THE Society’s Annual Show which took place in the Crawford Memorial Hall on July 8th once again proved to be a great success. Despite misgivings about whether there would be anything suitable for exhibiting after a long, wet spring, followed by some very high temperatures, members managed to rise to the challenge by providing a total of 140 entries. There were 93 in the Horticultural Section, 28 in the Vegetable Section and 19 in the Floral Art, overall representing slightly more than last year. The judge, Mr Andy Pedrick, commented on the excellent quality of the exhibits and also gave some useful advice on how to choose and display the best specimens for showing in the future.

The Dr Andy Cox Rose Bowl, presented to the member with the most points in the Horticultural Section, was won by Janice Ferguson, closely followed by Frances Freeman with only one point less, who gained the George Cope Cup. The Marjorie Irons Cup, for the highest points in the Vegetable Section, was won jointly by three members – Paul Reeves, Frances Freeman and John Alexander-Head. John Alexander-Head was also presented with the Bidford Flower Cup for his entry in the Floral Art Section, as well as the Jordan Vase duly awarded for his vase of five perennials judged to be the best single exhibit in the Show.

Congratulations were given by the Chairman, Neil Ferguson, to the Cup winners and all the members who contributed to making the Show such a splendid event.

On Thursday, 20th July, the Society welcomes Lucy Hartley, a garden designer from Wellesbourne, who will talk about creating the Warwickshire Wildlife Sensory Garden at Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve. Visitors will be warmly received at any of our meetings at 7.45 pm on the third Thursday of each month in the Crawford Memorial Hall, Bidford on Avon. For further information, please contact Annette Haines on 01789 268974 or visit www.gardens.com

NEIL FERGUSON