Show's aroma of summer delight for Yapton summer show

Of the 45 participants, 26 staged in the horticultural classes, 14 in cookery and seven in the photographic sections respectively, with seven as first-time exhibitors in Yapton, including a number of children.

The grand total of entries was 262, quite possibly a record for the show.

The first class in the schedule, 'A rose prepared as a buttonhole', required 17 entry cards and most other classes had a minimum entry of two.

The rose classes were particularly well-supported and the high quality of the sweet peas was evident. Many visitors commented on the powerful aroma as they entered the village hall. There were many vases of other cut flowers, pot plants, and a section devoted to cacti and succulents.

A diverse range of vegetables and fruits completed the horticultural classes, and cucumbers, chilli peppers and tayberries were among those on display.

The flower arranging section had some superb entries and the judge for the cookery classes commented on the excellence of the three dozen exhibits set before her.

As always, the photographic sections drew attention and at all four shows remains the most consistently supported group of classes. Ten children who staged mustered 15 entries.

Visitors in the afternoon numbered around 140 and everyone must have enjoyed the assembled display for its visual impact and interest. Many past acquaintances renewed briefly their friendships in the common interest of gardening.

The side stalls offered bedding plants, cactus seedlings, a raffle, a jewellery stand, the 'bonus ball' prize for the day's lottery broadcast and a cake stall, while the kitchen staff prepared cream teas.

The event ended with the presentation of the trophies, with the cottage gardeners' chairman, Roy Phillips, leading the ceremony.