Green fingered compete in annual show

The 69th annual Alderley Edge Allotments and Garden Society show will take place later this month at the Methodist Church on Chapel Lane.

The competitive show provides for a broad range of interests – not just horticulture as it also caters for Floral Art; Domestic Crafts, Cookery, Children's Classes and Newcomers' classes. Within these categories there is a wide range of classes to appeal to most people.

For example the Domestic Crafts includes knitted garments, embroidery, cross-stitch, soft toys, hand-made greetings cards, photographic prints, painting and drawing. The Cookery Classes cover the traditional fare – jams, marmalades, fruit cakes, preserves, scones, cakes and pickles. The Floral Art classes have been designed to allow entrants to show their imagination and flare.

The Society also provides a range of classes for Children covering garden flowers, cakes and biscuits, painting, drawing and craft work. There are 2 trophies for the Children's Classes.

Ian Copeland, Show Secretary, said "Last year's show was another exceptional event, with even more entries, and the cookery classes being particularly well supported. The generosity of local businesses and traders resulted not only in an overflowing raffle table but also enabled the Show Committee to give a prize for each of the main classes, in addition to the cups and trophies that are customarily awarded. It is believed that this helped attract more entries so we are doing the same again this year. Look out for these special classes, which are highlighted in the Show Schedule.

"Please support your local show, it would be sad to see it disappear and become another memory of Alderley Edge's past. Do come along and appreciate the skill that the exhibitors put into their speciality, be it the monster cabbage, the huge pumpkins, the stunning floral displays, the intricate handicrafts, the stunning photographs, the children's delightful art work and the delicious cookery items.

"You never know, some of the exhibits may encourage you to take up one of these hobbies. And with a bit of luck you might be able to extract some tips from the local experts on just how easy it is to produce such successful entries."

Local resident Louise Mason, who is an enthusiastic participant, said "I just think that the Alderley Edge Allotments & Garden Show is a great afternoon of fun and a fantastic opportunity for the village to get together in a friendly environment.

"For me I love the nostalgia of it and looking at all the entries on display, especially the class 'animal made of a vegetable'! I'm hoping to enter the giant pumpkin class this year and also I've cooked up a special chutney recipe, so fingers crossed!"

You do not have to be a member of the Society to enter the Show, more importantly the aim of the show is to bring together the community and to promote and foster local interest in horticulture and crafts. If you are interested in finding out more about the Allotments and Gardens Society including its history then please visit their website.

The Society also runs a small shop at its Chorley Hall Lane site that sells a wide range of specialist products and is manned by Society volunteers, many of whom can also give you tips on successful growing.

The Alderley Edge Allotments and Garden Society show will be held on Saturday 28th August at Alderley Edge Methodist Church from noon. Refreshments and lunches will be served.

The show schedule and entry forms are available from 01625 584445. The cost to enter is 20p per class, free for children, and entries have to submitted by the Wednesday prior to the show.

Tags:

Allotment and Garden Society, Allotments, Family Events