Gardeners’ high quality showcase at Wash Common show

A showcase of high quality … that’s how the Wash Common Garden and Craft Show has been described by organisers.

Held at Falkland Cricket Club on Saturday (September 28), the event was part of the village’s community festival and saw Newbury mayor Andy Moore present prizes to green fingered residents.

Despite wet weather and difficult gardening conditions, the number of entries in the garden produce section was only slightly down on last year.

Christine Lewis scooped top prize for this category, winning praise from judges for the size of her butternut squashes.

Jams and marmalade were popular entries in the baking and preserves classes.

John Rasman came first for his marmalade and jam, while Susan Wright was the overall winner, and held on to the Millennium Shield as a result.

First time winners in the craft section were Alice Peters and Hilary Barett, and Louise Peters won the Dr Elizabeth Dyson Rose Bowl trophy in the flower arranging section.

The number of entries in the art and photography classes was lower than previous years, but judges felt the standard remained high.

Eleanor Tin won this category and, with her husband and children, picked up the Jean Bates cup for the family with the most points won in the show.

Their victory was helped with Anna Tin winning the junior section by just one point, taking home the Barnes Cup.

The Mary Taylor cup for the Wash Common resident with most points in the show went to Peter Wright.