AFTER a summer of hot, dry weather, Elstead Garden Club members managed a fine show of flowers, fruit and vegetables.

There were 200 entries over all classes, though sadly no junior entries this year.

Flower arrangements on the Goldilocks theme used marigolds, golden rod and yellow leaves, and ‘Autumn Glory’ won a cup for Diana Burgess.

John Manches won two trophies for vegetables, including three leeks each measuring one-and-a-half metres long and the heaviest (and knobbliest) potato.

Brian Bond came first for the best three potatoes from one seed potato, as issued to all members in the spring.

The many awards presented to winners by president Brian Deaville included Michael A’Bear for dahlias, Pat Reffold for her orchid, Barbara Broom for fuchsia florets, Rob Overington for cooking apples, and Elizabeth Knight for blackcurrant jam and dahlias.

Photographs of castles, sunsets and harvest were of a high standard, the judge simply suggesting members should avoid centring the main subject to give a more pleasing effect. Brian Bond won the trophy for his Sunset at Durdle Door.

Annual awards were made for exhibitors with the highest number of points in 2016 – Peggy Tilly for cut flowers, Brian Deaville for pot plants, John Manches for fruit and vegetables, Diana Burgess and Diana Terry for floral art, Angiolina Quadrio Curzio for junior classes, and Peggy Tilly for domestic and horticultural classes.

All in all, a successful show enjoyed by all who took part and who were thanked by show secretary Katharine Deaville.