Glorious day for show successes

After a number of pre-show problems, the show itself turned out to be one of the most successful for some years.

The sun shone continuously producing probably the warmest day this summer. The number of exhibits almost reached three hundred (a near record for recent years) and the total number of visitors in the afternoon was very encouraging, especially when a visit to the beach might have been a tempting alternative.

As regards the number of exhibits, these were fairly evenly spread over the main sections, which is not always the case.

The cut flower and pot plant sections tended to be dominated by a colourful display of roses, dahlias and gladioli.

The vegetable section exhibitors demonstrated that they had overcome some of the disadvantages of the cool, wet summer and produced some excellent results.

In the domestic section, there was an outstanding selection of jams and cakes all of which looked as if they deserved a prize.

The floral art exhibits were up to the usual high standard, which is expected at Walberton, and much admired by visitors.

Last but not least, the handicraft and art classes seem to have attracted more entries this year and one could not but admire the skill and time that must have gone into the production of such top quality exhibits.

In the afternoon, many visitors after viewing the various sections, then joined friends for a cup of tea and cake.

At the close the chairman, Mrs Joan Jackson, after presenting the cups and trophies to the winners, paid tribute to the president, Mr John Mills, who died in early July, saying how much he was missed not only for his work on behalf of the society, but also for the encouragement and advice he gave when problems arose.