We held our Summer Show on Saturday 5th July at the Victory Room Bucklebury. Although the weather forecast predicted light rain showers we saw only a few minutes of very light drizzle. Whilst our gardens are desperate for rain it was a relief not to see the torrential rain and gales of last year. It certainly meant that visitors to the show weren't deterred as the hall filled up with people who enjoyed browsing the benches, afternoon tea, a raffle and the Century Club prize draw. 

Entry numbers were up considerably on last year, with 198 entries from 21 entrants. It was fantastic to see new exhibitors who enjoyed great success much to their astonishment! Our committee members and experienced showers are more than happy to help new people stage their entries, so don't be put off because you're not sure how it works or what to do.

Our fruit, vegetable and flower judge this year was Geoff Morton, he commented that the quality was very good given the extreme heat and lack of rain. The number of sweet pea entries were down on previous years, they really dislike high temperatures so it wasn't a surprise. The class with the most entries were three potatoes with eight entries.

The homecraft classes were judged by Margaret King, awaiting her was a table groaning with the weight of entries. The highest number since 2017. It was great to see a good balance of entries between male and female entrants.  The handicraft class demonstrated the incredible talent in Bucklebury, a wonderful collection of artwork, ceramics and needlework. The quality was high and the competition fierce.

The photography classes were very well supported with some outstanding images. It meant our judges Alan Woolfenden and Sue Lloyd from Thatcham Photography Club had to undertake some serious deliberation.

The floral arrangements were beautiful and our judge, Barbara Hunt commented on the very high standard and creativity on display.

Alas, we continue to struggle to attract entries from children, this is a real shame as those that do participate take a lot from it. I hope we have more entries in the Autumn Show on Saturday 6th September.

The Cup winners were:

The Hartley Russell Cup

Highest points in the Summer Show   

Dr Debby Reynolds

The Coronation Cup

Highest points in the flower, fruit and veg classes

Dr Debby Reynolds

The Mrs Violet Douglas Ker Cup

Highest points in the flower classes

Dr Debby Reynolds

The Bert Barber Rose Cup

Best exhibit in the Rose classes

Yvonne Sonsino

The Dryland Haslam Cup 

Best exhibit in the Sweet Pea class

Alan Renaut

The Millennium Cup

Best Hanging Basket exhibit

Not Awarded

The Mrs Blount Cup

Highest points in the fruit classes

Yvonne Sonsino

The Sainsbury Cup

Highest points in the vegetable classes

Alan Renaut

The Petre Challenge Trophy

Highest points in the floral art classes

Dr Debby Reynolds

The Byrom -Taylor Trophy                                        

Best exhibit in the floral art classes

Yvonne Sonsino

The Grange Challenge Cup 

Highest points in the homecraft classes

Valerie Byrom-Taylor

The Silver Jubilee Cup 

Highest points in the 5 year and under children’s classes

Not Awarded

The Rupert Hartley Russell Cup

Highest points in the 6 – 9-year-old children’s classes

Yasmin Halabi

The Margaret Hammerton Cup 

Highest points in the 10 – 14-year-old children’s classes

Not Awarded

The Lyn Law Memorial Trophy

Best Exhibit in the children’ classes   

Yasmin Halabi

A huge thank you to our judges, exhibitors, visitors and all those who supported the show. It shows what an amazing community we are.

The coming weeks may continue to present a challenge for gardeners, with hot, dry weather forecast.  There's only one option, keep calm and keep watering. See you at the Autumn Show on Saturday  6th September.