WEEKS of hot, dry weather preceding Porlock Horticultural and Crafts Society’s summer show left organisers concerned the number and quality of entries would be significantly impacted.

But, it turned out to be one of the best shows in recent years and Porlock Village Hall was filled with the sights and scents of summer with glorious roses, dahlias, gladioli, hydrangeas, fuchsias, and many other examples of seasonal flowers and foliage.

The vegetable section was bursting with entries, which was a testament to the skill of the gardeners in dealing with challenging growing conditions.

Only the fruit section seemed to be affected, which was probably because most soft fruit had already been harvested and enjoyed.

The decorative section was a delight of beautiful arrangements which captured the given themes, exquisite miniature arrangements, a special anniversary, a hat or fascinator for Ascot, and an arrangement of foliage.

The handicraft section presented a challenge to the judge in the scope and variety of entries which later provided inspiration to show visitors.

The photography section, with themes including ‘shopping’, ‘a village view’, and ‘light and shade’, was a popular part of the show and entrants had given lots of thought to the themes.

The homemade drink section was the least well-supported, but decorated flowerpots in the children’s section were imaginative and well-executed.

The afternoon culminated in a presentation of cups and trophies by long-standing exhibitor and judge Jim Moon, who is also a stalwart of Dunster Horticultural Society.

The committee thanked all the supporters and sponsors whose help enabled it to put on the show, all the people who entered exhibits, without whom there would be no show, and all those who helped on the day and made light work of packing everything away.

Perpetual Challenge Cups and Trophies

RHS BANKSIAN MEDAL (largest total prize money horticultural classes spring/summer shows) - Jeanette Prince.

Norman Haddon Trophy (most points in flower/vegetable/fruit spring/summer shows combined) - Jeanette Prince.

JK RAMSEY CUP (most points in decorative classes, spring/summer shows combined) - Catherine Greer.

BLATHWAYT CUP (most points sections I, II, III, flower/vegetable/fruit) - Caroline King.

REEVES CUP (runner-up sections I, II, III, flower/vegetable/fruit) - Jason Senior.

ROSE BOWL (most points rose classes 101-105) - Pam Molford.

SLADE CUP (most points in section I, flowers) - Jeanette Prince.

RAWLE CUP (most points section II, vegetables) - Malcolm Appleton.

HADDEN CUP (best exhibit section I, flowers) - Sue Appleton.

SMITH CUP (best exhibit sweet pea classes 108-109) - Peter Leather.

E&W PUGSLEY CUP (best collection vegetables) - Malcolm Appleton.

PRIMO VINEIS CUP (best exhibit section III, fruit) - Geoff Garfield.

HARRY RAWLE CUP (best exhibit sections I, II, III, flower/vegetable/fruit) - Paul Murch.

RUSSELL THOMAS CUP (most points section IV, decorative) - Catherine Greer.

HADDEN CHILDREN’S CUP (best exhibit section V, children’s entries) - Chloe Denton.

JOCK CURRIE MEMORIAL CUP (best exhibit section VI, handicrafts) - Christine Miles.

LIZ SIMMONDS SALVER (best exhibit photographic classes 701-706) - Susan Locke.

CLAUDE SIMMONDS TANKARD (most points section VIII, homemade drink, spring/summer combined) - Paul Murch.

  • Further results will be published in next Friday’s community news page.