THERE were plenty of flowers, vegetables, fruits, and home baking at the show.
Preserves, home-made wine, photography and handicrafts were also available for visitors to sample and see.
Now in its 109th year, the traditional village event had a number of categories for entrants to show off their green fingered and culinary skills.
Frank Whittaker, secretary of Hurst Horticultural Society said:
“The event went exceptionally well, better than we anticipated.
“We thought that hot weather might put people off but we were delighted that competition entries and visitor numbers were both well up on last year.”
With more than 550 entries to the various categories, and lots of people at the show, the day was a great success.
“Growing conditions have been exceptionally difficult this year,” continued Frank.
“The huge number of entries is testament to the growers, who have persevered despite all the difficulties.”
As well as the horticultural categories, there were a number of baking, crafts, and children’s competitions.
One category in particular is hotly pursued, the Men Only Apple Flan Baking Competition.
“The winner, (Keith Attfield this year), gets not only a silver dish, but wears a golden crown and an apple medallion for the day!”
A Women Only Home-made Spirits Competion draws interest too.
“The weather was perfect and the atmosphere was amazing,”he continued.
“We had a licenced bar serving locally brewed beers,
“A live jazz band played and people were able to sit in the shade of the orchard, sipping prosecco or enjoying cream tea.
“It was just wonderful, a lovely traditional English event, like the ones we remember.”
“The raffle was very well supported by the generosity of local pubs, restaurants and businesses.
“We’re very thankful to them all.
“We’re not sure how much money has been raised yet, but any surplus we will share with a local charity.
“For me, one of the highlights of the show is that it encourages home industry and growing.
“Seeing children, when they receive a medal for winning a competition, and displaying it proudly to everyone at the event, is wonderful.
Many of the adults at the event started out as prize winners at the age of five or six years.
“We’re sowing seeds for the future,” says Frank.
