A traditional English afternoon is on offer at a horticultural show in Hurst which attracts around 450 people each year.
The 111th Hurst Horticultural Show on Saturday August 17 at Hurst Village Hall is open to everyone, wherever they live, to enter classes for vegetables, fruit, flowers, bread, cakes, preserves, handicrafts, photography and art.
Children have their own classes – and men can compete to make the best apple flan.
Show secretary Frank Whittaker said: “Get your children painting and cooking. There are many baking classes. If you grow even just a little fruit, flowers or vegetables, have a go at entering.”
There’s also the fun of a scarecrow class and Hurst’s alpacas to meet. At the end of the afternoon there will be an auction of fruit, vegetables and flowers.
Visitors can admire the entries and then relax in the village hall’s orchard to enjoy cream teas, a prosecco or beer and hot food while listening to the EMC Jazz Band.
The space for craft stalls sold out this year. Hurst metalwork craftsman Chris Bowman will be there. Local honey and ornaments made from remoulded Bombay Sapphire Gin bottles are among the other items on sale.
Frank added: “This is still a traditional English event, a really lovely afternoon – all for a £2 entrance fee and free to those under 18.” Last year’s event resulted in a £1000 donation to Cancer Research UK.
Class entries can be made online at http://www.hursthorticulturalsociety.org or on the printed schedule’s form. The closing date for entries is August 14 at 7pm. Entry to the show is £2 and under 18s are free. The doors open at 12.30pm when the BBQ and bar start.
