Smiles through the rain at East Preston summer show

The heavens opened just as East Preston and Kingston Horticultural Society's show was opening at the village hall, but those who braved the unseasonal weather could still grin and bear it.

Primrose Buckley, show secretary, said: "It did affect us, and meant that not as many people came along, but those who did got thoroughly soaked and had a tremendous laugh about it!"

She added that a planned dog show was cancelled due to the downpour and some of the charity stalls planned for outside the hall didn't go ahead.

"We have not had rain during the summer show for years and years, so I think we have been doing rather well!", said Primrose.

The Hanson Cup, for most first prizes in the vegetable and fruit classes, went to Michael Minton, who also scooped the Beloe Cup and the Banksian Medal. The Silver Challenge Bowl, for most points in the flower classes, went to Joan Butterfill.

Joan also won the Best Cactus Cup.

Annabell Kosa won the Children's Cup, and Florence Chapman scooped the Medhurst Trophy for the best children's miniature garden.

John Rankin scooped the Silver Salver, for his dahlias, and Peter

Butterfill was presented with the Ray Brown Memorial Cup, for his sweet

peas.

The David Mekenze Thorowgood Cup, also for sweet peas, went to Colin Crane, and Coral Cook won both the flower arranging prizes, the Floral Vase and the Behar Cup.

Jocelyn Silk was presented with the British Fuchsia Spoon, and the Howard Cup, for the man with the most points in all the classes, went to Patrick Sims.

The woman's equivalent, the Ladies' Cup, was handed to Celia Buckley, who also won the Cookery Goblet.

Robin Cook won The Derek Silk Photography Cup, and the prize for best chutney, the Doris Jenkins Cup, went to Diana Buckley.

Certificates were awarded to Dee Chamberlain; Michael Minton; Christine Fry and Jocelyn Silk.

First prize winners were Albert Marshall; Doug Medhurst; Eric Norrell; Peter Wiggins; David Stubbings; Charlie Grossman; Fred Spanton; Jean Rule; Amanda O'Shea; Joe Skinner; Wendy Baker; Pamela Jennings; Daphne Hore; Joy Kent; Valerie Sharp; Joan Crane; Jo Davies; Connie Sims; Joy Aldridge; Primrose Buckley and Christina Goodwyn.

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