A GROUP of borough gardeners welcomed their MP to their Winter Show at St Paul’s Parish Rooms.
Chair Lindsey Payne of the Wokingham Horticultural Association (WHA) was delighted to welcome Wokingham MP Clive Jones to present the winners’ cups.
Life president Jenny Gilbert showed him around the exhibition and explained the association’s history.
Clive also met and chatted to some of the exhibitors before presenting the cups and starting the raffle.
“We were very pleased to see so many visitors despite the very miserable weather,” said Janet Gordon from WHA.
“And there were some new faces too which was great.
“Kate Robinson and her mother Margaret Stoker travelled over from Croydon.
“It was well worth the journey for them, and us, as Kate won the Flannigan Cup for most points in the Handicraft Section and Margaret won first prize for her seeded bread.”
With more than 220 entries the judges were kept very busy, assessing flower arrangements, handicrafts, tasting cakes and chutneys and judging vegetables.
Doreen Hogston won the Knowles Cup for most points in the Flower arranging section, also gaining a certificate of merit for her white flowering orchid.
Richard Beckingham won the Piggot Cup for most points in the vegetable section.
And Pauline MacBrayne was presented with two cups; the Sarnia Trophy for most points in the flower section, and the Iris Lush Cup for her Winter Store Cupboard presentation.
“The judge commented on the lovely summer collection of jams for the cold winter months, packed full of flavour and sunshine,” said Janet.
Sarah Ward won the Goodchild Cup for her Domestic Section entries, accumulating the most points overall.
And certificates of merit were awarded to Cheryl Cook for My Favourite Photo and to Emma Gofton for her Novice vegetables.
The Dolphin School entered 23 pictures in the Young Exhibitors Coloured-In class.
“It was a colourful and talented display,” said Janet , and the other Young Exhibitor classes were also well supported; their imagination is an inspiration to us all.
“The WHA is very keen to encourage young exhibitors in all classes, and Fern Wilson (reception year) showed us all what can be done.
“Not only did she win the Southfield School Winter Cup, best exhibit in the Young Exhibitors section, for her beautiful Winter Themed Collage she also won the coveted Visitors Choice for her Mr. Potato Head.
“Who knew a large potato could look so attractive when dressed up.”
Apart from looking at the exhibits and enjoying homemade cakes and refreshments, visitors were able to buy potted hyacinths and other plants, and a range of Christmas craft items.
For information, visit: w-h-a.org.uk
