Not only was it the show's 25th anniversary, but she also won the President's Shield for gaining the most points in the show.

"After 25 years of trying, to have at last won the Presidents Shield was the icing on the cake," she told the Observer.

"I would also like to thank the committee, their husbands and friends for all their wonderful help. This was the most memorable show with 55 competitors showing more than 420 entries.

"I had asked for a wonderful effort to celebrate our 25th Anniversary Show and our members responded in spades! Thank you all so much."

Gardeners, cooks, flower arrangers and the children of Lurgashall defied the weather and produced the most wonderful show, said Mrs Christian.

"The lashing rain and howling gale of last Tuesday were a distant memory when everybody gathered their crops and on Saturday, the village hall was adorned with roses, dahlias, runner beans, tomatoes and beetroot amongst others to die for!" she said.

"Cakes galore had been baked, vegetable animals designed and made - The penguin really tickled my fancy! - and floral art perfected even down to the the Olympic show jumping theme of one of the brave men!"

Pat Prentice, wife of the original chairman and herself secretary for 14 years, presented the cups and certificates.

Results are as follows: The President's Shield, most points in the show: Iola Christian. Prentice Salver, most points in the vegetable section: Laurence Reed. Christian Tankard, winner of the collection of vegetables: Gary Sharp. Ted Rogers Trophy,winner of the any other vegetable : Lin Davis. Swannell Rose Bowl,most points in the flower section: Iola Christian; Land Rose Bowl, Best Rose: Judy Flint. Mollie Aspinal Cup, best dahlias: Elizabeth Carmichael. Black Salver, winner of sweet pea class: Gary Sharp. Willan Rose Bowl, winner of any other flower: Gina Reed. Strudwick Tankard, best pot plant:Marion Doggart. Boxall Goblet, most points in the homecraft section: Iola Christian. Peters Cup, best flower arrangement: Iola Christian. Morgan Cup, best wine: Lin Davis. Noah's Ark Frame, best Photograph: Sue Lambot. Junior Shield, most points in the juniors: Laura Corr.

Certificates designed by Bev Pask-Hughes were presented to Iola Christian, Jenny Stephenson, Lin Davis, Maron Doggart, Gina Read, Paul Read, Maryanne Cox, Gary Sharp and Josie Kinnear.

The Banksian Medal presented by the RHS for the winner of the most points in the horticultural classes went to Laurence Reed.


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