Event Report

SUMMER SHOW
Held on Sunday 22nd July 2007 at the Meon Hall, Meonstoke

COMMITTEE MEMBERS
David Green, Olive Hathaway, David Gutteridge, John Martin, David & Mavis Humphrey,Rhona Summers, Janet Searle, Corinne Solen, Joy Pratt, Chrissy Brian, Jill Austin, Ruth Davies, Denise Solman, Lesley Lopez.

Last year the Show secretaries report began "With the hottest July on record"--how very different the weather has been this year with the wettest summer in 250 years. The club was very fortunate in that we picked the one Sunday when the sun did shine and as a result a very successful day was enjoyed by all. The above figures speak for themselves, section 1 was at its lowest in three years. The weather undoubtedly had an impact on the number of entries in this section, a lot of herbaceous plants would have been damaged by the heavy rain but we are powerless to do anything about British Summers so lets remain optimistic for next year. Entries in the other 6 sections are creeping up slowly which is promising. Overall there were only eight less entries in the entire show than in 2006. The addition of the Liqueur class proved very popular with 10 entries. Mr Brown, the judge commented on the presentation of the bottles, stating they were "very interesting". He suggested that in f uture a half wine bottle be used.. The cookery classes were also well received by both members and Mrs Johnson, a new judge to the club. She has written a very nice letter thanking the club for a most enjoyable day, commenting on how well organised the show was and looked wonderful to view. Mrs Johnson said the entries were of a very high standard and the schedule varied; Corinne is to be congratulated on putting such a diverse schedule together. Mrs Johnson also said that she liked the two set recipes. Our wonderful cooks baked 11 Chocolate Courgette Cakes and 8 Gooseberry and Almond Tarts--imagine being the poor judge who has to eat a little of each one and then decide upon a winner. It's a good job she liked the set recipes!

Apparently Mrs Johnson used the courgette cake recipe as an example at the judges conference.

We were disappointed by the lack of entries in the under 6 Children's Classes; only 1 child entered the entire section with a birthday card. Having made enquiries as to why this should be the case it appears all the under 6 year old were in need of rest and relaxation and were away with their families on their Summer holidays, bless them. The 7-12 year olds however have more stamina and put in 32 entries of a very high standard. Several children who once entered the Children's Classes have now moved into the Open Classes and we were delighted to see that they faired very well. We also noted that several children entered the Fun Classes which just goes to show that they are looking at the schedule in its entirety.

Entries in The Members Special Classes were all a little down on the previous year. We were surprised by the lack of Geraniums on the show bench given that we sold over 40. Members seem to think that unless the plant is perfect they "couldn't possible enter it."

We will be discussing this at committee and hopefully next year's show will have money allotted for a booby prize. After all this is a friendly competition and should not be taken too seriously. Members will hopefully enter their not "quite perfect" plants and increase the display making Derek Gamblin's job more challenging. His quote of the Show when asked why a particular Geranium had not won first prize and come in second was "the biggest are not always the best performers".

SETTING UP/ CLEARING AWAY
The tables were delivered nice and early on Friday evening by Swifts and the task of setting up the hall began promptly on Saturday morning. This year we used a very precise plan drawn up in advance showing exactly where the tables were to be placed, exactly how many and what classes would be on them. This worked to our advantage and shaved a good hour off the time it usually takes to get the hall ready for the show secretaries. Dismantling the hall after the event is much quicker with many hands to help. Thanks to everyone who did their bit.

Bob Miles, Bob Solen, Brian & Rhona Summers, John Owen, Ken Cartwright, Olive Hathaway, David Humprey, David Gutteridge, Stuart Atrill, John Martin and the Alpha House boys.

STEWARDING
Mavis Humphrey, our chief steward, organised stewarding most efficiently. A meeting, which all stewards attended earlier in the week, paid dividends as the standard of stewarding was very high and everyone worked diligently in their respective roles.

CATERING
Jill Austin and her team of wonderful workers provided lunches for the judges, their guests and the stewards. Refreshments were served all afternoon to the public and all the helpers were supplied with tea and coffee to keep them going. Running the kitchen is an enormous challenge as the ladies who work in it don't get a break; they are on the go the whole time. Congratulations on a job well done.

Jill Austin, Rhona Summers, Eileen Camp, Shirley Milner, Norma Moore, Hazel Martin, Odette Davies, Norah Burrage, Jill Freemantle, Mary Clark, Veronica Attrill, Ann Petherham, Ann Lloyd, Beryl Owen, Frances Keppel, Grace Dumper and Peggie Palmer.

THE JUDGES
As per schedule

RAFFLE
Janet Searle, Lyn Gutteridge and Barbara Burlefinger did a fantastic job organising the raffle with their usually efficiency. Tickets were included with schedules and sold by the membership which was much appreciated. Tickets were also sold on the day and the sum of £492 was raised which beat last year's takings of £434. Thanks to everyone who contributed with either prize donations or who sold tickets. This makes a huge contribution to funds and keeps the show from falling into the red.

OUTSIDE EVENTS
Olive, amongst her many other duties for the club, organised the outside events. There was a good variety of stall holders who all helped to make an afternoon of entertainment and fun. Those who contributed to the outside events were:

PRIZE WINNERS

FINANCIAL REPORT
David Gutteridge will give a detailed report of the Show's finance when all the figures are available but early indications show a healthy profit.

CONCLUSION
Congratulations to everyone who entered an exhibit--whether you won your class or just missed out we appreciate your efforts. All the exhibits contribute to making the hall look attractive and interesting to the public and make the show successful. The number of visitors this year was noticeably higher than in passed years and we received many positive comments from judges and the public as to the high standards achieved. As a Garden Club we continue to go from strength to strength and long may this last, so next year when the weather's too hot, too cold or just plain wet remember that if everyone puts in a little something it will contribute to the bigger picture enormously.

Finally we would like to thank everybody in whatever capacity they helped. Without people who are prepared to go that extra mile and put themselves out we would not be able to host the wonderful shows that we do. A lot goes on behind the scenes at these events and there are an awful lot of people who are quietly working and contributing with their time in a very important way. We, as show secretaries, would like you all to know how much we appreciate your efforts and our thanks go to you all for making this year's Summer Show a huge success.

Lesley Lopez & Denise Solman
Show Secretaries. Two down one to go!