We had our show on Saturday 12th August. This year we had over 200 exhibits so there was a lot of preparation before the doors opened at 2.30 pm. There was a great display for our visitors to see, the hall was packed with the scent and sight of flowers and vegetables in their splendour. Our two RHS judges had a difficult job deciding which exhibits were winners, they always take their job very seriously and we are grateful for their experience and dedication. For two hours our visitors admired the exhibits, bought raffle tickets and plants on sale as well as enjoying cakes and drinks. We had a journalist and photographer from All About Horsham (AAH) come to give us a once over and interviewed several members of the committee. Watch out for a future article in this wonderful local magazine that helps keep Horsham well and truly on the map.
Where would we be without our dedicated Horticulturalists? They spend hours, weeks and sometimes months preparing their entries for the show day. Our English climate introduces a big element of risk into growing flowers and vegetables, it is that uncertainty that makes the summer show so exciting! You never know if your rose, dahlia, courgette or carrot will be at the peak of condition on the day of the show. I’m filled with admiration for our loyal competitors. A huge amount of admiration also goes to the members of the Horticultural Committee who give freely of their time to maintain a worthy local tradition. Our Society started in 1947! Horsham should be proud of the small group of volunteers who can produce such a great example of what can be done with enthusiasm, perseverance and a desire to spread the word of HORTICULTURE!
We also run a winter season of fortnightly talks enabling society members to get together, talk and think about growing things in the widest sense. See our Winter Programme, due for publication soon for a sample of what Horsham Horticultural Society can give you.
Horticultural Societies exist throughout the UK and are a bit out of fashion currently. Understanding more about how to enjoy gardens, however big or small, and grow your own food might turn out to be a useful skill in 21st century England.
Tropy Winners in the different categories
Rose Bowl, best exhibit, Margaret Rogers
Festival Cup, most points for flowers, Sue Hammond
Founder’s Salver, most points for vegetables, Paul Dalby
Arun Cup, best fruits , Gill Mansell
Layton Cup, domestic exhibit, Sue Hammond
Handicraft trophy, best exhibit, Sue Hammond
Betty Santer Chairman’s Cup, awarded to Gill Mansell
Banksian Medal, Sue Hammond
President’s Cup, vegetable exhibits, Paul Dalby
Padwick Cup, most points in the show, Sue Hammond
Best Floral Display, Sue Hammond
Garden News Shield, best vegetable exhibit, Paul Dalby
Shelley Cup, best floral exhibit, Paul Dalby
Ron Mitchel Cup, Paul Dalby
Norah Poole Cup, Sue Hammond
Some pictures of the day
