Sweet smell of success

The event, held at Fairlight village hall, drew a large crowd of visitors keen to see the range of stunning flowers, fresh fruit, vegetables and produce on display.

Categories covered were flowers, fruit, vegetables, jams, cakes and bread.

The top three places earn winner’s certificates and in certain classes, trophies and cups are awarded.

The cup and trophy winners included Richard Barron, Kath Barron, Sue Clarke, Bernard Cruttenden, Anne Cruttenden, Roger Bowen and first time winner, John Giles.

This year, the Men’s Domestic challenge was to produce six chocolate brownies. John Eveleigh took away the winner’s certificate.

The Potato Challenge, to grow the greatest weight from one, controlled, unnamed variety, attracted a large entry. Paul and Karen Draper won the certificate with 6lb 11oz - all from the one potato.

The club’s publicity officer, Karen Draper said their had been a wealth of excellent entries. “It was very successful,” she said. “The quality of entries surpassed all previous shows. We had dozens of visitors and everybody enjoyed themselves.”

Karen said with 49 classes the club extends many congratulations to all those who won certificates but are not mentioned above.

At the end of the show the club holds an auction of donated produce with proceeds going to club funds. Karen said: “It is great fun to enter and remember we are all just amateur gardeners.”

The Gardening Club is a happy group of gardeners who have their own Hut, where members can buy essential products at discounted prices, and offer a chance to attend monthly talks and visits.

New members are always welcome. For further details call (01424) 813006.