Note: If you would like to download a PDF version of this newsletter, please click here.

President:  Tony Harper, 4 Darvills Meadow, Holmer Green, 01494 718180

Secretaries:  Terry and Val Owen, 4 Clementi Avenue, Holmer Green, 01494 256678

SPRING SHOW, SATURDAY 6TH APRIL 2024

We had another successful Spring Show, with a good number of excellent entries. We were both surprised and pleased with the number of horticultural entries given the variable Spring weather that exhibitors had to contend with. My big highlight was the increase in the number of children entering this year, plus the quality of their exhibits. The flowers provided a colourful display, making the hall look a real picture. Our trophy winners are listed below and it was great to see so many cups going to different winners from the 2023 Show. One dilemma was how to categorise the rhubarb entries; should they be ‘Any Other Vegetable’ or ‘Any Other Fruit’? Next year, I will resolve this by creating a specific ‘Rhubarb’ category, thus removing any remaining uncertainty.

I want to thank the domestic, horticultural and photographic judges for carrying out their duties so diligently, supported by our knowledgeable stewards.

The trophies were awarded as follows:

• Spring Domestic Challenge Trophy – Dave McMillan
• Best Domestic Exhibit – Val Allcorn
• Spring Flower Cup (most points) – Felicity Palmer
• Judges’ Cup (best horticultural exhibit) – Linda Meatyard 
• Cyril Mason Memorial Trophy (most points for daffodils) – Janice Harper
• Daffodil Shield (best daffodil exhibit) – Lynne Gilham
• Spring Photography Cup – Rob Shed
• Best Photograph – Michael King
• Junior Trophy – Saira James
• Additional Junior Trophy – Ethan Meatyard
• Maxwell Turner Cup (Art) – Barrie Whitten
• Wilfred Wilkes Memorial (best Junior Photo) – Sam Palmer
• People’s Choice (vase of daffodils plus foliage) – Sue Edmunds.

Finally, thank you to the large team of helpers who continually help to make our shows such a success. I’m now looking forward to our Annual Show on 7th September; please put the date in your diary, even if you are not exhibiting.

To see some photos from the Show, taken by me and by James Cadle, download the PDF here.

Michael King

Show Secretary

shows@hgvpa.club

NOT SURE HOW TO SHOW?

I’ve learned that some members would be keen on showing their flowers, plants and produce but aren’t sure how to go about it. There are hints and tips on showing, as well as the rules, in the Show Schedule which you can download from the ‘Shows’ page of this VPA website. Or you can get a printed copy from the Trading Store on any Sunday morning.

If you still have questions, please contact me and I’ll try to help.

Michael King

Show Secretary

shows@hgvpa.club

NEWS FROM THE TRADING STORE

The Trading Store continues to do brisk business. Despite ordering many pallets, compost is beginning to run out and we are seeking a further supply. We are well stocked for other products such as topsoil, manure and bark. We are open each Sunday from 10am to mid-day until the end of September.

Richard Chantler

Trading Store Manager

store@hgvpa.club

PRESTWOOD GARDENING SOCIETY OUTING TO BOURTON-ON-THE-WATER AND BIRDLAND, Wednesday 5th June

Prestwood Gardening Society have a few places available on this trip which they have kindly offered to VPA members. The cost is £20 per person plus £10.50 payable on the day for (optional) access to Birdland. The coach leaves Prestwood High Street Car Park at 9.15am and departs Birdland at 3pm, with a journey time of 1hr 45mins.

If you are interested, please contact Sylvia Sturges via sylviaisturges@gmail.com or by phone on 01494 865665

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SUMMER GARDEN PARTY, Sunday 23rd June

We are extremely grateful to two of our longest-serving members, Bob Dunning and John Parslow, who have kindly offered to host our 80th Anniversary Garden Party on 23rd June. People who have visited their garden, Rose Cottage in Beamond End, will know that it is a lovely cottage garden with, in case there is rain, a big barn that we can shelter in. Closer to the date more details will appear on this website.

MUSIC ON THE COMMON, Saturday 13th July

As in previous years, the VPA will have a stand selling plants at MOTC 2024. Although the event is a couple of months away, this gives us time to grow a few extra plants for our stall. Plants should be delivered to the VPA stall on the morning of the Show.

OCTOBER QUIZ, Thursday 17th October

As our October speaker has had to cancel, our very own Gardening Guru, Brian Fisher, has instead offered to create and compere a quiz evening. How could we resist? The exact format is yet to be decided but Brian promises it will be ‘fun’ and it’s good to try something new. Again, more details will appear on this website in due course.