In spite of the unpredictable weather this Summer the Ropley Horticultural Society Summer Show held on Saturday August 19, was a great success

The Parish Hall was full of colour from the displays of flowers and vegetables grown by the members and the lovely floral art arrangements.

Vegetable classes ranged from the most interesting misshapen vegetable to the longest runner bean and lots in between!  The cookery classes were well supported and there were also wonderful items of craft on display in the Design and Create Section.

The photography classes enjoyed the highest number of entries ever and included a black and white photograph for the first time!  There were classes for Cookery including a Gentlemen’s Bake (Men Only) Traditional Dundee Cake, a Victoria Sandwich and a Chocolate Cake.  There were also classes for Eggs and the Children’s Classes included some clever and inventive displays.  There was so much to look at and admire after which a welcome cup of tea and home-made cake was available! 

From the moment the doors opened the hall was full and buzzing with conversation!  The Raffle had many splendid prizes, including a Generous Gift Voucher donated by Garthowen Garden Centre in Four Marks, and was extremely successful.

There was also a successful Plant Stall selling plants raised by the members for very reasonable prices.  The village, who always support the Show so well, didn’t fail this year -  the afternoon felt like a giant party with everyone having a happy and fun time amongst friends. 

Show Secretary Louise Brown thanked the committee and everyone who had helped both set up the Show beforehand and on the day itself and in particular all those who had entered the many Show classes which covered a huge range of diversity.  Without everyone’s help the Show could not happen and it was so rewarding seeing how much the village had enjoyed the afternoon and supported the event.

The cups were presented to the following winners:

  • Jeremy Carruthers won the prestigious ‘Henderson Cup’ for the fourth year
  • Jeremy also retained the Supreme Challenge Cup and the Society Produce Plate and won the Summer Challenge Cup
  • Jill Shakespeare and Christine Drewienkiewicz jointly won the Cooper Rose Bowl
  • Roger Wood won the Timms Egg Cup
  • Jill Shakespeare won the Floral Challenge Cup
  • Rowena Durston won The Crystal Trophy and The Hampshire Chronicle Cup
  • Christine Drewienkiewicz won the Doris Pile Cup for Cookery
  • Ray Godfrey won the Stan and Betty Potter Children’s Cup
  • Gordon Brown won the Open Photography Shield
  • Maurice Shakespeare won the Sweet Pea Cup
  • Best in Show Rosettes went to Heidi Richardson for flowers and Maurice Shakespeare for vegetables and fruit.

Once more Ropley celebrated a wonderful afternoon of local endeavour enjoyed by all!

In spite of the unpredictable weather this summer members were able to produce some wonderful results – gorgeous flowers and fantastic vegetables.