There are few horticultural societies which can claim a history as long as the Leeds Paxton Horticultural Society which was founded in 1886. As its Chairman said in his closing remarks during the trophy presentation, many societies are failing today because of their lack of support from members, whereas Leeds Paxton are thriving because they have many members willing to put their hands to the wheel at events such as today’s show.
The show was a great success, with ever growing interest in the pot plant section, and a daffodil show which was the best for many years despite the late season (or as some of us older members would suggest a normal northern season).
Alan Robinson having recently returned to the showing scene after a long absence goes from strength to strength. He was the winner of the class for 12 blooms from at least three divisions which was the best exhibit in the show, and also won the the class for six blooms from three divisions.
In second place in the 12 bloom class was Ivor Fox with an interesting entry consisting of all miniature flowers. As the judge Steve Ryan remarked, judging each flower individually then there was little difference between the standard daffodils and the miniatures. The main difference was in the presentation where the range of colours available to exhibitors showing standard daffodils is currently far greater than is available among the miniature cultivars and there is greater uniformity with the standard daffodils.
In the six class there were four entries with Wendy Akers being placed second and Christine Yeardley third. Wendy in only her second show since her serious illness was thrilled to be awarded the Bradbury Cup for the Best exhibit in the Daffodil section from class 3 upwards and Best Bloom in show with ‘Banker’ which Steve said was probably the largest and best he had ever seen.
In the members section Mrs J Kendall, showing daffodils for the first time (she also did well in the baking and other sections), won the John Emmett trophy for the best exhibit in the members section with a division 2 flower, ‘Fly Half’.
It was very pleasant for so many ‘old timers’ to get together in the Paxton Society hall to reminisce about the ‘good old days’.
There follows a number of photographs of people, flowers, others and awards. Just click on any picture to enlarge it.
People
Flowers
Trophy Winners