14th September 2024
The Annual Show has traditionally been viewed as the major event in the Society’s calendar. Last year the Show moved to a new venue at Penn United Reform church on the Penn Road (WV4 5QF). This venue proved to be a major improvement in terms of its ample parking along with improved display areas and refreshment facilities so was booked again for this year. The Show is supported by donations from David Austin Roses, Halfpenny Green Vineyard and Hillview Hardy Plants.
The 2024 Show Specification can be downloaded here:
Thirty six exhibitors entered the 2024 Show presenting 380 entries, which is the highest for at least the last 15 years, and perhaps longer. The number of exhibitors had fallen in the year immediately after the Covid restrictions so it is very encouraging to see numbers return to, and exceed, pre-Covid levels. Judges commented on the quality of exhibits, especially considering what has been another very difficult year for growing. It was pleasing to note that the free members plant categories of the Lavender and Geranium plants were amongst the best supported categories in the Show. The Photograph Class was the most popular but all Classes had a good number of entries with most having an increase on 2023, although entries in the Vegetable Class were lower than in previous years.
2024 Show results and pictures
The standard of entries was of the usual high standard and almost all of the judges commented on the very high standard of entries. There were 12 non-members entering in a number of categories whose entries comprised 25% of the total entries. It is nice to see that we are encouraging outsiders to enter (and hopefully join the Society) but we would like to see more members entering, even if only in one or two classes. Photos from the 2024 Show.
Major Prize winners
| TROPHY/AWARD | WINNER | Trophy |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | Jenny Tinsley | Sir Alfred Bird Cup |
| Fruit | Caroline Sanderson | R B Garrington Cup |
| Vegetables | Linda Bassett | Percy Thomas Cup |
| Herbs | Joan Ann Mapp | Tinsley Garrard Cup |
| Cut Flowers | Pippa Pye | M J Allen Cup |
| Pot Plants | Christine Prottey | WHS Salver |
| Floral Art | Margaret Harris | Mrs Garrington Cup |
| Home Produce | Caroline Sanderson | EPNS Cup |
| Photography | Sophie Pye | Silver Frame |
| Arts & Crafts | Jilly Gutteridge | Silver Frame |
| Members Plant | Jenny Tinsley | EPNS Cup |
| Most Horticulture points | Phil Healey | RHS Banksian Medal |
| Best Vegetable exhibit | Rob Dixon | NVS Medal |
| Best Trier | Jean Chapman | Ben George Award |