North Connel horticultural show sees a growth in floral art
DESPITE the year’s challenging weather, the number of entries for the North Connel and District Horticultural Show in the flower and vegetable classes were similar to previous years.
In the vegetables, though entries of runner and French beans were sadly lacking, there were some admirably large vegetables and a heart-shaped, pink potato which, though not a winner, was a joy to see.
There was a marked increase in the number of floral art entries, including some from the Lynn of Lorne Home, and photographs, which were judged to be of a very high standard.
Entries came in from across the district, which includes Barcaldine, Benderloch, Bonawe and North Connel.
It was good to have a number of people exhibiting for the first time, along with folk entering again after some time away.
After the doors opened there was a real buzz of excitement, especially in the old hall where there was a vast and colourful display of work from local children to be found, along with an excellent exhibition of adult art and craft work.
Following tea with a delicious selection of cakes, the many families and visitors attending were able to applaud the presentation of trophies by Maurice Wilkins and to join in the drawing of a raffle which included many generously donated prizes.
Trophy winners were as follows: Championship Cup (most points, flowers and vegetables): Ritchie Robb; McLeod Shield (runner-up to champion): Paula Gillespie; Lees Milne Cup (best in show): Ritchie Robb (leeks); Oban Times Cup (flowers): Eileen Hill and Fiona Shaw; Campbell Godley Quaich (pot plants): Fay Harvey; Dundonald Vase (flowering shrub): Lynn Amos; Agnes MacKay Quaich (pansies/violas): Jim Mackie; Tensfeldt Cup (vegetables): Ritchie Robb;
Children’s Baking Cup (seven years and under): James Steward; Silver Rose Bowl (children’s baking eight to 14 years): Olivia Wood; An Claddich Quaich (baking): Eileen Hill; Best Eggs Quaich: Paula Gillespie; Achnacreebeag Cup (floral art): Jill Bowis and Jane Eccles; Graham Stooke Photography Cup (adults): Jill Bowis; Photography Shield (under 15): Caitlin McPherson and Rachael Steward; Silver Vase (children 10-14): Ruaridh Newiss; Donald Morrison Cup (children nine and under): Megan Hart and Calum MacMillan; Jean Campbell Cup (best exhibit in children’s section): Calum MacMillan, (picture of a garden alien); Schools’ Challenge Cup: Barcaldine School (plums).