Haddenham Horticultural Society hosted its traditional Spring Show on Saturday 26th April 2025.
Sadly the number of visitors was somewhat down this year, we believe partly because it coincided with the television coverage of the funeral of Pope Francis, as several people apologised that they had not come along for that reason.
Nevertheless, thanks to the amazing and very greatly appreciated generosity of HHS members and friends, as well as contributions from our committee members, the various stalls were pretty well stocked and, despite the reduced numbers, the financial total was reasonably encouraging, with the white elephant doing particularly well this year. The main point of the "sale" part of the event is to raise funds for our other events during the year, particularly our Autumn Show, but we also seek to make both our shows into village events to be enjoyed by all.
As is usual in these days of uncertain weather, we were concerned about what effect there might be on the entries in the various classes for Spring flowers. However, we were very pleased by the number of exhibitors, and the other classes were also well supported. In fact several classes had more entries than in recent years, with the floral art showing a particularly pleasing increase.
As always, the success was achieved in no small part by the hard work put in by everyone on our committee and our many helpers, as well as the donations to and purchases from the stalls, or simply just by attending, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved.
Show results
The Bob Hutchings Cup for the most points gained in the flower classes (classes A to O) was won by Jeanne Marshall, and Jeanne also won the £15 garden voucher for the exhibitor gaining most points across all the Show classes.
Christine Wheeler-Cherry won the £10 voucher and Gay Jordan the £5.
The Ken Lane Memorial Trophy for the most points gained in the floral art classes was won by Gay Jordan.
The results for the individual show classes are as follows (I have only listed the class winner in each case, but if you want a note of those who were placed do let me know).
Class A 3 flowering stems of Tulip, one variety: Christine Wheeler-Cherry
Class B 3 flowering stems of Tulip, more than one variety: Louise Richardson
Class C 3 flowering stems of Narcissus or Daffodil, one variety: Louise Richardson
Class D 3 flowering stems of Narcissus or Daffodil, more than one variety: Louise Richardson
Class E 3 stems of any other bulb or corm flower: Jeanne Marshall
Class F 3 stems Polyanthus, one or more varieties: Christine Wheeler-Cherry
Class G 3 stems Pansies or Violas: Rosemarie Wilson
Class H An alpine, in flower: Jacky Stevens
Class I An alpine not in flower: Jacky Stevens
Class J A cactus or succulent: Jeanne Marshall
Class K A Pot Plant, in flower, not more than 23cm diameter pot: Joyce Riley
Class L A Pot Plant, foliage, not more than 23cm diameter pot: Gay Jordan
Class M 3 stems Shrubs/Trees, flowering, one or more kinds, not to exceed 70 cm overall, including container: Jeanne Marshall
Class N 3 stems Shrubs/Trees, foliage, one or more kinds, not to exceed 70 cm overall, including container: Joyce Riley
Class O 3 stems any other flower not listed in Classes A to N: Joyce Riley
Class P "New Beginnings". An exhibit using natural plant material. Accessories permitted. (In niche approximately 61 cm wide, 45 cm deep and 79 cm high.): Gay Jordan
Class Q "Anyone for Wine?" Arrangement of natural plant material in a wine glass, not to exceed 40cm in any direction. No accessories: Gay Jordan
Class R "A Spring Posy" A tied or wired posy of spring flowers and foliage, not to exceed 22cm in any direction: Gay Jordan
Thanks to Gay Jordan for this report
