Colour and creativity filled the Pamela Hambro Hall in Winterborne Stickland on 16th August, for the Valley Gardening Club’s annual Summer Show.
Independent judges praised the quality of entries, with more than 190 exhibits from 23 competitors across horticulture, cookery, handicraft, photography and children’s classes.
Several names shone through the prize list. Hazel Steele took home both the Gladioli Cup and the Dahlia Cup, while also sharing in family success with Sophia Steele winning the children’s award for most points. Richard Osborne was another multiple prizewinner, lifting the Hans Hennicker Trophy for best vegetables alongside the RHS Banksian Medal. Philippa Smith showed her versatility by carrying off three trophies in handicraft and cookery, while Amanda Gotham impressed in the photography section, winning both the cup and the W.I. Plate.
Other winners included Karen Marchant with the Sweet Pea Shield, Lynne Rainford for the Murray Simpson Trophy, Caroline Cooper with the Sid Smith Trophy for dahlias, Rose Hennicker claimed the President’s Vase, Hazel Harlock the General Cup, and Chris Fielding who collected the Jubilee Bowl for vegetables.
As the club rounds off its 91st anniversary season, members are already looking ahead: the next Spring Show will be held on Saturday 21st March, followed by the Summer Show on Saturday 15th August 2026.
More details and photographs are available on the club’s website: sites.google.com/view/valleygardeningclub
