DOZENS of people recently attended a village flower show in the area.

The Pilning Open Flower Show took place at St Peter’s School on Saturday, August 24.

The event included 411 entries with categories including fruit, preserves, baking, photography and crafts. 

More than 200 people attended the event, which raised money for Alveston-based child bereavement charity Made a Mark.

Best in show was a beautiful woollen hat made by parish resident Meaghan O’Neil, which showcased a five-coloured Fair Isle stranded design. 

Other award winners were: Alan Bainbridge for tomatoes and dahlias; Mervyn Reeves, most points in flowers; Bob Roper, onions; Becky Griffin, specimen rose; Victoria Bywater, fruit; Tim & Aly Dark most points in horticulture, Susan Edwardes best pickles and best tasting jam; Catherine Fish, most points in baking; Bob Edwardes, best photo and most points in photography; Rosemarie Roper, most points in flower arranging.

Chair Richard Edwards won cups for having the most points in vegetables and potatoes and in the show by a Parish resident. 

He also won the tallest sunflower for a second year.

Meanwhile, Ivy Reeves won the award for the best exhibit 8 years and under and Beccy Latham Roberts won the most points in the category for children 14 years and under. 

Lastly, the best allotments were won by Tony Cole and Tim Dark, the best front gardens were by John and Lesley Luke, and Sally and Brian Baber.

The best commercial frontage was awarded to Just As You Are Tea Cottage.

 An organiser said: “The Pilning Open Flower Show was a resounding success. 

“Calls by the organisers, prior to the show, for new competitors to come forward, were answered. 

“There were 77, the highest number since the show’s record of 2012 and a very respectable 411 entries. 

“Over 200 people visited in the afternoon to see the wonderful displays including vegetables and baking which were  up on last year, as well as the younger children’s classes, boosted by the Rainbows group. 

“In addition to the normal prize money and treats, every child entering the show received a £5 craft gift voucher which may entice them back again next year.

“Record amounts were raised from the entertaining auction of produce and donated items delivered by Nick Harley and Duncan Kemp and the bumper raffle.”

For more results and information see www.pilningflowershow.co.uk

Next year’s show will take place on August 23, 2025.

Best in show - a knitted hat by Meaghan O’Neil (Image: Submitted)

Duncan Kemp and Nick Harley, auctioneers in action (Image: Submitted)

(Image: Submitted)