ENTRIES were good as was the standard and quality of exhibits at this year’s Spreyton Flower Show held in the Village Hall. In, fact the standard was said to be excellent.

The afternoon was opened by BBC Spotlight’s weatherman Dan Downs who grew up locally and is President of the flower show.

After being introduced by the Village Trust chairman Tony Talbot, Dan began by saying that he had had a look around the exhibits, could not believe how amazing they were and how gardens today were much smaller and might restrict people who have an interest in gardening. Of course, this growing season has not been easy with the erratic weather pattern.

Spreyton Show started in the 1950’s, continues to be a village showcase of talents and such traditions should continue.

Dan did say he grew up locally but now living and working in Plymouth he misses village traditions such as this so he was very pleased to have been asked.

After the children’s races in the field beside the Village Hall,  Dan presented trophies to the prize winners in the hall.

The Flower Show is the biggest fundraising event for the Village Trust with proceeds being divided between the Trust, RNIB and Cancer Research. 

Cleave Collins went home with six trophies, shared one and his sweet peas and runner beans were both awarded special prizes.

Cleave’s “haul” was the cup for the exhibitor with most points; resident of Spreyton with most points; most points in the open vegetable classes; most points in the residents’ vegetables and most points in the open flower classes.

Cleave shared the cup for most points in the residents’ flower classes with Ian Pinwill. Cleave also won the shield for most points in the vegetable and flower classes for residents.

Ian Pinwill won the rose bowl for the best exhibit in the show with his fuchsia heads.

Members of Spreyton Gardening Club had grown on Surfinia petunias in a basket, won by Ian Pinwill. His three dahlias won the salver for the best exhibit in the residents’ flowers, his peas won the special prize for the best exhibit in the open vegetable classes.

Angela Hawkins, show treasurer, won the silver salver for preserves, the cup for the wine classes as well as the decanter given in memory of Eve Collins for the best exhibit in the wine classes. Angela also won the trophy for a floral arrangement.

Judith Talbot and Trisha Koenig shared the women’s cookery cup. Mrs Koenig also won the special prize with her carrot cake and the salver with her fruit cake.

Wendy Sincock won the salver for most points in the handicraft classes. A barbecue sauce made by Vicky Woods won her the special prize for preserves.

Seven-years-old Suzan Dack won the children’s cup and Sam won the special prize for children with his Egyptian mask.