The 73rd Annual Show was a huge success, staged for the very first time at Alderley Edge School for Girls in their wonderful Millennium Hall. Everyone who took part and all our visitors agreed that it was the perfect venue. There was plenty of space and it was all light, bright and airy. Perfect! The organising Show Committee is immensely grateful to the School for allowing the event to take place there.
Exhibitor numbers were marginally down on previous years but the number of entries was well up on 2012 at approaching 500, which was encouraging. As often happens at summertime some flowers and vegetables have long been over by late August. However, Ian Cockshott managed to pull a great selection of Sweet Peas 'out of the hat' and win the Mrs WS Sleath Silver Cup. Well done to him.
Our wonderful independent judges were very complimentary about the exhibits and felt they were of a high standard. As always they served us well and we are grateful to them for their time and patience.
There were some quite exceptional exhibits and winners who must be roundly congratulated. Chris Yearsley again demonstrated his extraordinary horticultural abilities by not only winning the Peet/Percival Memorial Shield but also the Stockport Express Silver Trophy for the best horticultural exhibits of the Show.
Chris went on to take a further seven trophies taking his haul to 9! He is an example to us all and a delight to see when his exhibits arrive. A great competitor and a humble winner! Many congratulations to him.
Jenny Lloyd managed to wrestle the Harry Hardy Trophy away from Chris with her excellent Runner Beans. Well done.
In the Handicraft Classes Hilary Geard must be congratulated for winning the Sally Ann Silver Cup for the most meritorious exhibit and the Midwood Cup for the best Handicraft exhibit. Jennie Palin though took the MJ Proctor Silver Cup for the highest aggregate points in the Handicraft Classes.
Jennie Cockshott won the FE Jones Silver Cup for the highest aggregate points in the Cookery Classes. A truly excellent performance with three First Prizes.
The Childern's and Young Adults Classes showed some excellent work and exhibits. Olivia Braybrooke won the WE Percival Silver Cup for the Children's Flower arrangement whilst Laura Maclean won the Cockshott Family Cup for the Animal made from a fruit or vegetable. Lastly Kate Berrisford won the tallest sunflower prize receiving the Sunflower Challenge Cup for her entry.
The prizes and trophies were awarded by the Chairman of the Alderley Edge Allotments and Garden Society Fenton Simpson.
Last but certainly not least we must thank again the Headmistress and Governors of Alderley Edge School for Girls for allowing us to have a bright light new home and a big thank you to the wonderful caretaking staff at the School who made our life so easy.
Member post by Mike Dudley-Jones.
Comments
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The entrants, judges, runners, raffle prize donators, cafe ladies, table movers, certificate writers, John and Eddie from the school and show Committe including the massive commitment of Mike and Jackie Dudley Jones.
We had excellent feedback from visitors and entrants on the new venue and I hope we continue to develop the show into a village show.
Fenton simpson
Chairman
AEAGS
What a great venue the school is. The open plan style of the gym working brilliantly. How pleasant to sit down in the spacious cafe bar area and enjoy the splendid refreshments whilst watching the smiling faces of the visitors and proud exhibitors.
Good to see so many more young people and families getting involved .
The generosity of the local business community deserves mention with great raffle prize donations.
A true community event, an important part of the summer calendar, looking forward to next year snd inspired now to enter a few more of the vegetable classes.
Might need to get some tips from green fingered Chris Yearsley!