DESPITE challenging growing weather conditions there were more than 200 entries for the floral, vegetable, craft, and food competitions in this year’s Watchet Garden and Flower Show.

The show, which was revived last year after an absence of more than 35 years, was again staged on the town’s Memorial Ground.

It was brought back as part of a drive to see more than just sporting activities held on the playing field and to raise funds for the pavilion which, together with the ground were left to the town in memory of men from Watchet who gave their lives in the First World War.

The mini-Chelsea Garden display was a great success with gardening clubs from Minehead and Watchet battling it out, but the trophy instead going to Mary Alexander.

Town crier David Milton started the proceedings and Watchet Mayor Cllr Loretta Whetlor said some words on behalf of the town in the wake of the tragic Minehead school bus crash, while the West Somerset Brass Band played a reflective tune as a mark of respect.

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Watchet Coastal Community Team chairman Martin Stevens presents the food produce trophy to Karen Coles. PHOTO: Liz Elmont.

The 1st Watchet Sea Scouts raised money from selling teas and coffees and there was a variety of trade and charity stalls, including the RSPB, Watchet Hedgehogs, Watchet Wildlife Conservation, St Decuman’s Well, Moorland Mousie Exmoor Pony Trust, Phoenix Watchet Gardening Club, J. Gliddon and Sons, Kings Garden Nursery, and Seed of Hope.

Glenmore Bakery, Styles Ice Cream, and the football club provided food and refreshments.

Cllr Whetlor presented the rosettes and her own trophy new this year in memory of her late husband Michael for the mini-Chelsea Garden display winner.

Trophy Winners

Champion Best in Show (1960s original flower show trophy) Karen Coles.

Vegetable Section (Ron and Pat Wilks trophy) Paul Foreman.

Flower Section (Sandra Bradshaw trophy) Alan Jones.

Food produce Section (WCCT trophy) Karen Coles.

Arts & Crafts Section (Stella Alexander Rose bowl) Pauline Bennett.

Children's 16 & under (Keith Edward Norman trophy) Zachary Moore.

Garden display (Loretta & Michael Whetlor trophy) Mary Alexander.

Results

Beans - Christine Paine; Potatoes - Seed of Hope; Chillies/peppers - Paul Foreman; Garlic - Seed of Hope; Onions - Julie Prescott; Cucumbers - Peter Mather; Herbs - Paul Foreman; Largest Vegetable - Peter Mather; Tomatoes - Paul Foreman; Courgettes/gourds - Alan Jones; Fruit - Rosalind Pick; Rose - Jen Taylor; Sweet Pea - Anne Tickle; Hydrangea - Cyril Prescott; Dahlias - James Nicholas; Gladioli - Christine Paine; Fuchsias - Peter Mather; Vase mixed flowers - Julie Prescott; Floral arrangement - Chris Hall; Cacti or succulent - Alan Jones; Bonsai - Alan Jones; Hanging Basket - Georgia Watson; Victoria sandwich - Zachary Moore; Vegetable cake - Karen Coles; Fruit tart - Karen Coles; Quiche - Karen Coles; Juice, cordial or alcohol - Karen Coles; Jams - Cyril Prescott; Pickles and Chutneys - Karen Coles; Art - John Bowcock; Photography - Alice Beaney; Soft craft - Sally Bowcock; Hard craft - Revd Jane Sperring; Knitting or crochet - Pauline Bennett; Children 16 and under Art - Finley Nicholas- Wright; Mini garden - Zachary Moore; Craft - Olivia George.