MEMBERS of Meavy Garden Society were pleased with the high standard and good number of entries for their annual August show — the only sign of the strange spring weather was that the gladioli class attracted just a single stem. 

A total of 130 entries filled Meavy Parish Hall with a colourful display to delight members and the public attending. 

Special for the society's golden jubilee year, an array of golden flowers by Brenda Burt and Joan Sparey greeted visitors at the entrance. 

Brightening a far corner of the hall was a large pedestal arrangement of sunflowers and gerberas prepared by Lis Mawhinney.  All were taken to St Peter's Church as the show closed.

Joan Sparey and Christine Gibson persuaded purses to open for a successful raffle; while Annie Inman and helpers, serving cups of tea and cakes, also made a handsome profit. 

Stephen Pine dispensed advice  and knowledge while selling plants from members' gardens and Martin and Brenda Burt collected the entrance fees. 

Guest of honour Joyce Williams, a long serving member and past chairman, presented the trophies. The current chairman, Brenda, gave her a clematis in memory of Joyce's late husband, Bill. 

Visitors' votes for their personal favourite from each class were collated on computer by Jenny Sharp. David Winter and Mary Helby, current and past show secretaries, ensured the show ran smoothly.

New this year was a class for children to design and draw a seed packet.  Thanks to assistance from Meavy Junior School there were 55 entries — ages 6 to 11 — from which each visitor had to choose just one. Special prizes for the top three selected will be presented later.

Trophies and winners: Pot plant flowering, Radcliffe Trophy, Mrs Joice Reith; flowering shrub, Price Cup, Mrs Brenda Burt; hydrangeas, Beattie Trophy, Mrs Annie Inman; flower arrangement, Meavy Trophy, Mrs Pauline Hamilton-Leggett; roses, Jimmy Brooks Cup, Mrs Pru Cooper; Gladioli, Clements Trophy, Mrs Pru Cooper; dahlias, Chittenden Vase, Stephen Pine; flowers, Tanfield Trophy, Mrs Pru Cooper; salad vegetables, Committee Cup, Mrs Janet Pattison; vegetables, Jukes Cup, Mrs Pauline Hamilton-Leggett; herbs, Miss Reader Trophy, Stephen Pine; pelargoniums, Peter Chappell Cup, Stephen Pine; fuchsias, Reid Cup, Stephen Pine; pot plant foliage, Bill Down Trophy, Stephen Pine; plant in a small pot, Allen Trophy, Mrs Pauline Hamilton-Leggett; mini flower arrangement, John Whitcombe Cup, Mrs Brenda Burt; most points in show, Gordon Cross Trophy, Stephen Pine.

The next event will be a coach outing on September 14 to Seaton and Burrow Farm. A celebration lecture by Lady Christine Skelmersdale, of Broadleigh Gardens, Taunton, will follow on September 17 at 7pm for 7.30pm in Meavy Parish Hall.  Entrance is by ticket, at £3 for non-members.  More details from local posters, visit http://www.meavy.org.uk">www.meavy.org.uk or call 01822 852984 or 852672.