AFTER a four-year break caused by coronavirus, Wokingham’s gardeners could once again compete in person as a horticultural show returned to its roots … and it was blooming lovely to be back.
St Paul’s Parish Rooms on Reading Road was the venue for the Wokingham Horticultural Association’s spring show, bringing to an end a pattern of socially distanced or virtual contests.
Now, society members could prove they know their onions, their bulbs and their blooms.
There were more than 100 visitors to the show, where daffodils took centre stage.
Terry Miller won the Daffodil Society Bronze medal for his Division 11 Maria Pia blooms, and was also awarded 2 WHA Cups in the Daffodil section.
WHA Secretary, Janet Gordon, was delighted to win a Daffodil Society Diploma for the Mystery Bulb – a historical variety called Compressus – that she had grown in a pot. Margaret Finch’s three daffodils in Division 2 named Sealing Wax won her the Roy Austin Daffodil Goblet.
The perfume of hyacinths greeted visitors inspecting the other flowers at the show, and Joan Beautement won the Staniland Goblet for most points in that section.
WHA President, Jenny Gilbert, was awarded the Philip Sale Cup for the quality and quantity of mixed flowers she had picked from her garden.
The winning duo also had time to run a plant stall during the event.
The show isn’t all horticultural, as there are classes for baking and handicrafts.
Mary Child’s life-sized crocheted crown on a cushion was much admired, while Rachael Hills’ quilling work on a plaque made to celebrate her parents’ 40th wedding anniversary won her a first prize and many compliments during the afternoon.
New exhibitor Brenda Cooper won first with a selection of key rings decorated with felt animals.
Christine Boreham also exhibited talented handicraft items and was awarded the Clifford Rawlings Cup for most points overall in the section.
The Coronation theme was continued in flower arranging and in the Young Exhibitors’ baking class. Ten-year-old Jessica Light, a pupil at Dolphin School, won first prize for her five cup cakes decorated with gingerbread crowns.
These also caught the eye of Mini Mayor Jayden Howie, who had come to assist Town Mayor, Maria Gee, with the presentation of the prizes.
He awarded them Mini Mayor’s Choice.
Jessica also won prizes for her poster to advertise the next WHA show, and colouring.
The Heelas Cup for flower arranging was won by Doreen Hogston whose Host of Golden Daffodils and Small and Dainty, a charming arrangement of spring blossom in a teacup, both came tops. Angela wade’s delightful Easter basket won a first.
Lindsey Payne’s arrangement Fit for King Charles III Coronation Banquet won a first, a Certificate of merit from the Judge and was also voted their favourite exhibit by visitors to the show.
There were other delightful flower arrangements in evidence.
Phyl Crump with a group of friends – all members of Wokingham Flower Club – had created some very pretty tea table decorations using spring flowers
These were admired while visitors enjoyed tea and home-made cakes during the afternoon.
The photography judge was impressed with the quality of entries in that section.
New exhibitor Paul Stewart won first prize for his photo of a gorgeous sunset; his ‘favourite photo taken in last 12 months’, and another first for his ‘English Countryside’.
Janet Gordon was also awarded two first prizes; one for her ‘End of Winter’ and the other for her photo from a WHA outing.
She submitted a photo of Blue Lake at Colesbourne Park Gardens. Lindsey had recently organised a WHA outing to the Gardens for the Snowdrop Festival.
Cheryl Cook and her grand-daughter proved they are both talented artists. The elder won the adult colouring in while five-year-old Aria came second for colouring in, and won a first prize for her decorated plant pot.
There were 43 exhibits in the Domestic Section, with Mary Gillan gaining the most points and the St Kilda Cup for her delicious entries.
Sheila McKeand won the Eve-Scott Horniman Trophy. Nick Hills won an honour with his Hot Cross Buns and Nigel Payne for a fruit traybake.
WHA is now planning a Bring and Buy Plant Sale on Saturday, May 13, and the summer show will be held on Saturday, June 17.
For more details, log on to: www.w-h-a.org.uk
Pauline MacBrayne
