Annual Show 2025.

2025 SHOW – A GREAT SUCCESS.

It is with great pleasure that we report the success of our Annual Show held on Saturday 13th September. A big vote of thanks are due to all those who helped at our first show at the Cookridge Village Hall and also of course to all who attended on the day and to the many people who entered exhibits.

Many thanks to the Show Secretary Maxine Asso and all the committee members who worked tirelessly along with the many who voluntarily gave their services before and on the day. Thank you also to the Judges for giving their expertise on the day. Your hard work was very much appreciated.

A number of pictures were taken on the day and in a few days time a selection will be shown on the website Gallery and also on the 2025 Annual Show page. So many were taken that it will take a few days to arrive at the final selection.

Once again many thanks to all – without you the Show wouldn’t have been the success that it was.

ggiven below are some useful hints and tips put together by members Joan Hopper, Eric Wells, Peter Smith and former Show Secretary Denise Watson.

Hints for showing Flowers and plants.

• Read the schedule carefully and mark possible classes
• One week before the show start looking for possible entries
• One day before the show cut blooms and foliage. Put in cold water and keep in a cool place. If possible, cut extra in case of damage
• If showing plants, remove all dead heads and fruits on fuchsias. Remove badly marked/damaged leaves and pests.
• At the show, stage exhibits according to the schedule. If a specific number of stems is requested, make sure it’s correct. In the case of roses and dahlias remove any small buds as these are classed as a flower. At show level, one hybrid tea rose with a bud is two blooms. Roses should be ¾ open.
• Do not exceed any stated space e.g. Classes 11 and 13.
• Vases of different sizes are available on show day, but you may also bring your own.
• The pots for all pot plants should be clean, and of reasonable size for the plant inside.

Hints for showing Vegetables and fruit.

• The most important thing for all exhibitors is to make sure each item is fresh, clean and uniform.
• Uniformity is key, when showing a group of vegetables, as each one should be as similar as possible to each other, followed by cleanliness, especially root vegetables.
• If an item has a stalk such as peas, beans etc, these should be left intact at approx. ½”. Any white bloom should be left in place and the pods should be as smooth as possible.
• Cabbages and other green vegetables should have a 2” length of stem, as this demonstrates that the item has been grown and not bought at a shop. Carrots should have their leaves reduced to 6”, and cauliflowers have their leaves trimmed to the top of the head.
• Apples, pears, plums and all berries, should also be shown with their stalks intact. Apples with stalk end downwards, eye uppermost.
• Tomatoes, not overripe or with hard ‘green back’ colouring around the calyx. Aim for a uniform firm set of fruits with firm, fresh calyces. Stage with calycx uppermost.
• Small exhibits may be shown in a saucer, bowl or plate to enhance the look of the display. Paper plates are ideal. Exhibits can be placed directly onto the table, with their identification ticket.

Hints for showing Cacti and Succulents.

Peter Smith, Cookridge Garden Club member and Leeds branch secretary of the BCSS also offers the following advice and tips which relate to plants and in particular to cacti and succulents, which members may find helpful:-

• Wipe pots down or re-pot to ensure the plant is in a clean pot of the correct size ( not fully grown to the extreme edge of the pot or overhanging).
• Clean any cobwebs off and take any weeds out of the compost
• Deadhead old flowers
• Water one week before the show to ensure the plant can show growth ( it is important to show the plant is alive !)
• Put a top dressing of coloured grit to emphasize the colour of the plant and species
• Choose a plant that is in flower if possible
• Try to find a plant that is unusual and not common unless in a specific class
• It is good practice to put a nice label of the plant name in the pot.
• Remember if the plant smiles at you then it will have a chance in the show – presentation can be the edge that is needed.

Peter Smith,Leeds branch BCSS secretary

B.C.S.S. Branch meetings held Monthly – February to October at St Columba’s Hall Headingley Leeds LS 6 2DH Start 7:30.p.m.

We hope that all of the above proves useful in encouraging and helping you put together your exhibits.

A Special ‘Thank you’ to gardening club members Joan Hopper, Eric Wells and Peter Smith who have provided this information.

Show Rules – For guidance only and may be subject to amendment.

1. The Show will be conducted in accordance with the Rules and Standards contained in R.H.S. Show handbooks, except where under this schedule these previously do not apply.2. Entries and Fees for All Classes are open, except for classes otherwise stipulated or restricted. An entry fee of 50p per exhibit will be charged on all adult entries.

3. Entry Forms (together with fees) will be available and accepted at the Hall, on Friday, 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm, and on the day of the show, from 8.45 am, until 10.45 am.

4. Staging must be complete by 11.15 am, on Show Day, when the Hall and all rooms will be closed for judging.

5. Exhibits must bear a class card, obtainable from the Entry Table, placed class number uppermost.

Exhibitors to name all plants and flowers varieties where possible.

6. All Exhibits must be bona-fida products of the exhibitor. All horticultural exhibits must have been in the exhibitor’s cultivation for at least three months prior to the show.

7. Exhibits not conforming to the schedule will be disqualified.

8. The Judge’s decision is final.

9. The Committee is empowered to settle any disputes which may arise, and, for which these rules do not provide.

10. The Trophies remain the property of the Society.

Winners must return trophies to the Secretary, at least three weeks before the next ( 2026 )Annual Show. The holder is responsible for the award, whilst it is in their possession.

11. Points will be awarded as follows:-

1^st prize – 5 points

2^nd prize – 3 points

3^rd prize – 1 point

In the event of a tie, the Trophy, will be awarded to the exhibitor gaining the most first prizes. If still tied, then, second prizes etc.

12. Exhibitors may enter more than one exhibit in a class. However, only the best exhibit will qualify for a prize.

13. Exhibitors may use their own vases, bowls, plates etc. but there are Society vases available if required.

14. Prizes. If in the opinion of the judge, the exhibits in any class do not merit a prize, then, the judge shall have the power to withhold the prize or prizes.

15. Exhibits and Prize Cards must not be removed before 3.45 pm.

16. Trophies will be presented to the winners at 3.30pm.

Prizes may be collected from the Treasurer after 3.45pm.

17. Prize money not collected by 4.15 pm will be considered as a donation to the Society funds.

Flower or vegetable produce not collected by exhibitors will be available to anyone to take and for which a donation to Cookridge Gardening Club would be appreciated.

Pictures from the 2024 Show.

The pictures below taken at the 2024 show largely speak for themselves ranging from the preparations and setting up for the show to a small selection of the trophy winners. Pictures courtesy of Tim Balls.