 12.30pm.
For more information, visit: www.w-h-a.org.uk
