There was a real buzz at Rye Community Centre last Saturday as the results of this year’s show were revealed. With 314 entries, the tables were packed with colour. Home-grown veg, dahlias and garden flowers galore, baked goods and preserves all displayed the best of Rye’s local produce whilst the artistic side of things featured a marvellous show of clever photographs and brilliant handicrafts.
Show organisers, Helena Hudd and Lorna Hall commented: “The number of new competitors and children’s entries were at record level and very encouraging to see. Old friends still featured highly in the entries, and it is good to see the enthusiasm for next year’s show and the promise of even more entries.
“We are also very grateful for all the assistance we get on the day from local judges, the stewards and to everyone who helps with administration, setting up and clearing the hall. Yet more thanks go out to all our magnificent sponsors and advertisers amongst the local businesses, who support us so generously. Lastly, we always appreciate the refreshments supplied through the afternoon by the ladies of the Landgate WI.”
Sweeping the board was Nigel Jennings who won best entry in Fruit and Veg Class and with it the Tate Trophy and a beer voucher provided by Rye Waterworks Pub, Brewery and Tap Room as sponsor. He also won the Fruit and Vegetable category sponsored by Rye Town Council; The Royal Horticultural Society Banksian medal; The Turk Trophy sponsored by Rye Allotments Society; the Longest Carrot Class sponsored by Sue White in memory of Bill White; and as Overall Winner of the show picked up the Silver Bowl and a generous voucher donated by Rye Garden Centre as sponsor. Congratulations Nigel!
Other winners were Lydia Davison who won the Flowers Foliage and Ornamental category, sponsored by Café des Fleurs; Laurence Hudd who won the Cookery category; Shelley Gibbon winner of the Photography Category, sponsored by Rye Heritage Centre and the class sponsored by The Clive Sawyer Gallery. Kt Bruce won the Handicraft category which was sponsored by Ethel Loves Me. The winner of the collage class, sponsored by Ways of Seeing, was Sophie Lehane; and Lorna Hall won the Bug Hotel class, sponsored by Rye News.
Image Credits: Kt bruce .