Triumphant return of Addingham's Spring Flower Show

The 40th spring show and coffee morning, organised by the Addingham Allotments and Gardens Association, and held in Addingham Memorial Hall, returned after a five year break, and was last held in 2019.

With gardens suffering from the recent poor weather, association members were not sure what to expect, but were surprised and delighted with the number of exhibits, which were just shy of 100.

Members were particularly pleased with the 'staggering' number of entries that came from Addingham Primary School with children inspired with the theme of 'spring'.

Show secretary Peter Cooke said: "We didn’t know what to expect, especially after the recent prolonged spell of inclement weather, but we were absolutely delighted with the response of our local community, both as exhibitors and visitors.

"We had 98 entries in total across the 19 classes and a remarkable 14 different class winners. A special mention for the pupils at Addingham Primary School who between them entered a staggering 177 exhibits in the children's classes, based on spring themes, which gave the judges plenty to think about."

There were classes in flowers and plants, floral art, photography and baking as well as a section just for children.

Jeff Walbank went home with the Addingham Allotments and Gardens Association Trophy for 'best in show'; Jill Cooke was presented with the Low Mills Cup for her 10 cut mixed daffodils, and Owen Hudson was winner of The Children's Shield.

Full Results Flowers - One vase of 10 cut mixed Daffodils: 1 -J Cooke, 2- J Walbank, 3 -E Ellwood; One vase of 3 cut Daffodils: 1 -J Cooke, 2- J Cooke, 3 -M Harding; One vase of 6 cut mixed Tulips: 1- J Farnell, 2- J Acomb, 3 - A Robertson; One vase of 3 cut Tulips one variety only: 1 -P Atkinson, 2- J Snee, 3 -J Acomb; One container of cut Primulae, Polyanthus or Primrose: 1- J Acomb; One vase of flowers from trees and/or shrubs: 1- D Barrett, 2- J Cooke; One vase with stems of any flower not specified above: 1 -J Acomb, 2 - J Cooke, 3- P Atkinson; One pot or bowl of one or more alpine or rockery plants: 1- G Walbank, 2- J Walbank, 3 -L Fawcett; One specimen succulent or cactus plant: 1 - D Barrett, 2- J Walbank, 3 - D Barrett; One container of growing bulbs or corms in flower: 1 - D Barrett, 2 - J Taylor, 3 - A Robertson; One Orchid: 1- A Robinson; One Primula in a pot, any variety: 1- J Walbank, 2 - L Fawcett, 3 - J Walbank; One foilage pot plant: 1 - D Barrett, 2 - J Acomb, 3 - M Goodwin; One flowering pot plant in flower: 1- M Harding; Floral Art - Hand Tied Bouquet 'A Celebration of Spring': 1 - L Ellwood, 2 - L Ellwood; A Table Centrepiece on the theme of 'Spring': 1 - A McCowan, 2 - C Foster, 3- D Tingle; Photography – A Photograph depicting 'Spring Colours': 1 - J Snee, 2 - J Farnell, 3- J Snee; Baking - A Favourite Traybake: 1- M Goodwin, 2 - S Appleyard, 3 - E Powell; Four Plain or Fruit Scones: 1 - C Acomb, 2 - J Cooke, 3 - J Taylor; Children's Classes - Reception and Years 1 and 2 - Collage of a Spring Lamb: 1 - Hugo B., 2 - Muireann S., 3 - Oscar B.; Years 3 and 4 - Spring Blossom Card: 1 - Max, 2 - Lucy S., 3 - Betsy; Years 5 and 6 - Design a Wellington Boot Remover: 1 - Owen, 2 - Fred M., 3 - Ethan S.

Addingham Allotments and Gardeners Association holds a number of events including talks throughout the year.

On Thursday, May 30, there will be a talk on 'innovations in fruit and vegetable growing' by David Allison from Burley; on June 27, Nigel Eaton from Moss and Moor will show members how to 'get the Chelsea look', and on July 27 there will be a coffee morning and plant sale, or swap.

On August 10, it will be the summer show at the Memorial Hall; and on September 26, Amy Smethurst from RHS Harlow Carr will give members a sneak view into what happens behind the scenes at the Alpine house at Harlow Carr gardens, Harrogate.

Talks take place at Mount Hermon, Addingham, are free to members and £2 for non-members. Annual membership is £12. Find out more at: www.addinghamaga.org.uk