COLD ASH HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
AND
VILLAGE PRODUCE ASSOCIATION
NOTES FOR EXHIBITORS
- Please read this schedule carefully to ensure that your entries meet the wording for each class as described, or they may be disqualified as ‘Not According to Schedule’ (NAS). The full Show Regulations are on pages 17-19 of the Schedule. Please consult the Show Secretary if you are in any doubt.
- The Show Secretary is Kate Miller.
- Flowers are usually shown in a vase, facing the front so that individual flowers are close together but not overlapping. RHS vases in several sizes are provided and must be used, except where stated otherwise in the schedule. Flowers in a bowl should be arranged so the exhibit looks similar from any direction. Bowls must be provided by the exhibitor.
- Vegetables are usually placed directly on the show table, except for vegetable collections, or where a plate or dish is specified. They should be clean; root vegetables should just be washed and foliage trimmed off to about 5 – 8 cm long. Roots of leaf vegetables should be cut off. Stalks should always be retained when fruit or vegetables grow from them, e.g. marrows, beans, tomatoes, apples, raspberries etc. Fruit should always be shown with bloom, i.e. not polished.
- In all cases, specimens in an exhibit should be well matched for freshness, size, colour and, of course, should be unblemished and free of insects. Good foliage from the plant enhances the presentation of flowers and soft fruit.
- If your entry isn’t perfect, have a go anyway! Even the more experienced members have the same problems and we are always happy to give advice.
- Please don’t be frightened to ask for assistance with displaying your exhibits at the show.
Spare entry forms are available from the website cahs.org.uk for you to download and print or you can email info@cahs.org.uk for a copy. Entry forms are available in the Post Office during the week before both the Spring and Summer Shows
Some useful definitions
Bloom: One open flower (e.g. tulip) or one flower head (e.g. dahlia)
Variety / Cultivar: Strictly speaking, a variety of a species occurs naturally in nature and has a Latin tag: e.g. Paeonia lutea var. ludlowii whereas a cultivar (short for ‘cultivated variety’) is bred by man and usually has a non-Latin name tagged on: e.g. Pisum sativum ‘Onward’. Cultivar is increasingly used for shows.
Herbaceous perennial: A perennial plant that does not form a persistent woody stem.
Shrub: A woody perennial smaller than a tree and having no distinct trunk.
Daffodil / Narcissus classifications
Trumpet
Cup equal to or longer than the petals
Large Cup
Cup less than petals but more than one-third petal length
Small Cup
Cup equal to or less than one-third petal length
SPRING SHOW with plant sale
SATURDAY 23rd March 2024
Staging: from 8.30, last exhibitor entry to hall at 10 am, Awards 4 pm
SECTION ‘F’ – FLOWERS
F1 | NARCISSUS – one specimen bloom |
F2 | NARCISSI – Cup, three blooms |
F3 | NARCISSI – Trumpet, three blooms |
F4 | NARCISSI – Double, three blooms |
F5 | NARCISSI – Cluster, three blooms |
F6 | NARCISSI -Miniature, three blooms |
F7 | NARCISSI – Mixed, nine blooms |
F8 | TULIPS – three blooms |
F9 | TULIPS – Mixed, five blooms |
F10 | HYACINTH – One specimen bloom, cut or growing in any container |
F11 | POLYANTHUS – Three stems |
F12 | FLOWERING TREE or SHRUB – One spray, maximum height 80cm, including vase. |
F13 | FLOWERING SHRUBS – Five stems, more than one species, maximum height 80cm, including vase. |
F14 | SPRING FLOWERS – A bowl of mixed flowers excluding narcissi. |
F15 | SPRING FLOWERS – Any other flower, three or more stems, one cultivar. |
F16 | A FLOWERING POT PLANT – Up to 20cm inside diameter at rim |
F17 | BULBS & CORMS – Growing in a container up to 20cm inside diameter at rim. |
* F14 & F15 TO BE DISPLAYED WITHOUT SEPARATE FOLIAGE |
SECTION ‘A’ – FLORAL ART
Judging will be based on creativity, originality and visual attractiveness and will not be governed by NAFAS rules
Exhibits must not exceed the sizes specified
Please do not use Oasis, if possible, as it cannot be recycled.
A1 | ‘A CUP AND SAUCER’ – a miniature arrangement, not to exceed 25cm in any direction. No Embellishments. |
A2 | ‘A GOLD ARRANGEMENT’ – flowers and / or foliage all round effect, not to exceed 50cm in height. Can use accessories. |
A3 | ‘AN ARRANGEMENT FOR MOTHERS DAY’ – a forward facing display, height not to exceed 75cm. No embellishments. |
SECTION ‘H’ – HANDCRAFT
Handcraft need not be new but must not have been shown previously at Cold Ash.
To help the judge, exhibitors must state – on a label attached to the exhibit – whether they have designed the item themselves or used a commercial patter
HA1 | UNFRAMED SOFT CRAFT – embroidery, tapestry, patchwork, lace or other soft craft material, including paper |
HA2 | HARD CRAFT – wood, ceramic, metal, beading, width not exceeding 60cm |
HA3 | A HAND-KNITTED or CROCHETED ARTICLE |
HA4 | A FRAMED PICTURE – painted or drawn |
HA5 | A FRAMED PICTURE – using embroidery, tapestry, lace or other mixed craft material |
DON’T FORGET TO VISIT THE PLANT STALL. ALL PLANTS ARE GROWN LOCALLY BY MEMBERS, SO YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO FIND SOMETHING THAT WILL SUIT YOUR GARDEN.
SUMMER SHOW with plant sale
SATURDAY 14th SEPTEMBER 2024
Staging: from 8.30, last exhibitor entry to hall at 10 am. Awards 4pm
SECTION ‘C’ –COLLECTIONS OF VEGETABLES
C1 COLLECTION OF VEGETABLES – Four different kinds from the following:-
7 runner beans, 7 French beans, 3 beets, 2 cabbages, 3 carrots,
2 cauliflowers, 2 celery, 3 courgettes, 2 cucumbers, 2 leeks, 2 marrows,
3 onions, 2 parsnips, 5 peas (in pods), 3 potatoes, 7 shallots, 2 swedes,
2 sweetcorn, 5 tomatoes, 3 turnips
Width allowed 60cm. Exhibitors to provide own base
C2 COLLECTION OF THREE KINDS OF SALAD VEGETABLE,
On a tray up to 45cm wide. Two or more of each kind
C3 COLLECTION OF THREE KINDS OF VEGETABLE
Two of each kind
The different vegetables in the three collections are judged out of the RHS maximum points awards. The most common examples are given below:
Beans Broad 15, Beans French 15, Beans Runner 18, Beet Globe 15, Beet Long 20, Brussels Sprouts 15, Cabbage 15, Carrots Long 20, Carrots Stump 18, Cauliflower 20, Celery Trench 20, Courgettes 12, Cucumber Indoor 18, Cucumber Outdoor 18, Kohlrabi 12, Leeks 20, Lettuce 15, Marrows 15, Onions 250g max 15, Onions Exhibition 20, Parsnips 20, Peas 20, Peas Snap 16, Peppers (Hot or Sweet) 15, Potatoes 20,
Pumpkins 10, Radishes, salad 10, Shallots 18, Swedes 15, Sweetcorn 18, Tomatoes Medium 18, Tomatoes Small 12, Turnips 15
SECTION ‘V’ –VEGETABLES
V1 TOMATOES – five with stalks, larger than 35mm diameter
V2 TRUSS OF CHERRY TOMATOES — maximum diameter 35mm, shown on a plate, number at exhibitor’s discretion, fruits may be of varying ripeness
V3 MINI CUCUMBERS up to 15 cm long – two
V4 CUCUMBERS – two
V5 ONIONS – three under 250g
V6 EXHIBITION ONIONS – three
V7 SHALLOTS – seven, one variety, on dish of sand
V8 BEETROOT – three
V9 CARROTS – three
V10 POTATOES – three, one variety
V11 RUNNER BEANS – five, with stalks
V12 FRENCH BEANS – five, with stalks
V13 SWEETCORN – two cobs part stripped to show kernels
V14 MARROWS – two, under 35cm in length
V15 EDIBLE SQUASH – two
V16 COURGETTES – three, 10-20cm in length
V17 ANY OTHER VEGETABLE – two or more
V18 A BOWL OF CULINARY HERBS – not more than six species
V19 THE HEAVIEST SQUASH
V20 THE LONGEST RUNNER BEAN
V21 THE LONGEST CARROT
V22 ‘WONKY VEGETABLES’, number at exhibitor’s discretion
Fruit section
V23 APPLES – three dessert
V24 APPLES – three culinary
V25 A DISH OF 15 RASPBERRIES – with stalks
V26 A DISH OF ANY OTHER FRUIT – number at exhibitor’s
discretion
V27 PEARS – three dessert, same variety
SECTION ‘F’ – FLOWERS
(Please name the varieties if possible – this adds to audience interest)
F1 DAHLIAS – POM POM OR BALL one vase of three blooms, one cultivar
F2 DAHLIAS – CACTUS TYPE one vase of three blooms, one cultivar
F3 DAHLIAS – ANY OTHER TYPE – one vase of three blooms, one cultivar
F4 A BOWL OF MIXED DAHLIAS – all round effect
F5 CHRYSANTHEMUMS – three blooms
F6 SPRAY CHRYSANTHEMUMS – three stems
F7 HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS – one vase of five different species, one stem of each
F8 BULBS OR CORMS – three cut stems
F9 HYDRANGEAS – MOP HEAD – three stems
F10 HYDRANGEAS – LACE CAP – three stems
F11 FLOWERING SHRUBS – any three stems, not hydrangeas
F12 FOLIAGE – three stems of different varieties, including grasses
F13 ANY OTHER FLOWERS – five stems, including annuals
F14 A BOWL OF SUMMER FLOWERS – any species, excluding shrubs or separate foliage
F15 FUCHSIA FLOWERHEADS – three of one cultivar, displayed in damp Vermiculite (provided by the Society / Club).
F16 A FUCHSIA GROWN IN A POT – not exceeding 20cm inside diameter at rim
F17 ANY OTHER FLOWERING PLANT – grown in a pot not exceeding 20cm inside diameter at rim
F18 FOLIAGE POT PLANT – grown in a pot not exceeding 20cm inside diameter at rim
F19 PELARGONIUMS or GERANIUMS – grown in a pot not exceeding 30cm inside diameter at rim
F20 A BOWL OF CUTTINGS FROM THE HEDGEROW – can include berries, hips, hazelnuts, seed pods, etc.
F21 A BOWL OF MIXED ROSES – all round effect, no other additions
F22 ROSE – one specimen bloom
F23 ROSES – large, three stems of more than one cultivar
F24 ROSES – cluster (multi-flowered) three stems, one or more cultivar
F25 ROSES – miniature, three stems
F26 ANY OTHER ANNUAL – five stems, more than 3 cultivars
SECTION ‘H’ – HOMECRAFT
All food entries must be displayed with transparent coverings and must be cold when judged. Sweet items should be displayed on a plate with a doily, savoury items just on a plate.
Labels on jars should show the date made and whether the contents have been cooked in a microwave oven
For classes *H1 – H3 and H8, please list the ingredients used.
H1* A BREAD PLAIT
H2* FIVE CHEESE STRAWS
H3* FIVE OLYMPIC THEMED CUP CAKES
H4 A JAR OF JAM
H5 A JAR OF JELLY
H6 A JAR OF FRUIT CURD
H7 A JAR OF MARMALADE
H8* HOME MADE WINE OR LIQUEURS – judged by the committee.
Tips for jam / marmalade making:
Always apply the lid or transparent jam pot cover while the jar and contents are hot – to get a good seal.
If transparent jam pot covers are used, the cover should dip towards the centre during cooling, rather than be completely flat.
Wax discs should only be used with transparent jam pot covers (do not use them with plastic or twist top lids).
NEVER use cling film to cover a jar – the jam will not keep.
Notes from the judge re. jam / marmalade:
In plain clear jars with either transparent jam pot covers (not cling film) or NEW plastic /
NEW twist top lids.
There should be a good seal so please do not remove the cover / lid when exhibiting.
Do not use Kilner- type jars when exhibiting.
SECTION ‘P’ – PHOTOGRAPHY
Exhibitors must have taken the photographs during the past 12 months and should state where they were taken
Classes P2–P8 must be unmounted prints up to 7in x 5in
P1 ANY HORTICULTURAL SUBJECT – maximum size 10in x 8in (Winner receives Carol Child Cup)
P2 ‘SPORTS’
P3 ‘A SINGLE FLOWER / STEM OF FLOWERS’
P4 A PORTRAIT
P5 ‘A PET’
P6 ‘MACRO’ PHOTOGRAPHY
P7 ‘MY GARDEN’
P8 ‘A SPIDER’S WEB’
SECTION ‘J’ – JUNIORS
Age will be taken into account when judging and must be stated
on the entry form. There are no entry fees for classes in this
section and a small prize will be offered to every competitor.
Junior entries must be their own work; adult assistance should
be limited to the under-fives.
AN OLYMPIC MASCOT MADE FROM FRUIT AND/OR VEGETABLES
J1 – Age under 5 years on day of show
J2 – Age range 5 to 7 years on day of show
J3 – Age range 8 to 11 years on day of show
PLANT STALL | |
Don’t forget to visit the plant stall at the show – there will be a range of interesting plants for you to buy. There will be some plants grown by members in Cold Ash in a range of soil types, so you should find something that can grow happily in your garden. |
REFRESHMENTS | |
We will have afternoon tea available to purchase in the committee room during the show. |
CHILDREN | |
We will have an activity for juniors on the afternoon of the show. |
Trophies, Donors and Present Holders
All Cups are Challenge Cups to be returned after one year
Only current members of the Society can win cups
SPRING SHOW 2023
Denis Hardwicke Cup for most points in the Daffodil Classes. Mrs M Hardwicke. | Mr E Smith |
Hillman Cup for most points in the Flower Section. Mrs I and Nr W R Hillman. | Ms C Jones |
Mann Cup for most points in the Floral Art Section. Mr J Mann. | Mrs M Davison/Mrs J Geater |
MacDonnell Cup for Best Handcraft. Mrs A M MacDonnell. | Mrs J Cox |
SUMMER SHOW 2023
Bryce Hamblin Cup for most points in the Vegetable Collections. Mrs S Hamblin | Mr G Collins |
Sir Henry Barclay Cup for most points in the Vegetable Classes 1-25. Major H Tracy Barclay | Mr L Grew |
Attfield Cup for most points in the Dahlia classes. Mrs June Heaton | Mr G Collins |
Dawson Cup for most points in the Flower Section. Mrs M S & Mr A M Dawson | Mrs J Geater |
Mann Cup for most points in the Vegetable Classes V1-24 plus Flower Section. Mr J Mann. | Mr L Grew |
Edwin Ettridge Cup for the best Horticultural Exhibit. Edwin Ettridge | Mr E Smith |
Acland Cup for most points in the Homecraft Section. Miss Ruth Acland | Ms A Collins |
Carol Child Cup for the Best Horticultural Photograph. Mrs J M Child | Ms A Cload |
Mrs A M Collins Cup for most points in the Photography Section (except P1). The Collins Family | Ms A Collins |
Herbert Cup for most points in the Show. Mrs A Herbert | Mr L Grew |
Dorothy Walters Cup for most points in the Spring, Rose and Summer Shows, excluding classes C1, C2 and C3. Mr A L Date | Mr L Grew |
Sinclair Bowl for the best rose exhibit | Not awarded in 2022 |
Attfield Cup for most points in the Sweet Pea classes. Mrs J Heaton | |
RHS Banksian Medal | Mr G Collins |
For the exhibitor who won the most points in the Horticultural Classes, including collections. Winners in previous two years are not eligible:-
2022 – Ms C Jones 2023 – Mr G Collins
The following cups were last awarded on 2020 or earlier – these will not be awarded in 2024 | |
(Spring Show junior classes): | |
Parmenter Cup for most points in the junior section, aged up to 7 years | |
Goodwin Cup for most points in the junior section, aged 8-11 years | |
(Summer Show junior classes): | |
Herbert Cup for most points in the junior section, aged up to 7 years | |
Jarratt Cup for most points in the junior section, aged 8-11 years |
RULES
- The Society/Club shall be manged by the President, Officers and a Committee of not more than 16 members, 5 being a quorum at any meeting.
- All officers and committee members are required to be elected or re-elected at each AGM.
- The committee shall have the authority to appoint life members.
- Anyone subscribing to the society/Club will be considered a member and is entitled to vote at the AGM. The subscription rate is £10 per individual member. Please note that members will not be charged to attend talks. Visitors will be charged £5 for talks.
- The rules and the show regulations can be changed only by a simple majority of members voting at the AGM. Proposed changes must be received by the secretary at least three weeks before the AGM.
SHOW REGULATIONS
- Horticultural entries must have been grown by the exhibitor and have been in their possession for at least 3 months. All entries must be the work of the exhibitor.
- Entry fees will be 25p per class, any junior classes are free to enter.
- Juniors may enter adult classes, but their age will not be considered.
- For both the SPRING and SUMMER SHOWS, completed entry forms, with entrance fees, should be sent to one of the addresses shown on the entry form no later than the Thursday before the Show. ANY LATER ENTRIES ARE DEPENDENT ON SPACE BEING AVAILABLE.
- Exhibitors may only exhibit one entry in any one class.
- Standard exhibition vases will be available for flower entries. Exhibitors must provide other containers as specified in the schedule. In flower sections, exhibits must be shown in one container for each entry, unless stated otherwise in the Schedule. Vegetable exhibits should be washed and trimmed.
- For the SUMMER SHOW, the Society/Club will also provide Vermiculite for use in class F15 (Fuchsia flowerheads.)
- Exhibits are shown at the exhibitor’s risk and the Society/Club accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage that may arise.
- Where possible, exhibitors in the horticultural classes should name their exhibits with the variety or common name as this adds interest to the Show for both exhibitors and visitors.
- For both the SPRING and SUMMER SHOWS, exhibits must be staged between 8.30 a.m. and 10.30 a.m., last entry to the hall is 10 a.m. to allow time for staging before the hall is closed for judging at 10.30 a.m.
- Exhibitors are responsible for displaying the correct Show Card, obtainable from the Show Secretary, with each exhibit, as exhibits without cards cannot be judged.
- FOR BOTH THE SPRING AND SUMMER SHOWS THE SHOW AREA MUST BE VACATED BY 10.30 A.M. FOR JUDGING.
- Judging of horticultural classes will take place under the rules of the Royal Horticultural Society, except where these Show Regulations differ.
- The judge’s decision is final. The judges may withhold or change any of the prizes in any one class. Similarly, they may award additional prizes or commendations at their discretion.
- Exhibits not meeting the wording of the Schedule will be disqualified, and the entry card marked “NAS”. (Not according to Schedule).
- Points are awarded as follows: 1st – 4 points, 2nd – 3 points, 3rd – 2 points, 4th or Highly Commended – 1 point.
- In the event of a tie for any trophy, the exhibitor gaining the most first prizes will be the winner.
- The SPRING AND SUMMER SHOWS will be open to exhibitors and the public between 2 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. Exhibits must be removed between 4.30 p.m. and 5 p.m.
- For the SPRING and SUMMER SHOWS all disputes must be submitted in writing to the Show Secretary or other officer of the Society before 3 p.m. on the day of the Show. Disputes will be considered by the Committee, whose decision shall be final.
- The Dorothy Walters Cup, which is usually awarded at the Summer Show, is for the most points accumulated from prizes won at each of shows held within the year, excluding classes C1 – C3 (Vegetable Collections).