BEST SHOW EVER!

The Spring Flower Show at the Village Hall on 9th April was unanimously acclaimed as the “best ever.”  Chairman of Ickenham & Swakeleys Horticultural Society, Graham Tarling said so in the light of 300 high-quality entries, fantastic support from the children of Glebe and Breakspear Juniors, 30 photographic submissions, a big crowd on the show day and perfect weather to boot.  President Roger Trigg added that in all his 45 years with the show he had never seen anything like it for success and how gratifying it was to see the contributions from Ickenham children. 

There were some amazing exhibits to admire, not least the daffodils which lit up our gardens (top left).  And plants galore, including the gorgeous clivia presented by Gaynor Lasch (illustrated top right).  Gaynor said, “It took six years to grow and every year it gets another stem.  This is probably its last year at the show, otherwise it will be too heavy for us to get it here.” 

Among the many children present was Daniel Stroud, aged eight, who entered a small vase of spring flowers, two pictures and some biscuits.  Daniel’s mum Jo said that Daniel loves the Glebe School Gardening Club which has been the inspiration for his horticultural activities.  The club is about to benefit from a greenhouse to be presented by Waitrose as part of their popular Green Tokens Scheme.  Christine Atkinson from Ruislip Waitrose Community Matters was at the show presenting the numerous prizes and she is seen here with young Daniel (bottom right) after awarding him second prize for his vase of spring flowers. 

A familiar face at the show was Doreen Williams (pictured bottom left) who has been associated with the show arrangements since 1983.  Doreen was Show Secretary for nine years, before handing over to Patt Trigg, and she told ICN about some of the demands of the role.  “I worked as part of the Committee - a wonderful team.  For the two annual shows we would be on the go the previous Thursday and Friday nights and all day Saturday.  All entries had to be assembled, show cards prepared and put in place on the staging.  On the day, exhibitors often ask for advice and we are always available to meet and greet them.  Beforehand, there are four or five independent judges to be found for each show, specialising in different categories of exhibits.  Later on we prepare information for the Gazette and the AGM – and for ICN.  But it was fun to do, working with such nice people.  Actually, my own horticultural knowledge is quite limited but this wasn’t important – it’s more about being organised and attending to details.”  In acknowledgement of her services to the society, in 1999 Doreen was made a Life Member. 

The Society’s website is www.ickenham-horticultural.org.uk