The annual Northiam Autumn Show of flowers, fruit and vegetables was held on Saturday September 10, in the Village Hall. It was a lovely surprise to walk into such a colourful array of vegetables, floral arrangements and cakes, all judged and set out on three long tables. There was a constant flow of visitors, many of whom had submitted entries in the various classes. The show was put on by the Northiam Horticultural Society, as part of their annual schedule of events.
There was an impressive vegetable section, demonstrated by a “Tray of 5 Vegetables”, (pictured) first prize to John Noble, “10 Small Fruited Tomatoes “, first prize to Lesley Kennedy and Bernard Hillier’s leeks won the “Exhibit of any other vegetable not named in this Section”. In the domestic classes, Karen Ayling won first prize for a Swiss roll and there were plates of five Eccles cakes and five cheese scones, as well as the jams and lemon curd.
The floral arrangements were beautiful, the judges adding comments beside each winner in the “Autumn Cascade” class (pictured), which were very interesting and helpful to read. The winner was Joy Taylor, awarded the Batehup Memorial cup. “The Beauty of Hydrangeas” was won by Sue Gunther, who also won a prize for her “Pot plant in Bloom”. Fergus Garrett, of Great Dixter, who is President of the Horticultural Society, won the Mary Berkley Memorial Salver for an arrangement “One Kind of Garden Plant”.
This show was a good example of a village of gardeners displaying their handiwork, and was a pleasure to visit. Anyone who is interested in joining the Northiam Horticultural Society should contact Joan Davis 0n 01797 253458 or email twojs@btinternet.com.
Photo: Gillian Roder
Image Credits: Gillian Roder .