Soberton Village Hall

SHOW SECRETARY'S' REPORT

In the past we have always begun show reports with comments on how the weather has affected us. This year we can only say that if the snow blizzard that arrived on Sunday, had arrived twenty-four hours sooner, we would have been scuppered! Having said that, given the mild springs experienced in the last few years a decision has been made to bring next years show forward by two weeks to the 21st March. Every year member’s drop off their entries with tales of woe as to how the Daffs are over, and the slugs got to that prize bloom, and they can’t find anything worth entering! But as always the hall was full and looked a wonderful sight full of colour. The Trumpet Daffodil Classes were affected this year, as were the Miniature Daffodil Classes. There were some problems with members interpreting Daffodil Classes which were bought to our attention by Mr. Harden the Judge, who thought the club should organize a talk on exhibiting flowers correctly. Mrs. Johnson, who was to judge the cookery classes, unfortunately fell ill on Tuesday evening but Mrs. Betty Pennicott very kindly stepped in, much to our relief and appreciation. The Cookery Classes proved very popular this year. There were eleven entries for the walnut oat cookies; Beryl Owen won the class. Seven for the lemon drizzle squares, won by Samuel Earle and John Owen was second overall in the Homecraft Section. Watch out ladies the men are hard on your heels. We were delighted with the entries of our juniors. Seven children put in sixteen entries. Every child received a certificate and some chocolates and judging by the speed at which they entered the hall at 2 pm they were very excited to see how they had all done. There is some obvious friendly competition going on with the vegetable growers especially in class 54 Leeks, the usual entrants rivalled for the Eddie Newman Challenge Trophy with Bob Solen picking up the much coveted prize. (Hope Bob has a big mantle piece).

The Member Special Classes were very successful this year with thirty-three entries between the three classes. The introduction of a Booby prize in the Meon valley Nursery sponsorship did encourage additional entries, as was the intention. Denise is very proud to have been the first recipient of this prize, a miniature bottle of wine. This year also saw the introduction of the Narcissus Championship, five people entered and it is hoped that this class will grow in the future.

On behalf of the committee, our thanks go to all who helped contribute to making this years show successful. In whatever way you helped we are very grateful, and long may you continue to support us.

SETTING UP

This was achieved with the help of the committee and with additional help from Bob Miles, Brian Summers, and Barry Austin.

JUDGES

STEWARDS