A GROUP of gardeners shared their enthusiasm and talents at a borough church hall at the weekend.
Wokingham Horticultural Association’s (WHA) Winter Show at St Paul’s Parish Rooms enjoyed a stream of visitors, with around 100 people coming to see the entries and to enjoy homemade cakes and refreshments.
The event was attended by Wokingham town mayor Cllr Sally Gurney and her consort, Chris Cooke.
Cllr Gurney arrived straight after a flight from the US, and said that she wouldn’t miss the show for the world.
“What I love about the Wokingham Horticultural Association is their passion,” she explained.
“You see the joy that they have, and the way they share what they really love doing, with others.
“And some of the pieces in this show are so eye-catching.”
Mr Cooke agreed: “Their artistry, aesthetic sense, and ability to turn nature into art is a real skill.”
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There were more than 160 exhibits from 34 exhibitors in eight sections, with the following winners:
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Vegetable section, Piggott Cup – Pauline MacBrayne and Terry Miller
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Flower section, Sarnia Trophy – Jan Hedley
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Domestic section, Goodchild Cup – Cheryl Cook
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Winter store cupboard section, Iris Lush Cup – Pauline MacBrayne
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Handicraft section, Flannigan Cup – Lisa Ashdown
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Flower arranging, Knowles Cup – Doreen Hogston
Winner of the Young Exhibitors section, Southfield School Winter Cup was Eliza Ferryman, who later helped the town mayor to read out winning raffle ticket numbers.
And Visitors’ Choice vote went to senior member Fred Preston, whose model greenhouse, complete with a light, caught the public’s eye.
The WHA holds shows four times a year, and arranges talks and outings for its members.
Chair Lindsey Payne, said: “This is a real community.
“We’re a friendly group, and we enjoy lots of activities and events throughout the year.
“Nearly 80 of us went to Arundel earlier this year and had a brilliant day.”
“People really do chat with each other, and it’s definitely not the sort of place where you turn up and no-one talks to you.”
The group celebrates its 70th anniversary this year.
“We’ve been asking our members to send us their thoughts, memories of the group, and the reasons why they joined us,” continued Ms Payne.
“In 10 years, when the group is 80 years old, we’ll be able to enjoy reading what people have written today.
“We had a lovely piece from Jo and Jan, members since 2019, when Jan sadly lost her husband.
“They’ve come on outings and joined a craft group, and said that WHA has helped them to make friends.
“It was lovely to read that.”
Novice Christmas flower arrangements winner Terry Miller, was pleased with his success.
He normally exhibits prize daffodils, but this year chose to do something different.
“Doing floral art started out as a joke, really,” he said.
“But I’m an ex-cake decorator, and I have quite a good eye, so I thought I would have a go.
“I didn’t know anything about flower arranging, so I asked my friend Margaret to give me some tuition.
“I’ve learnt quite a lot about the wires, and which stems are stronger, how things flow, and about measuring distances between blooms.
“But it takes a long time, and I’m impressed by the ladies who exhibit floral displays each year.
“They must have the patience of saints.”
The group suffered a drop in numbers during the pandemic, so they were encouraged by the positive response to their winter show.
“Look how many people have come out today, in this wet weather,” added Mr Miller.
“It’s wonderful, and so important to support these local community events, or they will close.”
WHA is very keen to welcome new members or all ages, and invites people to contact them via their website.
For information, visit: w-h-a.org.uk.
