VISITORS flocked to Ropley Horticultural Society’s spring show, held at the village hall, on a gloriously warm and sunny day.

The hall buzzed with conversation last Saturday, and the homemade cakes and cream teas proved popular. The spring-like effect was enhanced by the array of brightly coloured and scented daffodils, tulips and hyacinths.

Floral judge Geoff Hawkins commented favourably about the number and quality of the exhibits, especially given the unseasonably warm weather that had caused many bulbs to flower too early for the show. Nevertheless, there were more than 30 exhibitors and 120 entries.

As well as floral displays, exhibits included homemade ginger bread, Viennese whirls, prettily-decorated flapjacks, and a collection of children’s self-portraits.

After the teas, show secretary Maurice Shakespeare awarded chairman Jill Shakespeare the large rose bowl for flowers and foliage, and also the small rose bowl for floral art.

Jill then awarded the other cups.

The Novice Cup for Floral Art went to Imelda Simons for her beautifully natural looking ‘Woodland Walk’; the Spring Challenge Cup to Sally Shield for her City of Haarlem hyacinth; and the Ernie Stride Children’s Cup to Montgomery Walker for his particularly accomplished self-portrait.

Jill also offered special gifts and certificates to each child competitor.

In traditional fashion, the afternoon concluded with a raffle.

A horticultural society spokesman said: “Overall, it was another successful show thanks to the efforts of nearly 20 members and friends – most of them behind the scenes.”