ROPLEY Horticultural Society Summer Show, held on August 19 at Ropley parish hall, drew a large crowd of visitors to what was described by floral art judge Pip Bensley as “a top notch show, with a wonderful quality of exhibits and atmospheric interpretations”.

And she was not the only one to express her admiration.

Floral judge Henry Jane was particularly impressed by the well-supported class of pelargoniums, while produce judge Paul Abbott considered the general condition of exhibits to be “very good”, considering the extreme weather conditions that growers had experienced on the run up to the show.

In addition, society spokesman Dilys Warwick said: “Gratifyingly for the organisers, several classes attracted new participants, revealing previously hidden skills.”

Visitors came to admire the flowers, produce, floral art, handicrafts and photographs, and make the most of homemade teas and cakes.

Show secretary Maurice Shakespeare presented the trophies, with Jeremy Carruthers receiving the Lyewood Cup, Society Produce Plate, and the Supreme Challenge Cup.

Jill Shakespeare received the Floral Challenge Cup for most points in members’ flower classes, and the Summer Challenge Cup for a pelargonium grown from a plant plug.

Diana Forcey won the Cooper Rose Bowl for most points in members’ rose classes and was awarded the Henderson Cup for selected flower and produce classes across the spring and summer shows.

Vicky Reed, Sally Kingsland and Imelda Simons shared the Timms Cup for eggs, while Rodney Skinner and Jill Shakespeare shared the Doris Pile Cup for cookery.

The Amateur Photo Shield was awarded to Wendy Reeve and Bob Hart, while Wendy Reeve and Maurice Shakespeare shared the Open Photo Shield.

Sheila Seymour won the cup for Best Rose in Show; Imelda Simons received the Novice Cup for her Floral Art entry, while Rowena Durston was awarded the Hampshire Chronicle Cup for most points in Floral Art, the Crystal Trophy for the Best Floral Art Exhibit, and the Best in Show Rosette for her innovative and stylish design for ‘Some Like It Hot’.

At the end of “another successful show”, grateful thanks were expressed by the organising committee “for the efforts of the committee and to a number of member-volunteers”.