Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Programme for the New Year

Here are the first meetings and events
coming up at the start of 2015,
the year of our 70th Summer Show!


Wednesday 21st January.
7:00pm for 7:15pm - (please note the slightly earlier than usual start time.)

Quiz and Foods! Savoury tasters and your favourite puds, oh yes, and questions too.


Saturday 7th February, 10:30 to 2:30

Our 8th Annual Potato Day 

Spuds and more …good food and family activities

“There will be a complete array of products to meet your fruit and veggie growing needs for the new year and we hope to help you kick start your Gardening Season.
There will be 60+ varieties of seed potatoes, all for sale by the single tuber, plus onion sets, shallots, garlic, a range of heritage seeds, fruit trees, soft fruit, kitchen garden plants and so much more.” (Chris Smith, Pennard Plants).

Potato Growing competition, (for young people and adults – weigh-in on Show Day, Saturday 8th August)
Enjoy the renowned Drimpton food, with all day brunches, lunches and cakes, as well
as warming drinks. The popular family activities will be here, fun for everyone. Please join us, whether you are an experienced grower or just starting out on veggies, you will find this a friendly and useful event.
There is no need to book, there is a small entry fee of 50p, which includes a tea or coffee.

We are on Chard Road (B3162), Drimpton, between Chard and Beaminster. For SatNav: DT8 3RF


Wednesday 18th February

AGM and Social, bring and share food and drinks

Wednesday 18th March.

Preparing for the Show Bench ---- how to present your cookery, cakes and preserves.

With Mrs J Osment.

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Annual Flower Show, Drimpton Village Hall. August 2014

RECORD NUMBER OF ENTRIES
AT THE 69th ANNUAL SHOW

On Saturday 9th August, Clapton, Wayford, Drimpton & District Horticultural Society’s 69th Annual Show attracted almost 80 exhibitors, in 100 classes – everything from Flowers, Vegetables, Flower Arranging, Baking, Handicraft to Art, Photography and Family sections. Somehow over 600 exhibits were fitted into Drimpton Village Hall.

One of the highlights of the day was the potato weighing (with competitors having been given a seed potato at the February Potato Day).   

A fitting winner of the Diana Sprent Trophy for the best Art exhibit was a thought-provoking collage, created by Mary Stack, on the theme of the First World War.

The trophies this year were presented by Penny Old of the Gold Club, Gardens Group, of which our Society is a member.

Each year we donate the proceeds of any exhibits which entrants are willing to sell as well as the takings from the produce stall  to a garden-related charity. This year it is Gardening Leave which tends to the invisible wounds of conflict, through gardening therapy.

The Cup and Trophy winners are listed below the photographs and below that you will find the results for each class.



Andrew arranging grasses
Andrew arranging grasses

Roger puts finishing touches to miniature tomato exhibit
Roger puts finishing touches to miniature tomato exhibit

John delicately placing his soft fruit exhibit
John delicately placing his soft fruit exhibit

Ann looking after the preserves section of Homecrafts
Ann looking after the preserves section of Homecrafts

Jane Rudkin judging the Homecraft baking exhibits
Jane Rudkin judging the Homecraft baking exhibits

The Vegetables judge, Susan Davidson
The Vegetables judge, Susan Davidson

Ian Hallett examining Flower entries
Ian Hallett examining Flower entries

Steward Anne assisting the Flower Arranging judge, Angie Blackwell
Steward Anne assisting the Flower Arranging judge, Angie Blackwell

The Flowers Section
The Flowers Section

Lunch for the judges in the new marquee
Lunch for the judges in the new marquee

Poppy picture from Potato Day and our charity this year Gardening Leave
Poppy picture from Potato Day and our charity this year "Gardening Leave"

Oops - flat tyre in the car park - but John was on hand to sort it out
Oops - flat tyre in the car park - but John was on hand to sort it out


Even the chairman won a trophy
Even the chairman won a trophy

Proud Trophy Winners, 2014
Proud Trophy Winners, 2014
With Penny Old, our guest Presenter in the background (right)



Cup and Trophy Prize winners


THE SOCIETY'S PERPETUAL CHALLENGE TROPHY
Most prize money in the Flower and Vegetable sections:
Vic Chubb, Winsham

THE MARTINEAU CUP
Most prize money in the Flower section:
Barbara Wright, Drimpton

THE CRAVEN CUP
Best Flower Exhibit:
Barbara Wright, Drimpton

THE GREENHAM ROSE BOWL
Rose with the best scent:
Joyce Tyas, Drimpton

THE STRAWBRIDGE CUP
Most prize money in the Vegetable section:
Vic Chubb, Winsham

THE MANOR CUP
For the best Vegetable Exhibit:
Brian Hesketh, Drimpton

THE JUBILEE CUP
For the best Organic Vegetable Collection:
Michael Vickery, Wayford

THE CAPEWELL CUP
Best Floral Arrangement:
Barbara Wright, Drimpton

THE BAKER CUP
Most prize money in the Homecraft section:
Christabel Pilz, Drimpton


DRIMPTON SALVER
Best exhibit in the baking section:
Kate Hesketh, Drimpton

THE KNORR CUP
Best exhibit in the Preserves section
Trush Harding, Drimpton

THE COLLARD CUP
Best exhibit in the Handicraft section:
Julie Rowan-Robinson, Netherhay

THE DIANA SPRENT TROPHY
Best exhibit in the Art Section:
Mary Stack, Netherhay

THE LYMINSTER CUP
Best exhibit in the Photographic section:
Martin Rowan-Robinson, Netherhay

THE SOCIETY'S CUP
Most prize money - young people up to 9 years:
Floƫ Brown, Drimpton

THE CLAPTON CUP
Most prize money - young people under 15 years:
Georgia Hedditch, Broadwindsor

THE DUMMETT CUP
Young person's Heaviest Potato Crop:
Matthew Medley, Drimpton

THE SHEPHERD CUP
Adult's Heaviest Potato Crop:
Cilin Gray, Crewkerne

Geranium and Fuchsia growing competition, sponsored by the Garden's Group:
BEST FUCHSIA: Roger Smith, Drimpton
BEST GERANIUM: Rosemary Shepherd, Greenham

First Second and Third Plavers for each of the 100 classes

(Any transcription errors - hopefully none - are mine and not those of the judges, stewards, nor Margaret and John who do such an amazing job collating all the results)

Results of Flower Section 2014
Results of Flowers Section 2014

Results of Vegetables Classes 2014
Results of Vegetable Classes 2014

Results of Flower Arranging and Homecraft Classes 2014
Results of Flower Arranging and Homecraft Classes 2014

Results of Handicraft, Art and Photography Classes 2014
Results of Handicraft, Art and Photography Classes 2014

Results of Young People, Family and Group Clases 2014
Results of Young People, Family and Group Clases 2014

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Members' gardens

Members' gardens

This could become a regular, if occasional, feature here.


Back in May, Nichola sent pictures of the new greenhouse they were making, so I suggested at last Wednesday's meeting if anyone else has some pictures of their garden maybe they'd like to send them in.

Martin and Julie have been doing lots of work on their garden since moving in, and here are their pictures.

Floral welcome
Floral welcome

Hydrangea shades
Hydrangea shades

courgette
It's a courgette, really!

Herb corner
Herb corner

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Summer Show 9th August - Show Schedule

If you haven't had a schedule, or it disintegrated in the wash - all is not lost - it's all here ... and you can always print out an entry page or email your entries or phone them in, we don't mind, however you do it, join in the fun.


69th Annual Show
Saturday 9th August
Drimpton Village Hall

Clapton, Wayford, Drimpton & District
Horticultural Society


Annual Show 2014, Front cover
Annual Show 2014, Front cover

Annual Show 2014, contacts and information
Annual Show 2014, contacts and information

Annual Show 2014, Sale of Produce, Membership, Society Meetings and Fees
Annual Show 2014, Sale of Produce, Membership, Society Meetings and Fees

Annual Show 2014, Trophies and Prizes
Annual Show 2014, Trophies and Prizes

Annual Show 2014, Flowers and Vegetables
Annual Show 2014, Flowers and Vegetables

Annual Show 2014, Vegetables and Flower Arranging
Annual Show 2014, Vegetables and Flower Arranging

Annual Show 2014,  Homecraft and Handicraft
Annual Show 2014,  Homecraft and Handicraft

Annual Show 2014,  Art, Photography and Young People's Classes
Annual Show 2014,  Art, Photography and Young People's Classes

Annual Show 2014,  Family Fun, Group Classes and Ginger Loaf Recipe
Annual Show 2014,  Family Fun, Group Classes and Ginger Loaf Recipe

Annual Show 2014,  Rules and Entries
Annual Show 2014,  Rules and Entries

Annual Show 2014,  Entry Form
Annual Show 2014,  Entry Form

Please print out an Entry Form if you need one.


The Schedule and contents:
© Clapton, Wayford, Drimpton & District Horticultural Society. 2014







Sunday, May 25, 2014

Build Your Own Greenhouse

Nichola, who usually looks after our publicity has been busy with Adam, building a greenhouse and all to his design; I haven't heard if he takes commissions.

In the first of what may be the last, or perhaps the pathfinder to more, posting of members' gardens and projects here some some pictures as the greenhouse work progressed.


Footings
Footings

Frame growing
Frame Growing

Frame and footings
Frame and footings

Glazed and ready
Glazed and ready 
Tomatoes in beds
Nichola has her tomato plants in

Adam at work
Adam at work

Getting there
Getting there

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Peonies & Irises

Sue Applegate

Last evening we were fortunate to welcome, as our guest Speaker, Sue Applegate, once a farmer, then of Kelways and now an independent grower of beautiful peonies and irises. With illustrations, enthusiastic and informative talk and hands-on demonstration she guided us skilfully through the details of raising these beautiful blooms.
Hearing that peony seeds (the dark ones which the birds are more likely to ignore) only have about a 10% germination rate and that can even take up to 3 years, I realised why these can be amongst our dearer plants to buy.
Thank you Sue.

The New Greenhouse

Next post will be some pictures from Nichola, who is usually in charge of our publicity, who has been busy with Adam building their own greenhouse from an original design!

Monday, May 12, 2014

Gold Club Newsletter

We now have both printed and online copies of the latest Newsletter from the Gold Club (the printed one will be circulated at the next meeting) but just in case you can't wait till then, here it is ...


The Gold Club Newsletter Spring 2014, Front
The Gold Club Newsletter Spring 2014

The Gold Club Newsletter Spring 2014, p1
The Gold Club Newsletter Spring 2014, p1

The Gold Club Newsletter Spring 2014, p2
The Gold Club Newsletter Spring 2014, p2

Friday, May 9, 2014

Plant Sale and Community Coffee Morning

Saturday 10th May
10:30 to 12:00
Drimpton Village Hall

A good selection of plants to brighten your borders and hanging baskets, brought to you by Society members all at very good prices. Fuchsia, Geranium, Verbena, to name but three.
Naturally there will also be the usual great cakes, treats and fresh coffee.

Thursday, April 17, 2014

The Schedules for the Show are on their way

Last night was a lively and busy Swap, Share Schedules meeting with lots of people bringing along everything from seeds to eggs, including an Easter Egg and naturally, plenty of plants and seedlings.

The Show Schedules have now been given to volunteers to go through doors and letter-boxes - so, look out for yours.

Many thanks to The Gardens Group - Gold Club, who donated Geranium and Fuchsia plug plants for our new growing competition. It will be exciting to see the plants coming back to the July meeting for judging.


Sunday, April 6, 2014

Swaps and Plants and more ...

Swap Share and Schedules

Wednesday 16th April - 7:15 for 7:30 pm, in the Village Hall 

(Visitors are always welcome)


Time to bring along anything garden-related to swap (from seed packets to pruning sheers). If you don't have swaps you may still take stuff away for a donation. Rabbit trouble? We've had lots of rabbit guards given to us.
This is also the evening when you can get your hands on a Schedule for the Summer Show, which is on 9th August) and ask questions and get advice from the Show Secretary and stewards.
There's more: we will have plug plants, given to us by the Gardens Group Gold Club, to give to members to take away and nurture, to be returned for judging at the meeting in July.

Bedding Plants

Coffee Morning, in the Village Hall on 18th May, 10:30 to 12:00

Remember the plant sale we did a couple of years ago? We are doing it again, at the Coffee Morning, in the Village Hall on 18th May. There will be a selection of bedding plants, including geraniums and fuchsias to brighten up your garden, all at very good prices and cared for by Society members.

Pictures of a couple of the types which we'll have available.

Bedding Plants, Silver Blue Trailing
Bedding Plants, Silver Blue Trailing

Geranium, trailing
Geranium, trailing



Marking the Commencement of the First World War

Finally, you may see some beds in and around our villages, apparently with nothing growing in them. We are seeding them with poppies to help remember the start of the First World War. Passing or pausing, we hope that they will be appropriate places for reflection.

Field Poppy, from the Johnson's seed packet
Field Poppy, from the Johnson's seed packet

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Potato Day between the Showers

On the morning of Potato Day, I went round and checked the temporary signs I had put up to help with directions to Drimpton Village Hall, thankfully none had blown away through the stormy night. I decided to tie up a couple of extra ones and suddenly had to run for shelter as a huge rain shower swept across, followed within minutes by blue sky and sunshine - and so it was all day, alternating rain and sun greeting visitors to our Potato Day.

readying the displays
Chris with his Pennard team readying the displays of potatoes, plants, bulbs, seeds
Because of the weather and concerns about travelling we worried that no one would come, but gardeners are a hardy lot and, though we were a few people down on last year, it was still a busy, fun and worthwhile day, with Pennard bringing more potatoes than I'd ever seen - Chris and his team really work hard.

potatoes
Just a few potatoes
There were plenty of people signing up for the Potato Growing Competition, so it should be fun on Show Day in August seeing how everyone got on.

Tea and cake
Taking a breather with tea and cake
The ladies (and yes I think it was exclusively ladies) worked really hard in the kitchen serving lunches, brunches, cake and drinks, especially keeping John and his team on car parking duty topped up with regular warming cuppas.

Kitchen
The busy kitchen team with tea and cakes
The hall stage was set, not for performance, but with Jenny and her helpers "Getting Creative" with potato prints and brushes to create lots of poppies - the creation will be up on Show Day in August as part of the Horticultural Society's contribution to help us pause and think about the commencement of the First World War and all that followed. In addition we are helping with a plan to have little plots of poppies grown in our villages.

Getting Creative
Getting Creative

Poppy making
Poppy making
So, the village hall is cleared, the crowds have ebbed away and now there will be lots of potatoes, sitting chitting, hopefully to produce some heavy and tasty crops later in the year.

Thank you to everyone who braved the elements and helped make it a great day, 
despite the weather.