Gardeners show off their produce at Burghclere and Newtown Horticultural Society Summer Show

The Burghclere and Newtown Horticultural Society returned for its 89th annual Summer Show, with fierce competition for the cups and prizes on offer.

More than 50 exhibitors gathered at the Portal Hall on Saturday, August 13 to present a variety of entries for the vegetable, fruit, flowers, cookery, craft, and photography classes.

The event was finally back to normal after it was scaled back last year due to the pandemic and cancelled altogether the year before, and not even the hot weather or drought could stop exhibitors from putting on a fine display.

The show opened to the public at 2pm and visitors were entertained by the familiar skittles competition and plant stall.

Teas were served inside the Club Room, with both indoor and shady outdoor seating on offer.

The Add Hock Band returned to play and sing standards for the thirties and forties, which proved a highlight for all.

The moment of truth came at 3.45pm as the Society president Sally Sanderson presented the cups and prizes.

Pat Farley took the produce classes by storm, winning four cups, although she was closely followed by Miggie Bruce and Geoff Morton.

The Webber Challenge Cup, awarded to the man with the most points in the cookery and craft classes, was won by The Rev Anthony Smith.

Les Wallace managed to retain the Tillen Dahlia Cup despite the challenging growing conditions for the flowers this season.

The children’s cups were won by Imery Wearn, Harriet Fleet and Rosie Thomason.

The much-enjoyed day was rounded off by the raffle and the auction of produce with Geoff Morton as the "very efficient" auctioneer.