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Saffron Walden Horticultural Society

AUTUMN SHOW

Sunday 29th September, 2024

Sewards End Village Hall, Radwinter Road, Sewards End, CB10 2LG

Staging of exhibits between 8.30 and 10.30 am

SCHEDULE OF CLASSES

To download the Schedule, click here

SECTION 1 – VEGETABLES

1.

Beans, Runner – 6 pods, with stalks

2.

Beans, Dwarf or French climbing – 6 pods, with stalks

3.

Beetroot – 3, with minimum 7.5cm long tops

4.

Cabbage – 2, with stalks

5.

Carrots – 3, with minimum 7.5cm long tops

6.

Cucumbers – 2

7.

Leeks – 2, with roots

8.

Marrows – pair for table use – should not be longer than 35cm

9.

Onions – 3, dressed, under 250g

10.

Onions – 3, dressed, 250g or over

11.

Potatoes – 3 white

12.

Potatoes – 3 coloured

13.

Parsnips – 2, with minimum 7.5cm long tops

14.

Shallots – 6 culinary, large

15.

Shallots – 6 pickling, small, not exceeding 30mm in diameter

16.

Tomatoes – 3 with stalks

17.

Tomatoes, small variety – 6 with stalks, should not exceed 35 mm in diameter

18.

A truss of Tomatoes (ripe and/or unripe)

19.

Courgettes – 2

20.

Any other vegetable – min. 2, not included in the Autumn Show schedule

21.

Any Vegetable -  Minimum  2 for NOVICES  (open to anyone who has not previously won a prize for vegetables)

22.

Collection of Vegetables – 4 different kinds in a tray maximum size 61 cm by 61 cm (see regulation No12) – backboards permitted

23.

Collection of Salad Vegetables ON A DINNER PLATE – 3 different kinds minimum quantity 2 each (see regulation No 12)

SECTION 2 – FRUIT & FLOWER CLASSES

24.

Apples – 3 culinary, with stalks

25.

Apples – 3 dessert, with stalks

26.

Pears – 3 with stalks

27.

Blackberries – 9 with stalks

28.

Any fruit not included in the schedule (Min.quantity 2)

29.

Dahlias, decorative and/or ball – 3 blooms

30.

Dahlias, cactus and/or semi-cactus – 3 blooms

31.

Dahlias, pompon – 5 blooms, under 55 mm diameter

32.

Dahlia any other classification than already mentioned – 3 blooms

33.

Dahlias, mixed – Max. quantity 9 to be judged on quality

34.

Display of foliage in a container

35.

1 Bloom large flowered Rose, any colour

36.

3 Blooms large flowered Roses, any colour or colours

37.

3 stems Roses, cluster flowered

38.

Gladioli – 1 spike in a vase

39.

1 Stem - Hydrangea Bloom

40.

A container of Mixed flowers (own foliage permitted) 9 stems Max.

41.

Flowering &/or Fruiting Trees or Shrubs – 3 stems

42.

One Orchid Plant in bloom (must have been in exhibitor’s possession for 6 months (see regulation 10)

43.

One Pot Plant in flower (see regulation 10) *

44.

One Pot Plant for foliage (see regulation 10)

*

These classes must not include fuchsias, orchids, cacti or succulents

45.

Cactus in a container not greater than 23 cm diameter as grown (see regulation 10)

46.

Succulent in a pot maximum 23 cm diameter as grown (see regulation 10)

47.

Exhibit consisting of one vase with one flower and a plate containing one vegetable or fruit

48.

Fuchsia – in a pot not more than 23 cm diameter as grown

49.

Fuchsia – 6 mounted flower heads (boxes provided by the Society)

50.

A container of plants as grown

51.

Petite Floral Arrangement not exceeding 17cm width and depth, 25cm height

SECTION 3 – DOMESTIC CLASSES

See regulation 11

52.

Fruit Cake (see recipe)

53.

Pizza (max diameter 20 cm)

54.

4 Shortbread Fingers

56. Jam – 1 jar †

57.

Chutney – 1 jar - must have vinegar-proof lid †

See Guide to Exhibitors -Domestic/Preserves

58.

A set of 3 Photographs (max 13cm x 18cm) – Garden wildlife

59.

A hand crafted article – knitwear or crochet

60.

A hand crafted article - needlecraft

61.

Any other hand crafted article

SECTION 4 – JUNIOR CLASSES
See Regulation 11
(Age must be given on entry form)

Age up to 6

62.

Garden ornament made from a cardboard tube

63.

Colouring sheet (see attached) - squirrel - completed using any medium

https://coloringpage.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/sq-arn.pdf

64.

Animal made from vegetables and/or fruit

65.

2 Decorated Digestive Biscuits (to be judged for decoration only)

68.

A Photograph of an insect, a bird or a wild animal in a garden or a park

Age 7 to 14

67.

Garden ornament made from a cardboard tube

68.

Colouring sheet (see attached) - squirrel - completed using any medium

https://coloringpage.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/sq-arn.pdf

69.

Animal made from vegetables and/or fruit

70.

2 Cupcakes (to be judged for texture and flavour)

71.

A Photograph of an insect, a bird or a wild animal in a garden or a park

AWARDS

Babington Smith Trophy – Most points in show
Sewell Cup – Most points in Vegetable Section – Classes 1-23
Acrow Bowl – Most points in Flower & Fruit Section – Classes 24-51
John Coe Memorial Trophy – Best bloom in Dahlia Section – Classes 29-33
Harry Green Trophy – Best bloom in Rose Section – Classes 35-37
Harry Green Cup – Best Floral Arrangement – Class 51
Walker Trophy – Most points in Domestic Section – Classes 52-61
Saffron Walden Plate – Best exhibit in Vegetable Section – Classes 1 - 21
A Trophy for Most points in Junior Section – Classes 62 - 71
Certificates of Merit for Winners and Runners-up in each section

• • • • • •

Ellis Rooke Cup – Most points in both shows in 2024
Tom Green Cup – Most points in Junior Classes in both shows in 2024

All entries please to Peter Cranfield by Thursday 26th September 2024
Four Winds, Old Mead Lane, Henham, Herts CM22 6JJ

email peter.cranfield@care4free.net
phone 07900 073401

Fruit Cake Recipe

225 g Self Raising Flour
Pinch of salt
½ level tsp. mixed spice
110 g soft light brown sugar
350 g mixed dried fruit
50 g glace cherries quartered
2 large eggs
125 ml vegetable oil
100 ml milk
½ tsp. Almond essence
25 g Demerara sugar

1.
Preheat oven to 150°C/130°C Fan/Gas 2.
2.
Grease a 20 cm round tin and line base with baking parchment.
3.
Sift flour, pinch of salt and spice into a mixing bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients, except the Demerara sugar. Beat mixture with a wooden spoon for 3 to 4 minutes or until well mixed.
4.
Turn mixture into the prepared tin, sprinkle with sugar and bake just above the centre of oven for approx. 2 hours.


REGULATIONS FOR SHOWING

1.

All classes are open to all persons, except where noted i.e. Novice classes. In accordance with the latest edition of the RHS Handbook, only one person per household may exhibit in any class with produce from the same garden and/or allotment, unless the exhibit is entered in joint names.

2.

All exhibits must have been grown or made by the exhibitor, except for Class 51.

3.

Entry forms should be received by the Show Secretary not later than the Thursday before the Show. Late entries will only be accepted up to 9.00am. Only one entry per person per class.

4.

There will be no entry fees, except for late entries received after Thursday for which a charge of 20p per exhibit will be made.

5.

Entries must be staged between 8.30 and 10.30am on the day of the Show.

6.

Exhibitors should collect Show Cards from the Show Secretary. Cards to be placed face downwards in front of the exhibit. It is helpful if varieties are labelled (this could affect the judge’s decision).

7.

No exhibitor is permitted to move another exhibitor’s entry. A show steward must be contacted.

8.

Exhibitors should consult members of the Committee present at the staging of exhibits on any queries as to the correct class for particular exhibits.

9.

Vases are available for exhibitors’ use, although they may provide their own containers if they wish. All pot plants must stand on a dish or saucer.

10.

Pot plants must have been in the exhibitor’s possession for three months and orchids 6 months. The same pot plant can only be exhibited once in a calendar year.

11.

Items exhibited in Domestic and Junior Classes must not have been shown previously at Society Shows.

12.

In collections of vegetables and salad vegetables, the numbers required are as shown below. R.H.S. classification and pointing will be followed.

 

Salad vegetables are vegetables used in either a raw or cooked state and served in> salads as a cold dish. All salading vegetables should be young, fresh, clean and of attractive appearance. Quantities for collections shown in brackets. The following kinds may be used for horticultural show purposes: Beans – Broad (6) Runner(9) Dwarf or French (9) beetroot (3), cabbages (2) Carrots (4), celeriac (2), celery (2), chicory (2), chives (1 bunch), corn salad or lambs’ lettuce (1 bunch), cress (seedlings) in a pot 150mm dia. max, courgettes (3), cucumbers (2), endive (2), florence fennel (2), kohlrabi (2), leeks (3), lettuces (2), marrows (2), mustard/rape(seedlings), in a pot 150mm dia. max, onions (green salad) (6), onions under 250g & 250g or over (4), oriental brassicas (2), parsnips (3), peas (6 pods), potatoes (4), radishes (6), shallots (9), sweet peppers(2), tomatoes, large (6), medium (6), small (6) turnips (2) and watercress (1 bunch).

Any other vegetable not listed above can be included in a collection and the quantity should be a Minimum of 2.

13.

Property is displayed at the exhibitor's risk.

14.

Judging will take place between 10.45 am and 12.30pm.

15.

Points will be awarded: 1st – 3 points, 2nd – 2 points, 3rd – 1 point, apart from classes 22 and 23 for which points will be 1st -5, 2nd – 4, 3rd -3.

16.

There will be monetary prizes for Junior Entries: 1st - 50p, 2nd -40p, 3rd -30p. Prize money may be collected from the Show Secretary from 3.00pm onwards.

17.

All Shows will be judged in accordance to the rules and regulations of the latest edition of the RHS Show Handbook and any prize or award may be withheld at the discretion of the judges, whose decision shall be final in all cases.

18.

All disputes will be settled by the Show Committee.

19.

Members of the public will be admitted from 2.00pm. Entry will be free.

20.

Trophies, medals & certificates - presented by the Town Mayor at 3.30pm.

21.

Exhibits must not be removed until 4.00pm.

22. All exhibits NOT circled on entry forms will be auctioned for the benefit of the Society at 4.00 pm

 


GUIDE TO EXHIBITORS

This guide has been compiled to help those members who grow flowers or produce but are deterred from exhibiting in our shows because they do not know what is required. The regulations for showing and the wording of a class should be carefully read before staging, as it is most disappointing for the exhibitor as well as the judge if the card is marked N.A.S. (not according to schedule). Exhibits should be named where possible, (this could affect the judge’s decision). If in doubt ask a steward or committee member.

 

Vegetables

These should be clean, fresh, tender and without blemish. Root crops should be carefully lifted and sponged with cold water. Fibrous roots should be carefully removed. Exhibits should be covered to exclude light until required for judging. Uniformity is important. Beetroot, Carrots and Parsnips should have their foliage trimmed to approx. 75mm long.

Beetroot

Select uniform size beetroot with smooth skin . Retain full length of tap root. For Globe type - not too large, approx 60 and 75mm diameter. For Cylindrical type approx. 150mm long. Judge may cut beetroot to check the internal condition.


Cabbage

Select good shape with fresh, solid heart. Retain surrounding leaves with bloom intact but remove outer discoloured leaves. Stage with approx. 75mm of stalk and head towards the front.


Carrots 

Select fresh roots of good shape, colour and size, free from side roots and from green at the crown.


Cauliflower 

Select heads with symmetrical, close, solid, white curds, free from stain or frothiness. Prior to judging exclude light from curd. Normally staged with approx. 75mm of stalk and leaves neatly trimmed back to the level of the outside of the curd.


Courgettes 

Select young, tender uniform fruits approx. 150 mm in length or if round approximately 75mm diameter. Display flat and preferably with flower still attached.

Cucumber

Select fresh, young, straight fruits of uniform thickness, with short handles and preferably, flowers still attached

French Beans/
Runner Beans 

Select straight tender pods of even length and good colour with no sign of seeds. Exhibit with stalk intact.

Leeks

Select solid, thick, long-shafted, well blanched, tight collared leeks with clean, blemish free skins and no bulbing. Avoid excessive stripping of outer leaves. Wash carefully. Stage with roots to the front and foliage intact.

Marrows

Select young, tender uniform fruits which should be less than 350mm long, or if round approx. 500mm in circumference. Stage directly on the bench after wiping clean.

Onions   

For “dressed” (trimmed) class, select uniform well-ripened bulbs of good colour. Avoid over skinning. Necks should be firm and thin. Tops should be tied. Trim roots to the base of the onion. May be staged on rings or soft collars. For “as grown” class, wash and exhibit with leaves and roots intact.

Parsnips

Select well-developed, well-shouldered, smooth skinned white roots. Roots should be full length and free from side roots.


Peppers

Select fresh, brightly coloured fruit – stage with stalk.


Potatoes 

Select equally matched, medium sized tubers approx. 200-250g each with shallow eyes. Should be free from skin blemishes. Stage on plate. with rose end outwards. Cover with cloth to exclude light until just before judging


Rhubarb

For show purposes this is a vegetable. Select fresh, straight, long stalks. Trim leaves back to approximately 75mm, but do NOT trim foliage of ‘Forced’ rhubarb. Cut off any bud scales at the bottom and wipe clean.

Shallots

Bulbs should be well ripened with thin necks. Remove loose skins and roots. Tie or whip tops neatly. Stage on dry sand in saucer or tray. Pickling shallots are subject to a ring size (check schedule).


Sweetcorn

Select fresh, cylindrical cobs with fresh green husks, intact silks and up to 25mm of stalk. Grains should be well set up to the tip in straight rows and contain substance of the consistency of cream. Pull down one or two husks to expose grains. Neatly tuck these husks under the cob.

Tomatoes
(Medium)   

Select medium-sized (approx. 60mm diameter), ripe but firm richly coloured fruit with fresh calyces attached. Avoid overripe fruit or those with “greenback”. Stage on plate with calyces uppermost.

Tomatoes 
(Small/Cherry) 

Fresh, ripe but firm, well-coloured fruits which should not exceed 35mm in diameter, with fresh calyces attached.

Fruit

Stage apples, pears and plums with the natural bloom on the fruit, they must not be polished. Fruit should be at least average size for the variety and perfect in colour form and condition. In culinary fruits size is a merit if quality is not lacking. Stage all fruit with stalks. Uniformity is important

Apples  

Select large, solid unblemished fruits of shape and colour typical of the cultivar with eyes and stalks intact. (to be staged eye end up)

Blackberries/
Raspberries

Select large ripe fruits of good colour with stalks, calyces should look fresh and all point one way when staged.

Currants

Select large strigs with plenty of berries. Berries should be large, ripe and uniform on fresh stalks. Display on a plate, own foliage may be used for decoration.

Pears

As for apples, except that best arranged around the perimeter of a plate with stalks towards the centre.

Stone Fruit

Select large, ripe, but firm fruits of good colour, carrying bloom and with stalks. Stage on a plate.

Flowers

Freshness is essential. To obtain this, flowers should be cut in the evening or very early in the morning before the show and plunged in water up to their necks. Aim at uniformity when staging. Show vases are available at the shows.
Select flowers in good fresh “condition”, i.e. in the most perfect stage of its possible beauty and free from damage due to weather, pests and diseases.

Dahlias


Select clean blooms with florets intact, firm and free from blemish. Stem should be straight and proportionate to the size of the bloom and the bloom held at an angle of not less than 45 degrees to the stem. Stage with blooms all facing in the same direction, not touching and with a balanced effect. Retain some foliage on the stems if possible.

Chrysanthemums


Same as for dahlias except that blooms should face up at 180 degrees to the stem. Foliage should be in good condition and retained on the stem.

Gladioli


Select straight, well-balanced spikes still carrying bottom floret. Ideally one third in full flower, one third with buds in colour, and one third in green bud. Remove any secondary spikes.

Roses


Select blooms with a well-formed centre, free from blemish and with strong stems and healthy leaves.

Domestic

 

Preserves

No commercial markings on jars. Jams, jellies, marmalade and other sweet preserves must have wax discs and cellophane tops. Chutney and pickles must have vinegar-proof lids.

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