FOUR Marks Horticultural Society attracted a good turnout at the village hall in terms of exhibits and green-fingered folk for another successful annual summer show.

After torrential rain on the two days leading up to the event, show secretary Norman Day was concerned that entries, particularly in the floral classes, would be down, but he needn’t have worried as more than 35 members produced 318 entries, much the same as in previous years.

All classes within the floral section were well represented, with hydrangeas and the specimen bloom classes being of particular note. Vases of annuals and perennials were a sight to behold despite the rain.

And vegetables were in abundance with carrots and runner beans being shown to a high standard.

Unusually, in the cookery classes, jams featured prominently with 16 entries. Norman Day won the stone-fruit jam class with a jar of plum jam which the judge described of having the “wow” factor and Jackie King’s strawberry jam took the prize for Best in Section.

Once again, the floral art division was well represented and, as expected from society members, the standard was high. Judge Pippa Bensley complimented those taking part for their skill and ingenuity.

The handicraft section demanded a wide range of skills from needlework to woodwork and painting to photography. Best entry here went to an exquisite cushion cover crafted by Alison Hamblin.

The show opened to the public at 2.30pm and over the next 90 minutes around 130 villagers and friends filled the hall. On entering the foyer, visitors were met with a selection of photographs which had been taken at Four Marks Primary School’s own horticultural summer show. This is the second year the society has run this event in conjunction with the school and it has proven to be successful.

Judges Reg Pullen, Rosie Giles and Norman Day were bowled over by the high standard of the exhibits and the enthusiasm displayed by the pupils. Thanks must also go to teacher Teresa Hammond for her efforts in guiding her flock through the growing and showing process.

Meanwhile, at the Four Marks Horticultural Show, the public were able to take refreshments in the ‘Green Welly Cafe’ and there was the opportunity to buy quality plants, grown almost exclusively by Carole Pullen, whose efforts are much appreciated by the society.

At the end of the afternoon, chairman Reg Pullen thanked everyone for coming and expressed his gratitude to those who organised the show. President Mike Scruse presented prizes and awards and officiated at the raffle with his customary skill and dry wit.

Awards:

Alan Fox Cup (for the member gaining most points in flower classes, excluding the vase of flowers: Rosie Giles.

Howarth Trophy (best exhibit in the dahlia classes): Mike Saltmarsh for a vase of pompon dahlias.

Dorothy Webber Cup (best exhibit of annuals or perennials): Carole Pullen for her Vase of Perennials.

Rose Cup (best exhibit in the rose classes): Rosie Giles.

Page Cup (for the member gaining most points in the pot plant classes): Rosie Giles and Yvonne Seaton.

Julie Lander Shield (for the member gaining most points in the vegetable classes): Mike Saltmarsh.

Village News Cup (best exhibit in the vegetable classes): Harry Martin.

Woods Cup (best exhibit in the fruit classes): Derek Seaton for his dessert apples.

Jubilee Rose Bowl (for the member gaining most points in the floral art classes): Sylvia Muskett.

Peggy Munday Cup (best exhibit in the floral art classes): Sylvia Muskett for her arrangement entitled “Over the Top”.

Dr Margaret Hall Cup (novice class in floral art): Elizabeth Craigen.

Cookery Cup (best exhibit in the cookery classes): Jackie King for her strawberry jam.

Handicraft Trophy (best exhibit in the handicraft section): Alison Hamblin for her hand-made cushion.

Gwen Topliss Cup (knitting class): Daphne Hayward.

Alice Cooper Cup (best exhibit in the painting and photography classes): Harry Martin for his black and white portrayal of an owl.

Family Challenge Cup (for the family gaining the most first, second and third prizes): Mike and Tricia Saltmarsh.

Banksian Medal (the premier award of the show, presented by the RHS, awarded to the exhibitor gaining the greatest value of prize money in the flower and vegetable classes): Mike Saltmarsh.

The Garthowen Cup (best container): Sue Rossell.