Entries were slightly down on previous years but large numbers of visitors were enthusiastic in their comments on the exhibits, as were the judges.
The Spring Show emphasises the many varieties of daffodil which exist. It was good to see plenty of entries in the novice classes this year with some blooms as good as those of more experienced exhibitors. Andrea Fall, Pat Whetstone, Polly McDonald and Doreen Orton all did particularly well. The LHS special daffodil class showing blooms grown from bulbs purchased last autumn had a disappointingly low number of entries – but what a superb daffodil ‘Bravoure’ is! Andrea Fall took first prize while Ann Higgins put 3 into a different class for another first. Tim Richardson was awarded the Daffodil Society Bronze Medal for ‘Honeybourne’ in class 21. In the Open classes as usual there were displays of superb, high quality blooms, with experts Tim, Richard, and Dave all having a first but Dave Vivash had the Fisk cup for the best exhibit.
Camellia blooms included Brenda Houghton’s lovely deep pink double and Rosemary and Neville Humphreys’ enormous stem of pink ‘Donation’. In the shrubs class, Graham Buck produced delicate pink rhododendrons in flower. Newcomer Jacqui Essen had first prize in the orchid class. Her specimen had extraordinary white aerial roots and enormous blooms. Sheila Hobbs’ best pot plant was a bowl of deep blue grape hyacinths.
Not much in the way of vegetables at this time of year, apart from some fat leeks and enormous parsnips, but there were three well-stocked trugs which must have presented a problem to the judge who had to choose between them.
Floral Art judge Bob Tunks was delighted with the standard this year. ‘Wordsworth’s Daffodils’ in particular produced some stunning entries, with Clare Wilson’s intriguing arrangement incorporating timber, daffodils and branches in bud being judged best exhibit. Gill Harrison ‘Picture Me’ with tulips and heather in a picture frame was much admired, as were the various takes on ‘Sugar and Spice’, which included lots of red and pink, contrasting well with the yellow daffodils of other exhibits. Newcomer Jeff Essen’s tiny yellow blooms won him first prize in the miniature – ‘Golden’ – class.
The
photographic classes had some interesting interpretations of ‘Round/circular’,
with those using plants pots being appropriate for a horticultural society!
Jocasta Fearn chose a dramatic picture of the Bonfire Society procession
for the ‘My Lindfield’ category.
In the cookery classes there was a wonderful array of well risen and beautifully
decorated coffee sponges which must have given the judge a hard time.
Lorelei Hilson won first prize in this category, while Brenda Houghton
was first among an equally delicious display of rhubarb crumbles. Plenty
of scones with Jane Harding the winner here and Andrea Fall gaining best
exhibit for 4 bread rolls. BUT – only 3 marmalades! Where are Lindfield’s
marmalade makers?
In the handicraft classes, Jacqui Essen’s jolly Easter Bunny, complete
with egg, was much admired, as was Sue Stockwell’s blue ceramic
vase. After a bit of a boost, entries in the children’s classes
have fallen off again but Florence Fearn-Hughes, Lily McDonald and Liam
Jolly produced pictures, bright sock puppets and impressive lemon drizzle
cakes.
Rosemary
Humphreys
Cups and Awards
The Daffodil Society Bronze Medal And Certificate - Tim Richardson
The Fisk Cup - Dave Vivash
The Lea Cup - Tim Richardson
The Jeeves Cup - Andrea Fall / Tim Richardson
The Daffodil Cup - Andrea Fall
The Evelyn Drew Floral Art Cup - Clare Wilson
The Dawson Cup - Richard Hilson
The George Murrell Photographic Cup - Tim Richardson
The Junior Shield - Liam Jolly
The Keiron James Toys Shield - Florence Fearn-Hughes
LHS Junior Cup - Lily Mcdonald
Best In Show:
Vegetable - Tim Richardson
Pot Plant - Sheila Hobbs
Cookery - Andrea Fall
Handicraft - Sue Stockwell
Trug Class:
1st - Andrea Fall
2nd - Andrew Harding
3rd - Gill Jones
