A RECORD number of families and visitors of all ages came to a Spring Show in St Paul’s Parish Rooms.
Wokingham Horticultural Association (WHA) showcased a vibrant array of flowers, produce, cakes and handicrafts, to celebrate the start of spring.
Chair Lindsey Payne and show secretary Janet Gordon thanked everyone who supported the event, whether as contributors or guests.
And together they welcomed local MP Clive Jones and Town Mayor Cllr Lou Timlin who presented the winners’ cups.
They were assisted by Wokingham’s Mini Mayor, Avani, a pupil at Floreat Montague Park Primary School.
A particularly eye-catching section was the display of daffodil entries, which both judges and visitors loved.
Exhibitors showed a wide variety of blooms, ranging from classic golden trumpets to delicate, multi-toned varieties with intricate petals.
Judges awarded Tony Finch two well deserved trophies.
Terry Miller won several awards for his consistently high standard entries, including the Daffodil Society Bronze Medal & Diploma for best exhibit in the daffodil classes.
In the flower section Kathy Stratton and Katherine Bell received WHA certificates of merit and Joan Beautement won the Staniland Goblet for accumulating the most points.
Doreen Hogston and Pauline MacBrayne shared the Knowles Cup for most accumulated points in the flower arranging section.
In the domestic section, judges enjoyed tasting Easter-themed cakes and biscuits, with Sarah Ward’s simnel cake winning the Eve Scott-Horniman Cup.
Gwen Mitchell won the St Kilda Cup, accumulating the most points overall for her entries.
In the photography section certificates of merit were awarded to Lindsey Payne for her depiction of the Tower of London poppies and to Sally Gurney for an atmospheric image in the ‘headstone’ class.
Participants of all ages took part, with many Dolphin School pupils showing off their talents in the young exhibitors coloured-In class.
Also in the young exhibitors section, Fern Wilson and her brother Linden impressed judges with their entries, with Fern receiving first prize in the newly introduced Lego special event, as well as winning the Southfield School Spring Cup for best exhibit.
Among the standout winners in the handicraft section was Gemma Piper, who took home first prize for her spring wreath created from mainly recycled materials, also winning the Clifford Rawlings Cup for overall most points.
Visitors were able to enjoy tea and homemade cakes, with many also trying their luck on the tombola, and browsing a range of craft items and plants for sale.
They were invited to vote for the Visitors’ Choice exhibit, which resulted in a tie between Pauline MacBrayne and Christine Boreham for their gorgeous flower arrangements.
As well as its seasonal shows, WHA organises outings and social events, to which members and non-members are welcome.
Report compiled by WHA member Penny Walters.
For information visit: w-h-a.org.uk
