Spring has officially started and a host of daffodils – and many other flowers – are gathered for the Spring show of the Bridport & District Gardening Club on a sunny Saturday. As usual there was a splendid gathering of flowers, produce, works of art and photographs set out in the Hall.
Outside on East Street the plant stall under the experienced eye of Margaret Genender was doing brisk business, Viviene Smith remarking that her primroses had gone in the first hour. The plants sales generated three hundred pounds which the Club has donated to the Harmony Centre, a Bridport based mental health and wellbeing charity providing support to hundreds of local people from across West Dorset each year.
By noon the tables had filled up with breads, biscuits, cakes, jams and chutneys on one side of the Hall, while the other was bursting with spring colour. Happily, this year’s cooler weather meant there were more daffodils with a good number in most classes.
Visitors arrived at 3 pm to feast their eyes on the exhibits and their palettes on the delicious fare provided by Heather Thomson, Pat Cornick and the talented refreshment team. The moist carrot cake was particularly good.
Neil Croton demonstrated that last year’s wins were not a flash in the pan by racking up the highest score across the horticulture classes again this year and was the overall show winner again. Pam Tribe’s splendid Strelitzia and Geoff Pullman scarlet flowered cactus were also worthy prize winners. Wendy Thorogood who returned to competing last autumn, had a clean sweep in the floral art Class and was overall runner up. Kiera Roth achieved the highest marks for entries in art and handicraft and homecraft. While Tony Colls gained best entry for his marmalade and focacia. Tim Gale was judged as producing the best photograph and shared with David Fitzjohn the cup for highest aggregate marks in the photography division.
A good number of children competed this year, which is good news for both now and the future. Rosettes were given by a beaming Phil Frampton to Casper Roth, Zach Williamson, both Nathaniel and older brother, Ethan Croton while Ian Bark stepped in to accept his granddaughter Wren’s rosette.
Many thanks to Anne Bark and her dedicated helpers for organising the show and to Phil Frampton for supporting the Club and giving out the prizes with such enthusiasm.
We welcome new members, who can join our lively club for just £10 per household per year which, in addition to our various activities: 2 shows, 7 outings and 8 talks; gives members a discount of 10% on plants at Groves Nurseries.
Tim Gale
Chairman Bridport & District Gardening Club
Trophy Winners left to right Back row – Pam Tribe, Tim Gale, Tony Colls, Geoff Pullman, Phil Frampton (presenter), Keira Roth, Wendy Thorogood. Front row – Zach Williamson, Ethan Croton, Casper Roth, Neil and Ethan Croton
Winning Exhibits
Entries in Every Class
