Melksham Gardeners’ Society Flower and Produce Show

THE annual Melksham Gardeners’ Society Flower and Produce Show was held on Sunday 17th September at the Melksham Assembly Hall, with the total number of exhibits up by 20% on last year nearly breaking a record, say organisers. 

“Although one week later than normal, the benches in the vegetable, fruit and flower sections were heavily ladened with produce grown in Melksham gardens and allotments,” says one of the Gardeners’ Society members, Mike Goodhew. 

“The fruit and vegetable benches had everything from giant marrows to tiny cherry tomatoes and everything in between all washed and polished to perfection.  

“Floral displays of roses, dahlias and bunches of garden flowers looked and smelt fabulous. The baking and preserves sections were packed with mouthwatering cakes, jams, pickles and homemade wine. Sections for handicrafts and photography were well supported with knitting, patchwork, paintings and some fabulous photographs. Not forgetting the children’s sections giving younger members of our community a chance to shine and display their skills. 

“After two hours of intense scrutiny by the judges the results were in and at 2pm the doors opened to the public. Despite the appalling weather the event was very well attended and it was fantastic to see so many people sharing an interest in the exhibits.” 

The section winners were as follows: Flower Class, Mike Goodhew; Vegetable Class, Mike Goodhew; Fruit Class, Eveline Hayes; Young Competitor 3-6, Ellie Short; Young Competitor 7-10, Austin Newman; Young Competitor 11-15, Raphael Jefferies; Floral Art, Katherine White; Preserves, Janey Cox; Baking, Janey Cox; Wiltshire Apple Cake, Rita Sangster; Handicrafts, Suzanne Dix; Photography, Mike Goodhew; Closed Class (Samphire), Mike Goodhew; Banksian Medal, Maureen Vince; Chairman’s Cup, Mike Goodhew; Overall Champion, Mike Goodhew. 

“The MGS committee would like to take this opportunity to send a massive thankyou to everyone who supported this event by exhibiting in the show, judging the exhibits and the volunteers who helped to arrange and run the event,” added Mike. “We would also like the thank cllr Sue Mortimer for presenting the cups to the section winners.”