Our 2025 Autumn Show was held on the 7th September, and we were happy to welcome the Deputy Mayor, Maura Connolly, to present the prizes. 21 of our members entered, and there were 127 individual exhibits. Judging was undertaken by RHS judge Mr Brian Ruskin to whom we are most grateful for his time and expertise.
The individual prizes awarded were as follows:
Best Vegetable Medal – The Clarke Family for their sweetcorn
Most overall points in the show – Gary James
Best in Show Trophy – Bill Church for his Crawley Beauty Apples
We also awarded prizes for best kept plots, as follows:
Best Newcomer
Honourable mentions to Rocket on plot 60a, Cassidy on plot 54a, Amber on plot 34 and Neringa on plot 7b
Winner was Adrian Boulter on plot 38a.
Best Kept plot
3rd place Geoff on plot 26
2nd place was John and Heather Hepworth-Bell on plot 26.
Winner was Elaine Kingsford on plot 42.
This trophy is decided by last year’s winner, in this case Glen. His reason for awarding this to Elaine was:
I’ve always admired this plot since my very first visit and continue to do so each time I pass by. The plot holder’s attention to detail and dedication are plain to see, there are times when I question if she ever goes home as she visits so frequently. She always says hello or goodbye with a smile and often shares a word or two of allotment wisdom when we chat.
This plot is bursting with colour – pink cosmos, red persicaria, white phlox, and many other pollinator-friendly flowers. This plot is so aesthetically pleasing it gives me the inspiration and desire to grow more flowers alongside my vegetables. I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving for this award. Congratulations to Elaine at plot 42!
We also measured our tallest sunflower, and the results were:
1st – Plot 13 – LJ at 3.32m
2nd – Plot 12 – Heather & Jon at 3.06m
3rd – Plot 48 – David & Julie at 2.94m
Marie judged the scarecrow competition, with the winner being Trish Nudds.
As well as this, Marie provided her excellent food, and we held a raffle. With fine weather as well, everyone had a hugely enjoyable afternoon!
The following are photos of setting up the marquee, exhibits inside the marquee on the day, as well as other images from the day and prize giving.