Despite gloomy forecasts and torrential downpours the 71st Alderley Edge Allotments and Gardens Society Show was a big success.
The show was staged for the first time at Alderley Edge Community Primary School as part of the society's longer term strategy to be more proactive in helping younger pupils develop a love for growing things.
Mike Dudley-Jones, Show Secretary, said "Our new venue was light and bright and allowed the exhibits to be shown to their best advantage. Exhibit numbers and entrants were up on 2011 which was very encouraging, especially when change is in the air! Sadly some of the produce struggled for size and colour in this poor summer of ours but we all took part with a healthy 'Olympic' spirit and exhibited what we had!
"There were some quite exceptional exhibits and winners who must be roundly congratulated."
Once again Chris Yearsley demonstrated his 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 bag a further handful of silverware, although Jackie Dudley–Jones managed to wrestle the first prize away from him for the heaviest onion!
Veronica Langton's white gladioli won first prize, described by the flower judge as a near perfect example of the grower's art! Husband Denis Langton also won first prize for his Loch Ness blackberries.
The WV Percival Cup for the Children's Flower Arrangement was won this year by Alderley Edge Primary School and collected on their behalf by Helen Fitchett, who received a loud applause from everyone present.
The standard of entries in the cookery and baking classes was very high and the handicrafts classes also boasted some exceptional entries, including a cross stitch embroidery of birds by Jean Vann which won a deserved first prize and the Mrs D.Midwood Silver Cup for the best exhibit in the handicraft classes.
Jean also won the MJ Proctor Silver Cup for the highest aggregate points in the handicraft classes and the Sally Ann Silver Cup for the most meritorious exhibit in floral arts or domestic crafts.
Mike Dudley-Jones, added "The new show team were exceptional and worked cheerily to ensure a truly memorable show. For many of us it was a learning curve – and quite a tight one! Our sponsors and raffle prize donors were very generous and a huge thanks to them for making the raffle exciting and fun. Louise Mason on our committee organized it all too beautifully. Thank you.
"Last but certainly not least we must thank the headmaster and governors of Alderley Edge Primary School for allowing us to have a bright light new home and to Jackie Burt at the School for all her help guiding us to where everything is and for briefing us so well."
Photo: Chris Yeardsley collecting two of his many trophies. Click 'next photo' above or watch the slideshow to see a selection of photos from the show's exhibits.
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