Bolton le Sands Horticultural Society’s 73rd Annual Autumn Show was held on Saturday 22nd October from 2pm – 4pm in Bolton le Sands Community Centre.
Members of the Committee.
At the start of the Show, Society President David Regan presented Chris Bainbridge with the RHS Banksian Medal. The medal was awarded as a tribute to Chris’ father, the late Bill Bainbridge who was the society’s long serving Hon. Chief Steward. Bill is greatly missed by all the Committee.
This year’s Autumn Show was a bumper year for entries in the Children’s sections with exhibits ranging from tiny animals made from conkers to extravagant castles made from lego. The Buckley Cup for most points in the Children’s Art & Photography Section was won by Bel Rhodes (age 10). The M V Carter Challenge Cup for most points in the Children’s Models Section was won by Lily Kelly (age 7). The Kerr Champion Cup for most points in the Children’s Flowers & Gardening Section was won by Jenson Lofthouse (age 6). Visitors to the Show all agreed that it was lovely to see so many wonderful exhibits in the Children’s classes.
Many visitors also agreed that the standard of exhibits across the board was very high this year. There were some really exquisite entries in the Handicraft section, particularly in the new class for 2022 – ‘An item of felt craft’. The judge, Mrs Dorrie Galbraith of Natland, reported that it was very difficult to choose a winner in many of the classes.
This was echoed by the Homecraft Judge, Mrs Bernice Beck of Arnside, who was particularly impressed with the Gooseberry Gin, and had difficulty choosing a best entry in the cheese scones class because they were all good enough to win first prize.
Kate Bargh of Overton was pronounced ‘Star Baker’ (winner of the Bolton le Sands Shield) and nobody got evicted from the tent.
Judging homecraft and flowers Flower judges and stewards
The T W Bellis Trophy, the M Broadwith Trophy, The National Chrysanthemum Society Silver Medal, and the Federation Blue Ribbon, were all presented to Mr Derrick Ireland of Yealand for his exhibit in Class 307: Vase of 5 Chrysanthemums which was truly magnificent.
The Autumn Show was very well attended with well over 100 visitors, many of whom stayed for the end of show Auction of produce, which was conducted by ‘El Presidente’, Mr David Regan.
The Auction raised a total of £45, £25 of which will be donated to our Charity of the year, First Light Trust (Support for Armed Services Veterans).
Our enthusiastic Auction runner was 6 year old Jenson Lofthouse.
Thank you to all volunteers and members of the Horticultural Society Committee for their hard work and dedication in bringing the Show together. This wonderful community event could not go ahead without your efforts. Particular mention goes to Joan Baker and her team of volunteers in the kitchen who kept the tea and cakes flowing all afternoon.
Our last event of the year will be the November Talk: “Discovering Lakeland Villages” by Andy Lowe to be held at 7.30pm on Thursday 10th November at the Old Boys’ School on St Michael’s Lane.
