AN EXPLOSION of colour was injected into a Kendal hall with the arrival of an annual flower show.

Firmly rooted in Kendal’s traditions, the Westmorland Horticultural Society celebrated its 80th year when it displayed this year’s colourful fruit, vegetables and flowers in the Parish Hall, Kirkland.

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“The standard is very good as usual and we’ve had more entries this year with some new exhibitors,” said society chairman Rod Holmes. “The dahlias are particularly excellent this year and the summer has been a big factor for the flowers.”

Westmorland Horticultural Society’s Rita Hogarth said the highlight for her were the dahlias which have undergone a recent revival in popularity.

“The success of the flower show with its 300 members is down to enthusiasm, knowledge and ability,” said Ms Hogarth. “Several of the committee exhibit themselves at national shows and keep up to date with the trends in horticulture.”

Awarded overall best in show was Jim Robinson, of Endmoor, who wowed judges with his Hative de Niort shallots.

Mr Robinson said: “The judge thought they were the best because of their uniformity in size and colour.

“I’ve won before but it still feels good!”

Also catching the attention of show goers was Dan Unsworth’s 65lb marrow which bagged him a first prize in the vegetable section.

Mr Unsworth, of Ingleton, said: “I planted the first seeds in June but it’s been in the last five weeks that it’s really just grown – people can’t believe the size of it.

“I’ve only been growing them for a couple of years and I also grow all sorts of exhibition stuff.

“These marrows are selectively bred and I’ve another one at home which is 85lb!”

The traditional show has even been attracting new exhibitors – inspired by show stalwarts.

Lisa and Mike Cairns came from Blackpool to show their produce for the first time in Kendal and scooped a prestigious red card for their pears.

Mrs Cairns said: “We’re thrilled to bits to be here and to have won something.”

Mr Cairns added that he had been inspired to get growing and get involved after following Dan Unsworth’s blog.

Kendal Mayor Tom Clare was scheduled to officially open the show but was unable to make it after falling ill with pneumonia.

However, councillor and Kendal in Bloom vice president Phil Walker stepped up to open the annual event.

“It’s an honour to be here to today and it’s good to see so many young people getting involved,” said Coun Walker.

W.H.S 2014 Annual Show Cup Winners
Natland Horticultural Society Cup and The Westmorland & North Lancashire Federation Blue Ribbon, best exhibit in show: J. & M. Robinson.

Fruit Bowl, best dish of apples or pears: K. Briggs.

F.C. King Memorial Trophy, best exhibit of fruit: J. Speak.

Westmorland Gazette Challenge Trophy, collection of 6 vegetables: D. Unsworth.

Gatebeck & Endmoor Cup for onions, 6 onions on rings: C. Williams.

Scott Perpetual Challenge Cup, most 1st prizes in open vegetable section: D. Unsworth.

Mrs E. Fawcett Cup, best dish of tomatoes: B. & A. Gott.

Miss Thompson Cup, best exhibit of runner beans: B. Stables.

Colonel Crewdsons Challenge Cup, best plate of potatoes: D. Unsworth.

The J. & L. Nicholson Rose Bowl, most 1st prizes in the members vegetable section: B. Stables.

Matson Ground Perpetual Challenge Trophy, best vegetable exhibit in the members section: J. & M. Robinson.

Leigh Groves Perpetual Challenge Cup, 3 vases of cut flowers: K. Briggs.

J.T. Cross Memorial Cup, 2 vases of sweet peas: C. Nightingale. J. Robinson

Perpetual Challenge Trophy, winner of class CFM9: K. Preston.

Heaves Trophy, best exhibit of gladioli: K. Briggs.

Hogarth Perpetual Challenge Cup, best exhibit of fuchsias: P. Dawson.

Denis & Joyce Greenbank Memorial Trophy, best exhibit in pot plant: P. Dawson.

The Hepworth Shield, most 1st prizes in the pot plant section: R. Holmes.

Webb’s Perpetual Challenge Trophy, 2 vases of small or miniature decorative dahlias: D. Woodhouse.

Holmes and Sons Perpetual Challenge Trophy, winner of 2 vases of small or miniature cactus dahlias: J. Gott.

W.T. Fawcett Memorial Trophy, 2 vases of pompon dahlias: J. Gott.

Mrs E. Fawcett Cup, 1 bowl of pompon dahlias: J. Gott.

Coronation Perpetual Challenge Cup, 2 vases of early chrysanthemums: R. Holmes.

Henry Cooke Trophy, 3 vases of spray chrysanthemums: K. Raven.

J.W. Wilkinson Perpetual Challenge Trophy, most 1st prizes in the members flower section: C. Nightingale.

Elizabeth Cannan-Jones’ Perpetual Challenge Cup, most 1st prizes in the home produce section: M. Harrison.

George and Dorothy Reiss Perpetual Challenge Trophy, most outstanding exhibit in the home produce section: C. Hudson.

F.C. King Cup, best exhibit in the wine section: B. Taylor. Mrs F.E. Cannan-Jones Shield, winner of class FA3: J. Sowerby.

Mr & Mrs E.J. Southwell perpetual Challenge Cup, winner of class FA6: J. Sowerby.

Hilda Marshall Perpetual Challenge Trophy, best exhibit in the floral art section: M. Milburn.

Pattinson Perpetual Challenge Vase, best exhibit in children’s section: Shannon Miller.

Brockbank Perpetual Challenge Cup, best exhibit in miniature garden: Jade Jones. Leslie G. Down Cup, best children’s exhibit under 8 years: Ewan Roger.

Handwriting Cup, best handwriting: Millie Dixon.

Nan Wilkinson Shield for Young People, school with the greatest number of points: Vicarage Park School.

Rawes Shield, best animal exhibit: Shannon Miller.