Hundreds visit Hurst’s gardening tradition

MORE THAN 400 people flocked to Hurst Village Hall this summer to celebrate a 100-year-old tradition.

On Saturday, August 21, Hurst Horticultural Society (HHA) hosted the 108th annual horticultural show — and organiser Keith Attfield said it was a big success.

The outdoor event saw residents enter flowers, fruits, vegetables, crafts, and more into a range of competition categories.

Show-goers enjoyed live music from local 12-piece band EMC Jazz, a selection of cream teas, a barbecue and a licensed bar.

“The Hurst community, their friends and family came out in force,” Mr Attfield said.

“The weather defied a dire forecast, and visitors were rewarded with a warm dry afternoon which even ended with sunshine.”

This year, 83 people entered the 130 classes. There were 426 entries in total, including 241 horticultural exhibits.

“This was particularly impressive considering the short time available to grow show quality flowers, fruits and vegetables,” Mr Attfield said.

The winners included Anne Eustace for the best single rose bloom, Eric Rockall for the best scarecrow and Martin Newman who won best Sunday lunch trug class.

Mr Attfield thanked everybody who attended for helping to raise money for

HHA.

“A successful auction of horticultural produce, and sales from the Society’s stall helped add up to a happy afternoon enjoyed by all,” he said.

“The Society surprised itself by covering the cost of the show.”

This year’s show was organised in just six weeks following the pandemic. It is a tradition dating back to 1902.

Next year’s event will take place on Saturday, August 20.

For more information, visit: www.hursthorticulturalshow.org