THE number of exhibitors at Over Kellet & District Horticultural Society’s 64th annual show was well up on last year.

There were 520 entries compared to 411 in 2011 with the show being helped by good weather in the lead-up.

As well as being well supported by exhibitors, members of the public also turned out in force for the show, which featured flowers, fruit and vegetables, cookery, craft and young person’s classes.

Mary Gibson, chairman of the Lancashire Federation of Women’s Institutes, opened the event and spoke about the importance of shows in village communities, drawing special attention in their ability to attract young people, the key to exhibitors of the future. Exhibitors, judges, members and visitors all passed favourable comments on both the high standard of exhibits and number of entries and also expressed approval for the new show layout.

The flower sections, in particular dahlias and gladioli, drew many admiring comments, as did the size and quality of exhibits in fruit and vegetable classes. The cookery section attracted 103 entries with the judge, Mrs D M Galbraith of Natland, commented on the high standard. Brian Noon, of Lancaster, captured the award for the best horticultural exhibit in show with his top tray of three types of vegetables, containing parsnips. Kevin Briggs, from Warton, received the RHS Banksian Medal for winning most horticultural prize monies. In the cookery section Mary Butler, of Over Kellet, won three trophies for most points in the section, WI member with most points, and best apple pie.

The Burkhart family, of Caton, took home three of the four trophies for children and teenagers.

 

Cups and trophies:

The Clara Hayton Memorial Trophy: D Fishwick & D Carr. Cecil E Taylor Memorial Trophy: E Greenough. Hall Garth Trophy: K Briggs. F I Townsend Cup: K Briggs. P Wellock Memorial Trophy: J Speak. Elizabeth Wilson Cup: D Woodhouse. Wellesley Wilson Cup: M Briscoe. Flower and Plant Centre Trophy: Margaret & Alan Mosey. James Carter Memorial Trophy: B Noon. Rose Bowl Perpetual Challenge Trophy: K Briggs. Geoff Makinson Memorial Trophy: B Noon. Cutforth Cup: W Stables. Penton Bowl: B Noon. John Robert Lambert Challenge Cup: B Noon. Banksian Medal: K Briggs. Cannan and Isobel Dixon Memorial Trophy: Mary Butler. The Dixon Family Cup: Delia Marwood. Florence Manleigh Cup: M Preston. DG Hopewell Perpetual Trophy: F & A Rice. Women's Institute Trophy by Miss Wilkinson: Mary Butler. Silver Pierced Cake Dish: Mary Butler. Parkinson Trophy: Connie Scott. Infants Children's Cup: Anne Ruth Ward & William Meaden. Lower Juniors Children's Cup: Ethan Burkhart. Upper Juniors Children's Cup: Adam Burkhart. Teenagers' Trophy: Natalie Burkhart. Members' Challenge Trophy: K Briggs. The Westmorland and North Lancashire Federation of Horticultural Show Societies Blue Ribbon: B Noon.