“What a glorious and happy day” and “the atmosphere was electric” were just two of the many positive comments received after the 106th Bartley Horticultural Annual Show.

Held at Copythorne Parish Hall, competition was fierce with well over 500 entries, writes Tina Shaw, show secretary at Bartley Horticultural Society.

The standard of the entries in the flowers, fruit and vegetable classes was extremely high - which is somewhat surprising given the nasty tricks the weather played on us again this year! Coping with extreme heat in early summer, the wettest July on record, and monsoon conditions on the Wednesday before Show Day was challenging to say the least, but our exhibitors are a hardy lot and the judges were well-impressed.

It was tough competition at the top in the Open Classes with Barbara Gould and Stuart Munden once again vying for the cup for the highest number of points in this section. They couldn’t be separated, so this year they will be sharing the honour, closely followed in third place by Sandra Hodson.

However, Barbara pipped Stuart to the post with her Collection of Vegetables which was outstanding, whilst in the Cottagers classes, it was ‘well done’ to Pauline Durbin who scooped all four trophies on offer.

It was not to be Stuart’s year. Although he was awarded highest points overall in Sections I & 2 therefore entitling him to receive the R.H.S. Banksian Medal, having won it in 2016 excludes him from winning for the next two years, so this was presented to……Barbara Gould!

The Floral Art classes always make such a wonderful backdrop to the hall. Judge Maureen Lawes, once again highly impressed with the standard of exhibits, awarded the cup for the Best in Show (out of 28 entries) to Shirley Soffe. The cup for highest number of points overall in this section was presented to Sheila Shelmerdine whilst our youngest competitor and winner of the Novice Salver was Matthew Hodson. Very well done to all.

A full list of prize-winners in these and the Homecraft, Handicraft, Photography and Children’s classes can be found on our website at www.bartleyhs.org.uk. A special mention must be made of Jen Pearce’s creation in the Novelty Cake class, who’s most exquisite iced ‘vintage sewing basket cake’ complete with reels of cotton, buttons, scissors etc. was the talk of the Show - as was the most beautiful Miniature Garden in a seed box created by little Poppy Dillon in the 8-13 year Children’s Classes.

Outside the rain held off whilst a record number of visitors enjoyed the various attractions on offer. New for this year and particularly popular was a Craft Market. Such was the success that we have already received requests from two of the stall- holders to return next year.

Special thanks must go to Stanleys Own Centenary Band for supplying a very

popular musical interlude; the wonderful team of ladies who keep us all refreshed; the local businesses and individuals who provide sponsorship; and to the huge band of volunteer stewards, helpers and committee members who help to keep this wonderful Show on the road. Long may it continue!