Early spring doesn't faze entrants

The spring show attracted nearly 200 entries and although not quite as high as some recent spring shows, this was considered highly satisfactory in view of the early spring, which meant that many daffodils and narcissi had commenced flowering in February.

It was also considered very lucky that Sunday's snow storm did not arrive 24 hours earlier as this might have had a disastrous effect on the show!

In spite of the early spring, it was surprising how many high quality daffodils and narcissi were still available to be exhibited in the various classes.

To make up for any shortage of the early spring flowers, the warmer temperatures contributed to an increase in the entries for tulips, polyanthus/primulas, muscari and pansiesc.

There were also a number of top quality displays of mixed spring flowers and flowering trees or shrubs. As usual the pot plant and floral art sections contributed to the overall colourful display in the hall.

The domestic section, although consisting of only five classes, nevertheless attracted a number of professional looking exhibits.

In the afternoon, the show was open to the public and although, like the show entries, the number of visitors was slightly down, this may have been due to other attractions such as the Grand National.

At the close, chairman Mrs Joan Jackson thanked those who had helped make the show a success and also mentioned a number of future events the most important of which was the society's 40th anniversary celebration on June 14.

The society's new president, Mr David Donovan, after giving those present some recent news of other local horticultural societies, presented cups and trophies to the various winners. The winning raffle tickets were drawn and the show closed at 4.30pm.