2026 SUMMER FLOWER, FRUIT & VEGETABLE SHOW
Sunday 9th August 2026
As we approached the fifth heatwave of the year, and with the continuing drought, the Committee of Horsham Horticultural Society had doubts as to whether they would receive sufficient entries to even hold a summer show!
Our members, however, had other ideas and pulled out all the stops. Although the number of entries was down on the previous year, the hall was filled with a grand display of flowers at our show on Sunday, 9th August. A total of 162 entries were received, covering all classes from flowers, plants, vegetables, domestic and handicrafts. Some categories received no entries this year due to plants flowering early and being past their best.
Marion Neden and Paul Dalby were the judges for the fruit, flowers and vegetables classes, and Gill and Vic Mansell had the pleasure of tasting and judging the many entries in the domestic classes, as well as judging the Handicraft section.
The prizes were awarded by the Society’s President, David Hide, who thanked everyone, both for entering and for helping on the day. He appreciated the challenges that growers were experiencing this year and was pleased that members had managed to provide such wonderful displays.
The trophies were awarded as follows:
Shelley Cup – Best flower – Carolyn Smith
Rose Bowl – Best rose – Lynda Cheeseman
Festival Cup – Most points for flowers, excluding Roses – Catherine Dunstan
Nora Poole Cup – Best vegetable – Sue Hammond
Founders Salver – Most points for vegetables – Paul Dalby
Arun Cup – Most points for fruit – Andrew Latham
Presidents Cup – Best flower, fruit or vegetables – Andrew Latham
Layton Cup – Most points in domestic classes – Helen Hinvest
Handicrafts Trophy – Best handicraft exhibit – Barbara Budd
Floral Cup – Best floral art arrangement – Julia Stevenson
Padwick Floral Bowl – Most points in the whole show – Sue Hammond
Banksian Medal awarded by the RHS – Most points in horticulture classes – Catherine Dunstan
The Society welcomes any new members from across the district with an interest in gardening and horticulture, or who would like to learn more about their gardens. Please contact the membership secretary Mrs Carolyn Smith on 01403 255253 for more information.