David Williams with his winning dahlias, taken by Richard Pearce

On Saturday 12th September, Caterham & District Horticultural Society staged its Autumn Show at Hillcroft School, Chaldon Road, Caterham. The winners of the annual trophies and a prestigious Royal Horticultural Society medal were as follows:

• Peter Daniels won the RHS Banksian Medal awarded to the exhibitor gaining the most points in spring, summer and autumn shows.
• Joe Perera won the Murray Bowl for gardener of the year.
• Tabitha Wren won the Chapman Plate. It is awarded to the child exhibitor gaining the most points in spring, summer and autumn shows.

The Autumn Show prizes were awarded as follows:

• David Williams won the Merritt Cup for three vases of dahlias, the Seaman Cup for three vases of dahlias and the Gooderman Memorial Trophy for best vegetable or fruit exhibit.
• Jacky Hughes won the Chaldon Cup for the best exhibit in pot plants.
• Joe Perera won the Cliff Ridgeway Memorial Cup for four onions and the first prize for a table exhibit of vegetables, which was kindly sponsored by Barbara Henning. This exhibit also won Joe the Caterham Council Cup for the best competitive exhibit in show.
• Jean Burns-Thomas won the Johnston Challenge Cup for the most points in floral arrangement classes.

Roger Davies, Society President said:

“Congratulations to all the show entrants. The judge of the 55 horticultural classes, Mr Goddard, said that numerous exhibits in the show were of a national standard.”

Show Secretary Robert Kelly organised the Autumn Show, he said:

“The judges were very impressed by the standard of entries. The Autumn Show is now the biggest in our annual calendar. It attracted 185 entries by 23 entrants.”

Other highlights included over 20 stunning floral arrangements in six classes on themes such as ‘Autumn Feast’. Ellis Bailey, aged three and a half years, enjoyed the exhibits – including the ugliest potato. The heaviest marrows and prize-winning flowers and vegetables were auctioned at the end of the day. All proceeds from the show will go into maintaining this historic local society.

Caterham on the Hill Parish Council took the opportunity to award its annual allotment awards at the event.

The Society’s annual general meeting takes place on Monday 28he   September from 19.15. The venue is Caterham United Reformed Church, Harestone Valley Road, Caterham. Non-members are welcome. The Society is seeking to fill new committee posts of trading secretary and assistant show secretary, as well as ordinary committee member positions.

For more information about the Society visit caterhamdistricthorticulturalso.weebly.com or visit their Facebook page at Caterham District HortiSoc.