THE YOUNGEST entrant of a borough gardening group’s Autumn Show this year was just 17 months old.
The little tot decorated three biscuits with unicorns and coloured icing, and was just one of many in the community who entered their home baking and garden produce at Wokingham Horticultural Association’s (WHA) produce display.
“Cleo entered both the decorated biscuits and the colouring in of the poster classes,” said Janet Gordon from WHA.
“Her mum said that the budding artist and decorator had more icing on the kitchen walls, work surface and herself than on the biscuits, but she had a lovely time.
“Our exhibitors ranged from 17 months to over 90 which was great.
“We had both local and not so local entries, including Jessica, 8, from Bicester, who entered the poster colouring class and was very pleased to win third place.”
The hall was buzzing with visitors of all ages at the event on Saturday.
As well as inspecting flower arrangements, fruits and vegetables, chocolate brownies, and painted pebbles, visitors to the show were able to buy plants and local honey, and to enjoy tea and home-baked cakes.
Two previous Wokingham Town Council Mayors were at the show.
Cllr Sally Gurney had entered the chocolate brownie baking competition, and was delighted to win second place, while Cllr Maria Gee officiated at the event, presenting awards to the winners.
She said: “The exhibition is fantastic, and I love it every year I come.
“The group offers great opportunities for the community.”
Winners this season were: Carl Curtis, who was presented with the Wokingham Times Cup for pompom dahlias, best dahlia exhibit, most points in dahlia classes, Knapp Rose Bowl for large flowered roses, the Greywell Challene Cup or most points in the flowere section, and the RHS Banksian Medal for the most prize money in horticultural classes.
John Smith won the Premier Cup, and the RHS Affiliated Soc Bronze Medal for most points in vegetable classes, and the National Vegetable Society Medal for the best vegetable exhibit.
Kevin Beautement won the Fruit Cup for most points in the fruit section, while Joan Beautement won the Wilkins Memorial Plate for mixed flowers.
Doreen Hogston won the Michell Cup for most points in the domestic section, and the Bellamy Trophy for most points in the flower arrangement section.
And Emily Spence won the Southfield School Autumn Cup for best exhibit in the young exhibitors section.
WHA Certificates of merit went to: Gwen Mitchell for her dish from homegrown produce, Carl Curtis for his three small ball dahlias, Kevin Beautement for his five dessert apples, and Ursula Aggett for her foliage pot plant.
The Visitors’ choice winner was Doreen Hogston for her Harvest Home arrangement.
“Carl Curtis, who did so well with his dahlia entries had also grown 400 dahlias for his daughter’s wedding a few weeks previously,” said Janet.
“An outstanding effort.
“And John Smith, who won both cup and medals, was a first time exhibitor at a WHA Show.”
The group holds four shows a year, at St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Wokingham, and has a trading store open to members twice a week.
A craft group meets every Wednesday, and visits to gardens such as RHS Wisley provide social opportunities as well as a chance to share gardening tips.
Members can enjoy a programme of interesting activities and events throughout the year.
The group says that whether people’s area of interest is roses, dahlias, fruit or vegetables, they are sure to find like-minded gardeners willing to share their enthusiasm and knowledge.
The association’s next event will be its Pumpkin Festival, held at their store at Ormonde Road allotments, on Saturday, October 26, from 1.30pm until 4pm.
For more information, and to join, visit: www.w-h-a.org.uk
