For the first time since the Covid pandemic began we held our Summer Show “live” on Saturday, 12th August at West Meon Village Hall.

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Some of you may remember that we held online shows during lockdowns, where the emphasis was on fun and creativity rather than on following rules and regulations designed perhaps more for semi-professional competitors. This approach proved popular, so this show was simplified and streamlined, eliminating those classes that appealed to very few exhibitors or none at all.

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Another innovation was “audience participation” in the Crafts and Fun sections. Visitors were encouraged to attribute "prizes" using an anonymous judging sheet, according to their opinions of the entries.

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Although there were fewer entrants than in 2019, quality certainly made up for lack of quantity. Peter Short kindly presented all the prizes and congratulated all participants on the efforts they had put in to produce such delightful exhibits.

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Steve Jones was the outright winner in the Vegetable sections, with Margaret Major winning the Flower and Joanne Horn leading the Cookery sections. Stephen Short, Carol Rowlatt, Bob Miles and Liz English also acquitted themselves honourably. Finally, Vera Short, Bob Miles and Anna Couldridge were each awarded a Diploma for Excellence in Horticulture, quite some achievement!

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The stand out winner was, though, Anna Couldridge, winning the F Burt Challenge Trophy for the best collection of vegetables, the President’s Challenge Trophy for the most points awarded in craft classes and finally the Stephens Challenge Trophy for the most points awarded to a member in the show.

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The details of all the trophies awarded can be seen below.