Spring Show 2024

Congratulations to all our entrants, spectators and winners at our 46th annual Spring Show! Despite lots of comments like ” I have nothing left, the snails have had everything” it’s clear CABAHS members rise to a challenge as we had 80 entries in total. Monday evening was a great opportunity to show off our collective gardening skills, as well as have another little trip down memory lane about Shows of the past.

Kathy covered the origin of the Spring Shows at last year’s meeting, with the first one held in 1978, and as a result of that research we resurrected two new classes – a Primulas & Auriculas class and a Baking class. They were well received, with 5 and 8 entries respectively.

Mention has to be made of Mandy’s wonderful shortbread shapes – the wheelbarrow filled with chocolate earth was apparently Brownie’s contribution!

We added to our history of Shows this year, thanks to Francesca from the Gardens Trust for directing us to The Kentish Mercury of 1897. The clipping describes Charlton Amateur Horticultural Society’s 4th annual exhibition held in the Assembly Rooms Charlton. It was a grand affair, and goes on to say that Sir Spencer Maryon-Wilson kindly lent his beautiful park for the occasion, with dancing and music enjoyed on the lawns that evening! Maybe next year..

Coming back to more recent times, Kathy presented the show schedule of the Stamford Horticultural Society, which has many modern parallels with our group. Their class for “1 litre of garden compost in a carrier bag” is definitely a contender to be added to ours next year, get composting!

We are enormously grateful to Vija for taking on the difficult job of judging the exhibits, and highlighting some of the lovely displays. More thanks to members Karen, Estelle and Sylvie who helped with the raffle and serving refreshments, much appreciated. Casper came to visit at setting up time and was not very helpful!

Best in Show went to Debbie’s beautiful Vase of Spring Flowers, a very worthy winner. We hope you enjoyed the evening!

Winners: Class 1 Daffodils Chris B , Class 2 Tulips Viv, Class 3 Flowering Shrubs Terry, Class 4 Camellias Maggie T, Class 5 Vase of Spring Flowers Debbie W, Class 6 Pot plant Margaret T, Class 7 Pot of Spring bulbs Pat K, Class 8 Primulas or Auriculas Ali, Class 9 Tea Cup display Debbie W, Class 10, Baking, Estelle, Class 11 Pipit competition Ali, Class 12 Wild Card, Lynda