A 'very well done' to all who were involved in this year's Summer Show ....... the exhibitors, the many members who helped organise the show and the judges. The photographs reproduced here reflect my following thoughts on the show.

I wholeheartedly agree with whoever said that winning isn't everything, as I'm sure that all who attended our show on 9th July appreciated that it's the taking part that is important and it was good to see so many entries. However, I fully recognise and congratulate the winners of the various cups etc at the show and they were:-

Liz Hinze and Ian Cooper who share The Savill Cup
Graham Buck: The Don Booker Fuchsia Cup
Rolf Lloyd Williams: The Gilbert Cup
Wendy Dumbleton: The Lemmy Cup
Doreen Orton: The Thornbery Trophy
Liz Hinze: The RHS Banksian Medal
Ian Cooper: The Fruit Cup
Graham Buck: Blue Riband of the British Fuchsia Society
Florence Fearn-Hughes: The Kieron James Toys Shield
Liam Jolly: The Junior Shield

and not forgetting, the 'Best in Show' winners, Ian Cooper (Fruit) for his no doubt delicious black currants, Graham Buck for his colourful pot plant, the wonderful handicraft of Janis Dyer and Helen Dunlop for her Swiss Roll (I must work out how to become a Judge of the Cookery Classes as every entry looked so 'truly scrumptious')

Being an enthusiastic but, however hard I try, not always a successful veggie grower, I have reserved a special mention for the Vegetable 'Best in Show' winner, Joyce Gladwell and for Andrew Harding for his Trug which deservedly received a National Vegetable Society 'Judge's Outstanding Exhibit' certificate.

The only class not considered by the official flower Judge was the Tea Cup Arrangements. They all looked so lovely, I would have found it difficult to choose the winner, but in a secret ballot, the 'peoples' choice went to Pauline Parkyns.

It was also good to see the entries in the various classes by the younger participants, one of whom was kind enough to help me draw the raffle (as usual there were many generous donations of raffle prizes including the wonderful orchid from McBeans Orchids - it's lovely to think that a Chelsea Show gold medal winner for so many years continues to support our Show.)

All the flowers on display were as colourful as ever and greatly contributed to the KEH looking as spectacular as it always does at our shows.

The hard work of all concerned is, I am sure, appreciated by all our members and visitors. Not only does the Newcombe Hall look at its best during our shows but Debbie Anscombe and her cheerful catering helpers provided the perfect opportunity for a wonderful social occasion for many of our members and visitors over tea and cakes in the Jubilee Room and, because of the volume of customers, in the overflow area outside.

Chris Gurr
Chairman