Programme of Events 2010

Report on 2010 Annual Show

With 581 entries, and 72 competitors involved, with 9 making their first appearance, the Annual Flower Show of Yapton Cottage Gardeners’ Society was markedly better supported that the Previous year.
A new record for youthful participation must surely have been set; one young lady was a mere 21 months, and a second was 3.5 years.
The young at heart were over 80 years, and all the ages of mankind from teenagers to the seventy-something’s were represented.
The five horticultural judges were much impressed by the quality of the produce with vegetables and cut flowers being brought from as far as Brighton in the East and Chichester in the west.
Despite the dryness of the summer, there were fine potatoes, although onions were smaller than usual, but the tomatoes were beautiful.
One or two good pot plants were staged, and the fruit classes were well supported; apples, pears, grapes and plums all made their appearances.
As is now customary, the flower arranging classes were keenly contested, as was the cookery section, but for sheer competitiveness, the photographic classes were quite the best in the show with one or two outstanding images. .
The handicraft classes had their usual 20 entries staged, among which was a finely executed painting. The wine and beer section at 21 bottles was almost double last year’s entries.
Finally, the children’s entries were submitted by a dozen young people, 3 of who staged in the adult classes too.
The local community supported the event and the show marquee on Yapton’s recreation ground was the focus of attention, with about 350 visitors entering to view the competition. The occasional shower did little to dampen the goodwill of the local populace. .
Supporting attractions adjacent to the marquee included the police and fire services promoting the “Safer Arun” campaign. The DOUBLE L-L CLUB members arrived with 7 classic cars, vans and motorcycles. REG’S TRACTORS included 3 agricultural machines, and 2 scale model working traction engines, a second marquee housed stalls selling preserves, jumble, and sausages and baking products. .
The nearby village Hall featured a model railway layout, the local history group and 2 police officers meeting the general public.
Thanks goes to the kitchen staff that were kept busy supplying cream teas and cakes throughout the afternoon.

The Cottage Gardener’s President, SUE PHILLIPS was present throughout the afternoon, and officiated at the presentation of awards. It was a remarkable feature of the day that 18 trophies’ changed hands from last year to this. .
It was particularly successful occasion for CHRISTINE FRY with her dahlia exhibits winning the WOODWARD TROPHY for the best open classes cut flowers, both silver and bronze NATIONAL DAHLIA SOCIETY medals, the BOOTH CUP for most points in the open horticultural classes, (to which prizes with other cut flowers and vegetables contributed), and was recipient of the most prize money. .
The other notably prominent exhibitor was ALISDAIR MACCULLOCH. His haul of awards included the CHARLES MILLYARD TROPHY for runner beans grown by a member, the STEVENSON CUP for the member’s classes cut flowers, (some splendid gladiolus), and the GEORGE HARRISON CUP for the most points in the members classes. .
However, regular exhibitor MALCOM PARADINE was both WARMER CUP (member’s classes) and the BINNS TROPHY (open classes) for the best individual vegetable exhibits (tomatoes), but it was MICK MINTON who supplied the best collection of vegetables in the member for the V.H.SNELL TROPHY. The IVOR SMITH FRUIT BOWL was jointly awarded to Society officers ROY PHILLIPS and DAVID DONOVAN, while the best pot plant selected for the TONY BUTCHER TROPHY was brought by VAL O’NEILL. The remaining horticultural trophy, for novice exhibitors, the MAPLETREES TROPHY, was presented the JOHN WHITELOCK. .
The LESLIE CROWTHER TROPHY for member’s to stage 3 exhibits, was won by MARY CARMEL PARDI who produced a most interesting display including the speckled borlotti beans.
Away from horticulture, the only trophy to be wholly retained by last year’s winner was the PANNELL TROPHY awarded for flower arranging to JOAN JACKSON. The PHILLIPS TROPHY/, for her successful wine and beer entries, went to JUDY BARRATT, while the sole entry of DAVID DAY, the splendid picture of a jetted house, gave him the STAGG CUP for best Handicraft item. In a closely fought contest KATHIRINE HORWOOD proved to be the best of the culinary competitors for the COLLIER CUP.
The Children’s awards began with the MARGARET TROPHY for handicrafts; 8 year old ELEONORE GRIMWOOD was the recipient. The best miniature garden in a seed tray was brought by NEVE IRELAN-HILL for the FROST JUNIOR CUP and a photograph gave 14 year old FAE CROWLEY the TEENS TROPHY, for most points in the children’s section, 6 year old AMELIA NEVILLE became the winner of the BELMONT CUP.

First prize winners.

Alisdair Macculloch, Malcolm Paradine, Graham Coomber, Joan Whitelock, Mary Carmel-Pardi, Terry booker, Roy Phillips, Judith Stemp, Mick Minton, David Donovan, Nora Trigger, Christine Fry, Mick Marshall, Debbie Lawrence, Val O’Neill, Stan Crouch, Diane Booker, Kent Kressner, Peter Maynard, Tony Bishop, Paul Pannell, Vick Millis, Graham and Sylvia Ebben, Ann Hollis, Clare Irelan-Hill, Joan Jackson, David Cole Anne Box, Olive Nicolaou, Eve Pendreich, Judy Barratt, David Day, Julia Smith, Jennie Knight, Austin Crowley, Alan Thew, Geoff Higham, Dorothy Jessup, Jacob Miller, Neve Irelan-Hill, Olivia Lisle, Amelia Neville, Victoria Mallock, Fae Crowley.
      

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Yapton Cottage Gardeners 2010 Early Summer Flower Show

With 303 entries from some 106 exhibitors, new records were created for the Early Summer Flower Show of the Cottage Gardener’s Society, held in part by the presence of 67 entries from pupils of Yapton School. A Staff member co-ordinated the staging of the paper Masks submitted by two age groups. These were in addition to the entries from children attending other schools.

The sweet pea entries were not numerically great, indicative of a rather difficult growing season, although the quality was good; the rose classes were more competitive, with one or two fine vases.

There were some quite excellent cactus plants, of a quality not usually associated with produce shows, plus cut garden flowers, pot plants, fine vegetables and a few dishes of soft fruit in the horticultural classes.

As is now well established in Yapton, the floral art section produced some first-rate arrangements, and cooking featured strongly, winning praise from the judges the prize winning scone maker was 3.5 years old.

More praise too from the judge of the Photographic section; the class ‘Cute’ attracted images rick in sentiment, and provoked muck discussion among the members of the general public.

The presence of the village schoolchildren among the competitors swelled visitor members during the afternoon to 150, as u parents came to view their offspring’s handiwork.

The side attractions included bedding, vegetable, cactus and insectivorous plants, the raffle, the day’s national Lottery ‘bonus-ball’ forecast, cakes and bread, cards, jewelry, and glass pictures. The kitchen recorded excellent sales of cream teas and cakes.

Awards were presented by the Cottage Gardener’s Chairman, Roy Phillips as the day’s activities draw to a close. Regular exhibitor Stan Crouch retained the Godfrey Challenge Cup for the most points in the rose classes. And Jeff Haine took home the Hawthrone Trophy for his sweet peas entries. He also provided the best vase for the Bronze Award of the national Sweet Pea Society. A newcomer to the shows in Yapton, Trevor Olive won the Bill Payne Memorial Trophy for his display of cacti and succulents. Four entries were enough for six year old Dennison Grimwood to take the Junior Flower Cup.

The next event in Yapton will be the 106th Annual Flower Show on August the 14th. To be staged in the marquee on the recreation ground, and supported by field attractions and displays in the Village Hall

. First prize winners

Jenny Pay, Stan Crouch, Val O’Neill, Jeff Haine, Alan Humphrey, Judith Stem, Diane Booker, Dave Cole, Jacques Pardi, Anne Hollis, Peter Maynard, Trevor Olive, Malcolm Paradine, Alan Thew, Katharine Horwood, David Donovan, Eva Pendreich, Fae Crowley, Terry Booker, Dennison Grimwood , Eleonore Grimwood, Olivia Lisle, Helena Whitelock.

Yapton Cottage Gardeners 2010 Spring Flower Show

On an overcast day with intermittent rain at the end of a winter of unrelieved chill, the prospect for a Cottage Gardeners Flower Show were as gloomy as the weather.

However such modesty was cast aside as record high entries for a Spring Show were received from a record number of exhibitors at any produce show held in Yapton. For this the village school has to be heartily thanked some 86 pupils produced either an Easter card or a sample of handwriting, co-ordinated by a member of staff who set out the entries using the width of the stage of the Village Hall. .

There were some daffodil entries, but not the usual number; other cut flowers from the garden, while pot plants provided the greatest level of competition in the horticultural classes some good vegetables were also staged. Yet again, the quality of flower arranging was superb but the most competitive section of the show was the cookery. Such was the level of expertise that 13 of the 15 competitors involved gained a third prize as a minimum. .

The Photographic section had over 20 entries and the judge remained to explain the qualities he was assessing in each image. .

Over and above the Yapton primary school staging, other children submitted entries.

The totals were 264 entries from 123 exhibitors, and their display was rewarded by a crowd of 150 to view the exhibits during the afternoon. .

The side stalls traded in plants, greeting cards, jewelry, cakes the obligatory raffle and the days bonus-ball lottery forecast, while the kitchen supplied refreshments almost from the moment the doors opened. .

The show ended with the presentation of the trophies by Cottage Gardeners Chairman Roy Phillips. Quite the most successful of the horticultural exhibitors was Christine Fry, who took home the Harry March Cup. The Pratt Trophy passed to Katharine Horwood for her cookery skills and 6 year old Dennison Grimwood amassed enough points to take the Junior Spring Cup.

First prize winners: Christine Fry, Terry Booker, David Donovan, Debbie Lawrence, Eva Pendreich, Vicky Millis, Diane Booker, Jenny Pat, Julia Smith, Anne Hollis, Judith Stemp, Val O’Neill, Peter Maynard, Malcolm Paradine, David Cole, Katharine Horwood, Roy Phillips, Kent Kressner, Joan Jackson, Fae Crowley, Emma Lisle, Rhiannon Leaman, Dennison Grimwood, Olivia Lisle and Eleonore Grimwood. .

    

March Newsletter from your Chairman

March has arrived together with the sunny weather how long it will last remains to be seen or felt! Hopefully spring is just around the corner because when we do have a bright sunny day the evenings are certainly drawing out just ready for the clocks to go forward and plunge us back into dark mornings.

Talking of spring here’s a gentle reminder that our first Show of the year will be on Saturday 20th March in Janet Phillips Hall of Yapton and Ford Village Hall. As mentioned in the January newsletter, there are various horticultural classes and sections for Floral Art, Domestic, Photography and Children. Do you know the difference between a Daffodil and a Narcissus, large cup or small cup? well all this information can be found on the green pages in the centre of your schedule. How about a pot plant or cactus these are the things we look after all year round and do not give them a second thought, bring one along and see how you do, the Committee are always on hand to show you how to display your exhibit. We are coming to the end of winter and vegetables do tail off but not to be beaten there are four classes for you to consider entering. A sunny sheltered spot does lend itself to the natural forcing of rhubarb so don’t forget to visit the clump to see if any sticks are ready. For show purposes the sticks should be of the same length, straight and the same colour. I am sure most of you grow some herbs and as for seasonal vegetables the list is as long as your arm with leeks, parsnips, brussels sprouts, cabbage and broccoli to name a few.

Moving on to the Domestic classes I know there are a lot of very good cooks out there so why not enter and give some of the regular exhibitors some competition. Our resident expert Carol is only a phone call away should you need any advice, but she will not cook for you.

Now for members with children or grand children, nieces and nephews, I think you know where I am coming from, there are children’s classes such as a garden in a seed tray which is always popular as is a sample of handwriting but no rude rhymes please and don’t forget to hard boil the eggs before decorating them.

Finally, the photographers amongst you should have plenty of pictures to exhibit in the Winter Wonderland class after the recent cold snowy weather and lots of reflections as the rain fell and the snow melted, as for flowers how about taking a picture of the flowers before you pick them to enter in the horticultural classes.

Tickets are now on sale for the annual Barn Dance on Friday 9th April and not 13th March as printed in the Schedule, with Ian Kirby and a live band. Tickets are available from Roy Phillips on 01243 552 822 or Tricia Ford on 01243 552 054 priced at £8 including a Ploughman’s. Other refreshments and a bar will also be available.

The recent talk by Mr. Paul Templeton on the basics of gardening was well received and over 30 members enjoyed an entertaining evening learning about the basic principles of starting and maintaining a garden. I am sure some of our more experienced gardeners also learnt a thing or two but I don’t think that they will admit to that. The excellent raffle and teas as well as David’s famous cakes rounded off the evening with many members asking questions to the speaker.

A reminder that annual subscriptions are now due and these may be paid at the forthcoming show or by filling in the form sent out with the last newsletter. Alternatively contact Carol on 01903 725009 for further details. In the past we have asked members for their views on what you would like us as a Committee to do i.e. organise coach outings, quiz nights etc. Carol has noticed recently particularly with new Members that they have all asked “What do you do, do you have regular meetings?” Apart from the Shows, a Barn Dance, and the Yetties performance, we do have two Members’ Meetings is this enough would you like us to organise more, the talks do not always have to follow a strict gardening theme, they could be about wildlife, to even life in the 1960’s or 70’s. let’s have your views and we will try to deliver.

Last time I spoke about some of the summer bedding you could sow in the greenhouse over the coming weeks but if you do not have these facilities or you have forgotten why not make a note in your diary to come along to the Plant Sale on Saturday 8th May from 10 a.m. until 12 noon when we will have a large selection of summer bedding as well as a few herbs and vegetable plants, hanging baskets and patio tubs for sale at very competitive prices with all profits going to the Society funds.

As I mentioned at the beginning Spring is just around the corner and the grass will soon be growing at a pace, so if your mower is still in the shed just as you left it last autumn it will need to be given a service now, so that it is in top condition to give trouble free operation over the coming season. While you’re in the shed check to see if any other tools need a service or even replacing, shears and hedge trimmer are two that spring to mind. When the ground begins to dry out give the flower borders a light fork over to break up the soil that has been compacted by all the recent heavy rain, should the grass be frozen keep off it and find something to do in the warmth of the green house or potting shed.

Best Wishes, Roy Phillips

Yapton and District Cottage Gardeners Society.
Autumn Show Report October 2009.

The Autumn Flower Show of the Yapton Cottage Gardeners Society was particularly well supported, with an entry of 273, markedly better that in 2008. Of the 42 exhibitors who staged, 8 were appearing in Yapton for the first time.

The horticultural judge enthused about the how well the Village Hall looked with the array of cut flowers and pot plants: the classes of fuchsia and Busy Lizzies florets were notably well contested and the best in potatoes and tomatoes were beautiful, as were the apples and pears.

Pride of place went to a pumpkin staged by 13-year-old Jack Etherington, all 350 pounds of it, and the marrows were mightily massive too.

Once more the flower arrangers stage quite excellent exhibits; both men and women entered thisThe afternoon saw excellent patronage by the general public. After viewing the competitive displays for those with section, as they did in the cookery classes, again very competitive and impressing the judge with the quality of the exhibits set before her.

The Photographic images provoked discussion, and the adult handicraft section gains a little momentum each year. The picture of ‘My Home’ from David Day was wonderfully executed. Three children entered the classes specifically designed for them, for those with money to spend; the side stalls offered cakes and bread, bedding plants, handicraft and raffle. The tea bar did business almost from the start of the afternoon.

The close of the afternoon saw the Cottage Gardeners Chairman Roy Phillips, presenting the Awards.

Malcolm Paradine retain the VILLAGE CRIERS TROPHY as most successful exhibitor in the horticultural classes in the seasons four shows, although for the Autumn Show, it was Alan Humphrey who topped the points totals for the EDITH GODFERY TROPHY. He also took silver and bronze medals presented by the NATIONAL DAHLIA SOCIETY. The best vegetable exhibit, five onions, was staged by MICK MINTON for the DEEGAN SHIELD, and the highest points total for fuchsias in two shows netted VAL O’NEILL the JOAN WADDINGTON MEMORIAL TROPHY.

The Flower arranging trophy with the mysterious little ‘W.R.’ returned, after an absence, to JOAN JACKSON but it was no hollow victory; next year someone else may claim it. Yapton committee member EVA PENDRUICH is a rising star, both with a camera for the CHAMPIONSHIP VASE, and the wooden spoon for the cookery and handicraft NEIL BAXTER MEMORIAL TROPHY.

The year round JUNIOR VILLAGE CRIERS CUP was presented to 12 year old Olivia Lisle, who entered the four shows this year, but a newcomer, 7 year old ELEONORE GRIMWOOD took the JUNIOR AUTUMN CUP with three first prizes.

The next events in the Yapton Cottage Gardeners calendar will be a visit by PETER COLLETT to demonstrate the preparation of produce for exhibition on October 28th, followed by the annual visit of the YETTIES folk musicians on November 13th.

First Prize Winners:

Shirley July, Judith Stemp, Val O’Neill, Peter Maynard, Julia Smith, Roy Phillips, Joan Stubbings, Joan Jackson, Mick Minton, David Donovan, Mike Millis, Nadia Tomic, Malcolm Paradine, Jack Etherington, Debbie Lawrence, Katharine Horwood, Eva Pendreich, Alan Thew, Dorothy Jessup, David Day, Terry Booker, Geoff Hihnam, Eleonore Grimwood and Olivia Lisle.

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