News and Newsletters
Coronavirus - update August 2020:
We are still affected by the Covid_19 Pandemic. However, the committee has decided to have a "Virtual Show" , with photos on Facebook. The closing date is Saturday 12th September (the date of the cancelled Show!). Details are on the Summer Newsletter, now available on our website. Hopefully I will have some photos to put on a Gallery on the website, and perhaps in another Newsletter later in the year.
Annual Show 2020 - cancelled
The committee has considered all options and have delayed a decision as long as possible regarding the Annual Show. Regrettably we do not feel that we can go ahead with this year’s Show. We appreciate you will be disappointed, especially after last year’s fantastic Show, but we cannot see everything being back to normal and safe by September.
All being well, we will see you all again in September 2021 with another great Show. We hope that you can still enjoy plenty of time in your gardens.
There won’t be any more Newsletters this year – unless I am inundated with lots of stories & photos of how you are all coping with Lockdown!
Take care and keep safe.
Annual General Meeting
The Society’s Annual General Meeting was held in the Victoria Club on Tuesday 11th February, 2020.
The chairman reported on the previous year’s activities. The Annual Show was again held in the Victoria Club function room. Of special note was the number of entries which was the highest in the history of the Society. The judges commented also on the very high quality of the exhibits. There are plenty of photos on our website Gallery. Exhibitors came from a wide area, and the Show attracted several new exhibitors.
Thank you to all committee members and officers. Sadly, Kate Wilson is unable to continue as joint chairman, and is also leaving the committee. Thank you Kate for all your hard work over the last year
The treasurer issued copies of the balance sheet, which indicated a healthy financial situation for the Society.
The Election of Officers and Committee followed, and those voted in were:-
| President: | Ken Dunthorn |
| Chairman | John Merrick |
| Vice-Chair: | Jim Searle |
| Correspondence Secretary: | Lin Driscoll |
| Minutes Secretary: | Mary Whitaker |
| Entries Secretary: | Pat Baker |
| Treasurer: | Pat Baker |
| Membership Secretary: | Pat Baker |
| Show Manager: | GordonWest |
| Public Relations/Press Officer: | Ruth Hamlett |
| Committee: | C. Bentley, P. Boncey, C. Driscoll, Mrs M Hughes, L. Taylor, M Taylor, R. Loader*, C. Hughes*, T.Vernoum plus officers (*= new member) |
The Society’s 71st Annual Show was held on 14th September 2019 at the Victoria Club, Street, and had the highest number of entries in the history of the Society – over 300, compared with the usual entry of around 200. As last year, our judges this year were Martyn & Val Davies (Dahlias), Jake Nicholson-Lailey, from Abundiflora florists in Glastonbury (Floral Art, Fuchsias and the Children’s sections), Ken Ellis (Vegetables), Terry Fry (Chrysanthemums) and Terri Burns (cakes). We are grateful for their expertise. Terri Burns also presented the Trophies and Awards at the end of the show.
The major prize winners were:-
Dahlias – Mr M Hatcher (Bert Newton Challenge Cup, Silver Medal), Mr M Hatch (The Society’s Challenge Cup (+ £10 Griffiths Voucher)), Mrs K Forrester (Members’ Challenge Cup, NDS Bronze Medal, Hamblin Cup), Mr R. Downting (A.E.Phillips Cup), and Mr G Young (J. Yelling Rose Bowl, Wheatley Novice Cup).
Chrysanthemums – Mr R Gulley (Brooking Clark Challenge Cup, Gordon Richards Trophy, NCS Silver Medal, Wheatley Trophy), Mr J. Cockwill (George Miller Challenge Cup (+ £10 Griffiths Voucher), British Royal Legion Cup, Cyril & Richard Holland Trophy, NCS Bronze Medal, NCS Certificate of Merit), Mr J Searle (Dorothy Talbot Cup) and Mr Harry Godden (Street Challenge Cup).
Vegetables – Mr H. Godden (The Unity Club Cup (+ £10 Griffiths Voucher), Royal Oak Salad Bowl (+ £25 Meal Voucher), Derek Marsh Trophy,), Mr M Read (J Yelling Cup, NVS Medal for Best Exhibit in the Vegetable Section) Mr K Ellis (Frank Ganfield Cup), Mr M Loader (William Bentley Novice Cup).
Fuchsias – Mrs A Baker (Members only Challenge Cup).
Floral Arrangement –Mrs L. Driscoll (Anita Ruth Willmott Cup, Society’s Challenge Cup).
Four Seasons Cup – Alfie Hamlet
Walton Press Street Schools Cup – Year 6 & under - Elmhurst School.
Schools’ Design Cup - Year 6 & under - Elmhurst School.
The Colin Mundy Cup – for Best Exhibit in all Classes in the Show – Mr R Gulley
The Plant Sale was sold out. The plants were excellent quality - supplied by Sweet Acre Nursery on Godney Road.
This year’s Annual Show is our 70th Show, the first show having taken place in 1949 supported by the 14 members in the post-war years. The Show has expanded since then, and, in spite of the title of the Society, it now also includes Floral Arrangement, Begonia, Fuchsia, Cake (fresh fruit and/or vegetable ingredients!) and children’s/schools’ sections. There are Novice Classes and Classes such as “Any 3 Vegetables”, “The Longest Runner Bean” and a Fruit Class, designed to appeal to a wider range of exhibitor. There were over 200 entries this year, all displayed in the function room at the Victoria Club in Street.
The exhibits were of a very high standard, and the judges took a long time to decide on the best exhibit in each class, and by the time they had finished, people were queuing at the door to come in!
Our judges this year were Martyn & Val Davies (Dahlias), Jake Nicholson-Lailey, from Abundiflora florists in Glastonbury (Floral Art, Fuchsias and the Children’s sections), Ken Ellis (Vegetables) and Terry Fry (Chrysanthemums) as before, and we are grateful for their expertise. Previously the cake section has been judged by Bob Burns of Burns The Bread. However, he was unable to attend this year, and we were delighted that Terri Petherbridge, his daughter, and Managing Director of Burns The Bread, was kind enough to judge the cake section. Terri also presented the Trophies and Awards at the end of the show
The major prize winners were:-
Dahlias – Mrs C. Tomkins (Bert Newton Challenge Cup, The Society’s Challenge Cup (+ £10 Griffiths Voucher), Members’ Challenge Cup, A.E.Phillips Cup, NDS Silver Medal, Wheatley Trophy), R. Downting (NDS Bronze Medal) and Mr L Fear (Wheatley Novice Cup).
Chrysanthemums – J. Cockwill (Brooking Clark Challenge Cup, George Miller Challenge Cup (+ £10 Griffiths Voucher), Gordon Richards Trophy, British Royal Legion Cup, Cyril & Richard Holland Trophy, , Hamblin Cup, NCS Silver Medal, NCS Bronze Medal, NCS Certificate of Merit), K. Warsham (Street Challenge Cup), Mrs Y. Carey (Dorothy Talbot Cup).
Vegetables – H. Godden (The Unity Club Cup (+ £10 Griffiths Voucher), J Yelling Cup, Frank Ganfield Cup, Piper’s Inn Salad Bowl (+ £25 Meal Voucher), Derek Marsh Trophy, NVS Medal for Best Exhibit in the Vegetable Section), Mrs A Baker (William Bentley Novice Cup).
Fuchsias – P.Baker (Members only Challenge Cup).
Floral Arrangement – Mr R Loader (Anita Ruth Willmott Cup), Mrs L. Driscoll (Society’s Challenge Cup).
Children’s Medal – Jaydn Moon
Walton Press Street Schools Cup – Year 2 & under - Hindhayes School.
The Colin Mundy Cup – for Best Exhibit in all Classes in the Show – Mr H. Godden
The 2018 Schedule for the Annual Show is still available on this website on the Shows and Schedule page.
Stop Press: Kate Wilson Has agreed to be our Press Officer on the committee. We wish her every success with this.
Annual Show 2018:
Annual General Meeting: The AGM was held in the Unity Club on Tuesday 6th February, 2018. The chairman reported on the previous year’s activities. The Annual Show was held in the Victoria Club function room, but, in spite of the change of venue, it was a great success, with more entries and plenty of visitors. We were pleased to be invited to have a stand at the Bishop’s Palace, Wells, for the Annual English Garden Festival which was enjoyable, and a learning experience!
The treasurer issued copies of the balance sheet, which indicated a healthy financial situation for the Society.
The Election of Officers and Committee followed, and those voted in were:-
| President: | Ken C. Dunthorn |
| Chairman: | John Merrick |
| Vice Chair: | Jim Searle |
| Correspondence Secretary: | Lin Driscoll |
| Minutes Secretary: | Mary Whitaker |
| Entries Secretary: | Pat Baker |
| Treasurer: | Pat Baker |
| Membership Secretary: | Pat Baker |
| Show Manager: | Gordon West |
| Public Relations/Press Officer: | Post not filled – discuss at first committee meeting |
| Committee: | C. Bentley, P. Boncey, C. Driscoll, L. Taylor, S. Lovelace, R. Hamlett, K. Wilson, T.Vernoum plus officers |
The first committee meeting will be on Tuesday March 6th.
The likely dates for the Plant Sale and Annual Show will be Saturday 19th May and Saturday 8th September. After some discussion, it seems likely that the Annual Show will be held at the Victoria Club this year.
Refreshments were then served, followed by an interesting and amusing illustrated talk by Claire Hart on “Giant Vegetables” The talk was popular, and enjoyed by all. The meeting finished after the raffle about 9.45pm.
The 2017 Gallery of photos: Now available from the website gallery page. It includes photos of the demonstration by last year's speaker, Jake Nicholson-Lailey, and of our stand at the Bishop's Palace Garden Festival.
THE 2017 ANNUAL SHOW was held this year in the function room at the Victoria Club, Leigh Road, Street, as our usual venue, the Crispin Hall, was not available due to the renovations taking place. We are grateful to them for allowing us to use their function room. The room was a different shape, which required a lot of juggling to show the exhibits at their best. However, it was light and airy, and ideal for both setting up and viewing the flowers and vegetables.
Perhaps due to the easier access, entries were well up on previous years, and of excellent quality. Two new classes – “A collection of produce displayed in a trug” and the Fruit class were well supported, and the “Ugliest Vegetable” produced some very ugly specimens this year!
Our judges were unchanged, and we were delighted that Martyn & Val Davies (Dahlias), Jake Nicholson-Lailey, from Abundiflora florists in Glastonbury (Floral Art, Fuchsias and the Children’s sections), Ken Ellis (Vegetables), Bob Burns of Burns The Bread (Cakes) and Terry Fry (Chrysanthemums) were all keen to come back to judge the exhibits. They were impressed by the standard of the exhibits, and only just finished judging a few minutes before the Show opened to the public at 12 noon.
The major prize winners were:-
Dahlias – Mrs C. Tomkins (Bert Newton Challenge Cup, The Society’s Challenge Cup, Members’ Challenge Cup, J. Yelling Rose Bowl, NDS Silver Medal, Wheatley Trophy), R. Downting (A.E.Phillips Cup, NDS Bronze Medal) and Mrs M Hughes (Wheatley Novice Cup).
Chrysanthemums – J. Cockwill (Brooking Clark Challenge Cup, George Miller Challenge Cup, Gordon Richards Trophy, British Royal Legion Cup, Cyril & Richard Holland Trophy, , Hamblin Cup, NCS Silver Medal, NCS Bronze Medal, NCS Certificate of Merit), K. Warsham (Street Challenge Cup), J. Searle (Dorothy Talbot Cup), R. Fiander (Wheatley Novice Cup).
Vegetables – H. Godden (The Unity Club Cup, J Yelling Cup, Frank Ganfield Cup, Piper’s Inn Salad Bowl, NVS Medal for Best Exhibit), Mrs L. Driscoll (Derek Marsh Trophy) C. Driscoll (William Bentley Novice Cup).
Begonias – L. Earle (The G. Burge Cup)
Fuchsias – P.Baker (Members only Challenge Cup).
Floral Arrangement – Mrs Yvonne Carey (Anita Ruth Willmott Cup), Mrs K. Burleton (Society’s Challenge Cup), Mrs L. Driscoll (Novice Medal).
Children’s Medal – Alfie Hamlett
Walton Press Street Schools Cup – Year 6 & under - Elmhurst School.
Schools Design Cup – Year 6 & under - Elmhurst School.
The Colin Mundy Cup – for Best Exhibit in all Classes in the Show – Mr J. Cockwill
Cups & Trophies were presented by the joint Headteachers of Elmhurst Junior School, Tracy Edwards and Mike Lawrence. Elmhurst School has had a long association with our Society, always entering fantastic exhibits although the Annual Show takes place soon after the beginning of the Autumn Term. They are also successful most of the time, and won both schools’ classes this year.
The English Country Garden Festival was held in the Bishop's Palace, Wells on 9th, 10th and 11th June. Street CDVS had a stand at this Festival, manned by members. An interesting and instructive new venture.
Annual Plant Sale: This took place in the Library Gardens on Saturday 6th May 2017, commencing at 8am. Although we had a good selection of excellent plants for sale, this was not as successful as previous Plant Sales. It was held a week earlier than usual, and somehow the entry about the Sale did not appear in the Central Somerset Gazette, which may partly account for the reduced sales.
Annual General Meeting: The AGM took place in the billiard room at the Unity Club on Tuesday 7th February. Unfortunately the Pool room was already booked, this only becoming apparent shortly before the meeting. The billiard room was adequate, but somewhat hidden through a door and down a corridor. More apologies than usual were received for various reasons, and the numbers attending were lower than usual at about 20.
The minutes of the previous AGM were accepted. The Chairman gave a report on the previous year and thanked all members of the committee for their invaluable contributions to running the Society. The Treasurer, Pat Baker, gave his report, and issued copies of the accounts, which he expanded on. Essentially they showed that the Society continues to be in a satisfactory financial position.
After the break, we were treated to a magnificent demonstration of Floral Art by Jake Nicholson-Lailey, assisted by his colleague, James. Jake owns and runs Abundiflora Florists in Glastonbury, and has impressive qualifications in his subject. He also has access to flowers which he sources for his shop. His demonstration consisted of a number of designs (seven I think I counted), including two with a Valentine’s Day theme. He was able to produce these at a rate that left the members who know how difficult it is flabbergasted! Jake donated the finished arrangements for prizes in the raffle – and these were rapidly snapped up. Jake drew the tickets for the raffle. A very popular demonstration – no doubt others will be regretting missing it.
THE ANNUAL SHOW 2016 took place in Crispin Hall, Street on Saturday 10th September. We were pleased to find that the lighting was much better this year – no need for torches when setting up exhibits the night before! Further improvements to Crispin Hall are due to begin shortly, so we look forward to an even better setting for the Annual Show next year.
Entries were marginally down this year – more entries in the Floral Arrangement section and the cakes would be welcome. However, the vegetable section was exceptional this year. The new classes added – “The Ugliest Vegetable” & “Fit for a Roast” were not well supported – perhaps they were not known about this year. We hope that these will be more popular next year for people who want to try entering a “less challenging” class.
Judges – We were delighted that Martyn & Val Davies came again to judge the Dahlia Section in spite of their busy schedule at this time of year. They are always meticulous in judging the best exhibits. The Floral Art, Fuchsias and the Children’s sections were again all judged by Jake Nicholson-Lailey, from Abundiflora florists in Glastonbury. His comments and advice on the entries are always well received. The vegetable section had a large entry with excellent quality – Harry Godden has some real competition this year. Amazing leeks and carrots to mention only a few! Thanks again to Ken Ellis who was our judge for the vegetable section again this year and to Bob Burns of Burns The Bread, who judged the cake section. We had a new National Chrysanthemum Society (NCS) judge in the chrysanthemum section, Terry Fry, and we hope he will return next year. He was impressed with the quality of the exhibits – the Best in Show being in the Chrysanthemum section this year. The skill of all our judges is much appreciated and attracts entries of a high calibre.
The major prize winners were:-
Dahlias – R. Downting (Bert Newton Challenge Cup, The Society’s Challenge Cup, Members’ Challenge Cup, A.E.Phillips Cup, NDS Silver Medal, Hamblin Cup), Mrs C. Tomkins (J. Yelling Rose Bowl, NDS Bronze Medal) and L. Fear (Wheatley Novice Cup).
Chrysanthemums – J. Cockwill (Brooking Clark Challenge Cup, , Gordon Richards Trophy, British Royal Legion Cup, Cyril & Richard Holland Trophy, Dorothy Talbot Cup, NCS Silver Medal, NCS Bronze Medal, NCS Certificate of Merit), M. Sheppard (Street Challenge Cup), J. Collins (George Miller Challenge Cup).
Vegetables – H. Godden (The Unity Club Cup, J Yelling Cup, Frank Ganfield Cup, Piper’s Inn Salad Bowl, NVS Medal for Best Exhibit), R.Loader (Derek Marsh Trophy).
Fuchsias – R. Loader (Fuchsia Cup).
Floral Arrangement – Mrs Yvonne Carey (Anita Ruth Willmott Cup, Society’s Challenge Cup), Mrs S. Hyde (Novice Medal)
Children’s Medal – Chloe Lane
Walton Press Street Schools Cup – Year 6 & under - Elmhurst School
Schools Design Cup – Year 6 & under - Elmhurst School, Year 2 & under – Hindhayes School
The Colin Mundy Cup – for Best Exhibit in all Classes in the Show – Mr J. Cockwill
The Cups & Trophies were presented by Mr Philip Eavis of Living homes, with the aid of his wife, Gill. Philip has been a supporter of the Society for many years, and is a keen gardener.
We are grateful to all those involved with making the show a success, whether it be the setting up, running the various activities on the day, the sponsors, judges, presenter of cups & trophies, and of course, the exhibitors – without them, there wouldn’t be a show. We hope that all those who came in to view the show enjoyed their visit, and will return next year – perhaps also entering at least a novice class!
Annual Plant Sale: This was held in the library gardens, Leigh Road, Street on Saturday 14th May 2016.
The latest Newsletter (Winter 2016) is now available below.
April 2016: Five years after this website become live, we now have a Facebook page.
Annual General Meeting 2016 - The AGM took place in the pool room at the Unity Club on Tuesday 9th February and was well attended in spite of the inclement weather. Early arrivals arrived before the rain, sleet, hail and snow descended on us. The sound of the rain and hail on the skylights was present through much of the evening, although it was again dry when the meeting finished. Communication was better this year, and approx. 30 people attended.
The minutes of the previous AGM were accepted, and it was noted that following Chris Smith’s talk last year on “The Search for Gold”, Chris went on to be awarded gold at Chelsea Flower Show. The Chairman gave a report on the successes of the last year and thanked all members of the committee for their invaluable contributions to running the Society. The Treasurer, Pat Baker, gave his report, and issued copies of the accounts, which he expanded on. Essentially they showed that the Society continues to be in a satisfactory financial position.
Elections were held and the new officers and committee are as follows: -
President: Ken C. Dunthorn
Chairman: John Merrick (Avalon House, Lower Godney, Wells BA5 1RZ)
Vice Chairman: Jim Searle
Correspondence Secretary: Mrs Lin Driscoll
Minutes Secretary: Mrs Mary Whitaker
Entries Secretary: Pat Baker
Membership Secretary: Pat Baker
Treasurer: Pat Baker (2 Prospect Close, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5YD)
Show Manager: Gordon West
Press Officer: Ruth Hamlett
Committee: John Baker, Chris Bentley, Paul Boncey, Mrs Kay Burleton, Colin Driscoll, Sonny Dunthorn, Barrie Lovelace, Mrs Sandra Lovelace, Tony Nicholls, Les Taylor, Terry Vernoum, Kate Wilson Plus Officers
Again, the officers are unchanged, but we have a new committee member – Kate Wilson. She is very enthusiastic, and, apart from bringing new ideas to the committee, her presence will also reduce the average age of the committee considerably!
Thanks to Pat Baker for organising the raffle and to Gordon West for arranging the refreshments.
After the break, Mike Shepherd gave a fascinating talk on “Late Flowering Chrysanthemums”, with slides showing the dedication required to exhibit winning blooms at national level. Mike has been a member of the Society for many years, and is also heavily involved with the NCS Western Group. Many questions were asked and much advice given by Mike.
