Bolton-le-Sands 77th Autumn Flower Show Blooms with Community Spirit

Despite the approaching Storm Boelo, there was plenty of sunshine inside Bolton-le-Sands Community Centre as the village celebrated its 77th Annual Autumn Flower Show.

The much-loved event once again brought together gardeners, growers, craftspeople and families for a wonderful display of local talent, creativity and horticultural achievement.

Visitors enjoyed an impressive range of exhibits, including home-grown fruit and vegetables, beautiful flowers, floral art, homecrafts and handicrafts. The colourful displays provided a welcome splash of sunshine as stormy weather approached outside.

One of the highlights of this year’s show was the outstanding children’s section, featuring imaginative miniature coastal gardens and models created by local youngsters from Bolton-le-Sands Primary School, the Cubs and the Beavers.

The children’s exhibits attracted considerable admiration from visitors, who were delighted by the creativity, imagination and effort that had gone into each entry.

Society Social Secretary Steve Slater organised the entries from Bolton-le-Sands Primary School, while Craig Jackson coordinated the contributions from the Cubs and Beavers. Their efforts helped make the children’s section a particularly successful and memorable part of this year’s show.

Steve expressed his appreciation to the school, saying: “I would like to thank everyone involved in organising the very successful children’s section. The children put so much effort into their exhibits, which was recognised by everyone who viewed them. The show would have been a very different event without their contributions, and I hope this can become a regular feature for both the Society and the school.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                   Society Social Secretary Steve Slater with Barbara Bainbridge

The occasion also provided an opportunity to recognise the remarkable dedication of Louise Belcher, who was presented with a Recognition Award certificate marking 20 years of service as Show Secretary. For two decades, Louise has worked tirelessly behind the scenes, organising not just one but two annual shows for the enjoyment of the whole community. Her commitment, enthusiasm and hard work have played a vital role in keeping this much-loved village tradition flourishing.

Around 120 adults attended the show, along with an estimated 30 children, who were welcomed free of charge. The event also proved successful in raising funds, with the popular raffle bringing in £190 and the traditional end-of-show auction of produce raising a further £103. Half of the auction proceeds, £51.50, will be donated to the Society’s Charity of the Year, the North West Air Ambulance.

Show Secretary Louise receives her Recognition Award  from Barbara.

Among the day’s prize winners, Martin Ellam was awarded the prestigious Blue Ribbon for his outstanding exhibit of three onions, a fitting recognition of the skill and dedication involved in producing show-quality vegetables.

The organisers extended their heartfelt thanks to everyone who entered exhibits, helped with preparations, volunteered on the day or came along to support the event.

With its wonderful displays, enthusiastic young exhibitors and strong community spirit, the 77th Autumn Flower Show was another resounding success, demonstrating that the village’s proud horticultural traditions continue to thrive.

As the storm clouds gathered outside, Bolton-le-Sands Community Centre was filled with colour, creativity and the warmth of a community coming together.

TROPHIES AWARDED AT BOLTON LE SANDS AUTUMN FLOWER SHOW 2026

 

Martin Ellam’s prize winning turnips.

T W BELLIS TROPHY Best vase of Chrysanthemums:

Class 306

 

 Bill Howarth
H EGARR CUP

 

 Best vase in Local section:

Class 332: Vase mixed cut flowers

 Rebecca Wait
T PARKER CUP Most points in Local section

 

 Josephine Lishman
MISS M BEAUMONT TROPHY Most points in Floral Art

 

 Tracy Foy
J NOICE TROPHY Most points in Art section

 

 Jacky Ireland
PARRY SHIELD Most points in Vegetables section

 

 Martin Ellam
B L S SHIELD Most points in Homecraft section Rebecca Wait
JOAN BUCKLEY CUP Most points in Children’s  section 12-15 years

 

  
M V CARTER CHALLENGE CUP Most points in Children’s  section 7-11 years

 

 George Jackson

 
AMANDA KERR CUP Most points in Children’s  section 3-6 years Mia White
A WILKINSON SHIELD

 

 

 Most points in Photographic section

 

 Steve Slater
THE BESSIE RIDINGS TROPHY Most points in Handicrafts section Jeanette Davis
J D BELLIS MEMORAL TROPHY Winner of class 306:

3 Sprays of Chrysanthemums

 

 Bill Howarth
M BROADWITH TROPHY Winner of class 307:

Vase of up to 5 Chrysanthemums

 Bill Howarth
THE A E BURROWS CUP Best Orchid in Local section

 

 Josephine Lishman
The Westmorland & North Lancashire Federation of Horticultural Show Societies BLUE RIBBON Best exhibit in show.

Class 347: 3 Onions max. total weight 750g, dressed

 M Ellam