ONE society has had to cancel its show because of gales that swept through the south in the early hours of Easter Monday, but Ropley Horticultural Society was not only able to hold its annual spring show but produced a wonderful collection of blooms.

The show, held in the village hall on April 2, was a sea of gold as daffodils dominated the displays along with a colourful selection of tulips and other spring flowers as entries were up because of the mild winter.

A section which attracted a lot of the visitors was the children’s entries boosted by Ropley Play Group who entered the “Make Your Own Bunny” competition.

Flowers weren’t the only attraction at the show as there was Easter-themed baking by Hazel Wilson and Cornish cream teas with waitress service which proved popular.

The show was opened by society chairman Jill Shakespeare, who thanked everyone for coming and for their floral contributions with a special thanks to the committee and “other stalwart helpers particularly the kitchen and table waiting teams all of whom have made the event possible”.

There were11 classes of daffodils, other spring flowers and indoor plants, and 10 superb floral art displays within four categories, plus homecraft and children’s classes.

With such a high standard running through the show it was a difficult time for the judges when it came to choosing winners.

The floral art and children’s classes were judged by Penny Neyroud, the spring flowers by Geoff Hawkins, and homecraft by Hazel Wilson.

Show secretary Maurice Shakespeare announced the results and his wife handed out the prizes.

Results

Flowers Bowl – Members only: Jill Shakespeare.

Floral Art Bowl – Open: Jill Shakespeare.

Spring Challenge Cup – Members only: Dilys Warwick (for best plant raised from bulbs issued in October).

Best in Show for Floral Art (Petite) Trinket Box: Patricia Langridge.

Ernie Stride Children’s Cup: Oscar Elliot.

There were 35 entries in the children’s section including eight chocolate-filled nests.

Results

Class 32: Under 7s, make your own Easter bunny: 1 Martha Mitchell, 2 Claude Watson.

Class 33: 7-11 year olds – make your own Easter bunny: 1 Saffy Elliott, 2 Oscar Elliott.

Class 34: Under 7s, make your own chocolate-filled nest: 1 Max Moser.

Class 35: 7-11 year olds, make your own chocolate-filled nest:1 Oscar Elliott.

Each child entrant received a signed certificate with an Easter egg gift.

After the prizegiving judge Jess Hawkins told Society member Dilys Warwick how impressed he was with the quality of the blooms on display, particularly as the entrants had faced the challenge of protecting them from the high winds at Easter which had forced one society to cancel its spring show.