Hopes are high for bigger and better Sid Valley Horticultural Society annual show

HOPES are high that this year’s 82nd annual gardening and craft show at Sidford will be bigger and better than ever.

With more photographs being submitted for judging each year, the committee has commissioned a set of display boards from John Matthews of Sign Vision, Sidmouth.

Pictured with them is chairman Maureen Britton, (left), show secretary Beryl Kingman and Beryl’s granddaughter Carrie.

Maureen said: “There are just two weeks to go before show day on Saturday, August 14, just after the folk festival, and we want it to be as successful, if not better than last year.

“We had the new boards made for the photographic section, which is now a large portion of the show. Laying photos on tables doesn’t do them justice and we are very pleased with them.”

She said more schools were competing in the painting section, garden design and artificial garden on a plate, with a display by students from Sidmouth College.

This year a new trophy has been bought to award to the school class that has put extra effort into their submissions.

Maureen said: “A cup goes to the winning school with the most points, but certain classes push themselves to do something just that little bit different, so we are having the small cup for a class special effort.

“We have had all the paintings for the show and it is quite apparent that they have put such effort in to them.”

The society will name the trophy after keen supporter Ruth Welsh, who died last year. Another new cup, in memory of Les Bull, will be awarded for the best exhibit in the show.

Other attractions will be Ark Pottery, which is having space in the marquee, and Sidmouth Quilters, who will hold a display in Sidford hall where teas will be served. A glass engraver will also hold a display in the hall and there will be a bulb stall for the sale of bulbs at discount prices, run by the committee.

“As well as a big children’s section we have a man’s section, outdoor potted plants and vegetables,” said Maureen.

“A lot of men entered the cookery section last year and we hope people will support us.”

Schedules are available from Sidford Post Office and entries must be in by 5pm Monday, August 9, to the Post Office, Drews of Sidbury and Whoops a Daisy, Sidmouth.