Blooming great show in Alness!
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BEAUTIFUL bulbs and mouth-watering home-baked treats gave judges a tough challenge at this year’s Spring Bulb Show in Alness.
Staged by Alness Horticultural Society in the town’s Perrins Centre, organisers hailed "a tremendous turnout" of exhibitors and a steady stream of visitors to the event last Saturday.
The bulb sections were "outstanding", according to chairman Jack Bain.
"The hyacinths were plentiful, but by staging the show slightly later this year, the daffodils were in full flower, thus a sea of yellow blooms from the masses of daffodils on show met you full on as you entered the show hall," he said.
Andrew Scott from Kingussie edged the award for most points in the bulb sections.
And multiple-award winner George Pirie also won best exhibit thanks to his tremendous bowl of beautifully even hyacinths.
Bruce Begg from Tain lifted the title for best amaryllis while, in the pot plants section, Uisdean Maclean took home the trophy for most points.
Flowers aside judges also faced another monumental task when it came to rating the wide selection of submissions for the show’s baking and preserves section.
They tasted their way through a large selection of cherry scones, Easter biscuits, fruit gingerbread and lattice fruit tarts, while jams and homemade tomato sauce were also sampled.
Sheila Spence triumphed with most points, while Christine Pokorniecki was awarded the best exhibit prize for her submission of cherry scones.
Alison Mackenzie gained most points in handicrafts as best exhibit there went to a very worthy Kathryn Roberts for her driftwood picture frame.
Floral art also had a large entry.
The award for most points went to Sabine Cross while Christel Mcintosh won best exhibit and Kay Ball taking the same title in the category’s novice section.
In the children’s sections, most points in the under-sevens went to Megan Paterson, who also won the trophy for best young competitor.
The eight to 12 years section was shared between Calum Scott and Kayleigh Leiper.
With thanks all round to competitors, stewards and back room helpers for their efforts on the day the society is now looking forward to its autumn show.
This will take place on Saturday, September 1 at Ardross and Alness Bowling Club.
Full list of prize winners:
Bank of Scotland Trophy – most points in bulb sections – Andrew Scott.
The Munro Trophy – best exhibit in bulbs and pot plants – George Pirie.
AHS Rose Bowl – most points in pot plants – Uisdean Maclean.
Starley Shield – best exhibit amaryllis – Bruce Begg.
Caithness Glass Trophy – most points floral art – Sabine Cross.
AHS Shield – best exhibit floral art – Christel Mcintosh.
AHS Trophy – best exhibit novice floral art – Kay Ball.
Novar Arms Trophy – most points baking and preserves – Sheila Spence.
Skiach Service Station Trophy – best exhibit baking and preserves – Christine Pokorniecki.
Hume and Sword Trophy – most points handicrafts – Alison Mackenzie.
A Ross Trophy – best exhibit in handicrafts – Kathryn Roberts.
Children’s Trophy – most points under seven years – Megan Paterson.
Children’s Trophy – most points eight to 12 years – Calum Scott and Kayleigh Leiper.
Ian Leckie Trophy – best young competitor – Megan Paterson.
