Centenary Show in 2004

Press release details.

From Yapton Correspondent John Dickeson. 01243 551972.

West Sussex Observer Thursday 30th June 2004

David Donovan the Show Secretary of the Yapton and District Cottage Gardeners Society reported:
With 186 entries from 28 exhibitors, the Early Summer Show presented by the Yapton and District Cottage Gardeners Society in the village hall at the end of June was a less substantial affair than usual as the devastating winds of a few days previously seriously damaged plants in the open garden.

Roses were staged, if sparingly, but few vases of Sweet Peas reached the show bench. However, nearly all horticultural classes had entries with the cactus and succulent section incorporating a wide range of species, many of which were in flower. The vegetable classes provided much of interest for observers and were the best supported in the show, dishes of various soft fruits nicely complimented the root and leaf edibles.

The flower arranging classes had a mere four entries, but all were excellent in design; with a range of items on display, the cookery section had fair competition and five children made the effort to stage. The schedule concluded with a delightful set of colour photographs

The show opened to the public in the afternoon and the kitchen operated throughout. supplying light refreshments for the 80 visitors and those manning the side stalls dispensing bedding plants, cactus plants, cakes, honey and raffle tickets. On display for the first time was the commemorative plate to mark the one-hundredth Annual Show, just a few weeks away.

The Chairman of the Yapton Cottage Gardeners Society, Roy Phillips was on hand to present the trophies at the show's conclusion. Quite deservedly. Ken Rippengale, who staged nearly one in four of the exhibits seen on the bench, took THE GODFREY CHALLENGE CUP for Roses and Alan Humphrey retained the HAWTHORN TROPHY for providing the Sweet Pea entries. Peter Maynard kept the BILL PAYNE MEMORIAL TROPHY with his cactus plants, and Emily Nelmes took home the JUNIOR FLOWER CUP.

The next competitive event will be the Annual Show, first held in 1890, to be staged on the recreation ground on August the 14th.