THIS year’s Summer Flower and Produce Show on Saturday 13 August proved a real hit with the local community – and even some ‘foreigners’ – all the way from Birmingham! A constant buzz of activity continued throughout the afternoon, with plenty of tea and cakes being consumed in the process.

Once again, undefeated champion Pete Chamberlain, walked away with the Greengrow Trophy as overall winner; and hot on his heels with the second highest points in the Show, Rosemary Rickard won the Chairman’s Challenge Cup, as well as the Hiller Challenge Cup for the flower section.

The PJ Nicholls Challenge Cup for vegetables again was won by Pete Chamberlain as was the Treasurer’s Trophy for fruit – hardly surprising when you consider he is the proud owner of a four acre orchard!

In the pot plants section, joint winners of the Committee Trophy were Rosemary Rickard and Tim Goodwin, while Chrissy Rushworth won the Maggie Chamberlain Trophy for her stunning floral art designs, including an imaginative Olympic Torch. Liz Teasedale meantime, swept the board with her home produce, including a delicious ‘seriously rich chocolate cake’ containing no less than six eggs, and was awarded the Bishampton Stores Challenge Cup for her efforts. The Village Craft Trophy was awarded to Jan Lloyd; and in the photographic category, Tim Goodwin once again scored top marks, winning the Country Cakes Challenge Cup.

In the children’s section, Oliver, Ruby and India Stearne won the Four Acres cup for the tallest sunflower; with Freddie Martin winning the Bevington Challenge Cup for a second year running with his longest runner bean.

Pete thanked everyone for coming along to the Show and hoped it would encourage more entries next year.

The Club’s next event is a private afternoon visit to Bourton House Gardens near Moreton-in-Marsh on Wednesday, 31st August, by car share starting at 2.30pm at the venue. Anyone wishing to join the group should email info@bishamptongardeningclub as soon as possible to guarantee a place.

The September 7 meeting will be a presentation by lecturer and botanist, Timothy Walker called ‘Bordering on Insanity – creating an all-year-round border’. The talk starts as usual at 7.30pm at the Villages Hall. Members free, visitors £2. More details about the Club are available on www.bishamptongardeningclub.org.uk.

LESLEY MILLER