Kent Federation of Horticultural Societies
Founded 1938
Patron: The Lady Kingsdown OBE
Newsletter
Number 159
Autumn Issue
October 2015
In this issue :Summer & Autumn Shows Reports and Results / Musings of a Travelling Speaker /
100 Plus Club Results / Remaining Shows and Sales Dates / Pat`s Pantry / plus
more…..
Summer Show Report
Thank you everyone who made this year’s Summer Show such a wonderful success and in particular the
judges and stewards for their tireless dedication in performing their respective duties.
For the second year in succession KCAS allocated the Federation an additional section in the Horticultural
Marquee and, thanks to all our wonderful exhibitors, we filled it once again.
This year’s exhibitors staged between them almost 500 exhibits. The show benches were beautifully laid
out, and full, and ready for the judges and stewards when they arrived early on Friday morning. Jim
Buttress (judge from “The Great Allotment Challenge” T.V series) agreed to be one of our judges this year
and commented that the show benches were a credit to the growers and showers, and he then very kindly
agreed to return on Sunday to present the Trophies.
Once again The National Vegetable Society put on a wonderful display, so a big THANK YOU to all the
growers who contributed to the stand. My thanks too, to the Mid-Kent Fuchsia Group for their very
beautiful and colourful stand. Again this year we had displays from The Gillingham & District Fuchsia &
Pelargonium Society and from members of The Maidstone Bonsai Society. I would like to thank each of
these groups for taking the time to join us at Detling and for providing such beautiful displays of their
respective craft.
Presenting the KCAS trophies this year was Lady Kingsdown who is the Kent Federation of Horticultural
Societies’ patron and, to her great surprise, our Chairman, Mr. Roger Austin, presented her with a “Life
Membership Award” in appreciation for her continuing support.
For the fourth year in succession the KCAS Challenge Cup was awarded to the Great Mongeham
Horticultural Society for yet another impressive display of garden and kitchen produce in Class 1, InterSociety Challenge – “Members’ Choice” Section. This society does appear to have the knack for
producing displays that catch the judge’s attention. Well done once again Great Mongeham.
Mr. Chris Spree was awarded the KCAS Challenge Trophy for the “Best Horticultural Exhibit” in the show
and this was for his wonderful tray of vegetables.
Mr. Ian Clapp was presented with the Stuart Ogg Trophy for the “Best Vase of Roses” in the show and
also the Swale Trophy for “most points in classes 29-38.” Well done Ian.
Congratulations must also go to Brian Everest who this year beat his son by just 1 point to win the Latter
Cup for “most points gained in the Sweet Pea Classes” plus the June Salver for “best single Vase of Sweet
Peas.”
And a big THANK YOU to the team for helping to make this year’s Summer Show run like clockwork.
Whilst I am the Summer Show Manager, without the help of Sandra, Richard, Bud, Graham, Bob and Roy
who do SO MUCH to make everything run so smoothly, it would not be the wonderful show that it is each
year.
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My thanks too, to those Committee Members who came along to the show and helped out with the preshow setting-up and with the dismantling and packing away on closure.
But my biggest thanks of all are reserved for Phyl Lawrence, Sandy Wall, Dee Stevenson, and Sylvia
Papworth who once again relieved me of the worries of catering by kindly taking on the unenviable task of
preparing, and laying out a spread for 60 people.
Show photographs for 2015, and previous years, can be viewed on the website by clicking on the following
link:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/maxandbud/sets/
Maxine –Summer Show Manager
RESULTS
Cups,Trophies and Federation Rosettes
Kent County Agricultural Society Challenge Cup
Kent County Agricultural Society Challenge Trophy
The Wilson Trophy & Federation Rosette
Latter Cup & Federation Rosette
The June Salver & Federation Rosette
The Swale Trophy & Federation Rosette
The Stuart Ogg Trophy & Federation Rosette
Kent & Sussex Farmers Trophy & Federation Rosette
The Evelyn Ogg Trophy & Federation Rosette
The Geoffrey Wickham Trophy & Federation Rosette
Merilyn Trophy & Federation Rosette
The Ellen Trophy & Federation Rosette
Member`s Choice
Best Horticultural Exhibit
Most Points - Fruit & Vegetables
Most Points - Sweet Peas
Best Single Vase of Sweet Peas
Most Points - Roses
Best Vase of Roses
Most Points - Cut Flowers
Best Exhibit - Decorative Classes
Best Pot Plant
Most Points - Pot Plants
Most Points - Economic Classes
Great Mongeham Horticultural Society
Chris Spree, Stockbury
Peter Aplin, Deal
Brian Everest, Westerham
Brian Everest, Westerham
Ian Clapp, Herne Bay
Ian Clapp, Herne Bay
Peter Wheatley, Hythe
Sheila Smith, Eastry
Pat Wickwar, Leybourne
Graham Strevens, Rochester
Jean Woods, Dunton Green
K.F.H.S. Certificates of Merit and Rosettes
Class 2
Class 3
Class 4
Class 5 to 17
Class 18 to 20
Class 21
Class 28
Class 29
Class 38
Class 39 to 42
Class 46 to 53
Class 54 to 57
Class 58 to 61
Class 62
Class 62 to 67
Class 67
Class 68 to 74
Class 75
Class 76 to 78
Junior Class 79
Junior Class 80
Best Exhibit
Best Exhibit
Best Exhibit
Best Exhibit - Vegetables
Best Exhibit - Fruit Classes
Sweet Peas - "The Federation Challenge"
Novice Sweet Peas
Roses - "John Appleton Class"
Novice Roses
Best Exhibit - Other Flowers
Best Exhibit - Pot Plants
Best Exhibit - Fuchsias
Best Exhibit - Pelargoniums
Best Exhibit - "Home Cooking"
Best Exhibit - Home Economics
Novice - Home Economics
Best Exhibit - Preserves
Best Exhibit - Sugarcraft
Best Exhibit - Craft
Best Exhibit 8 and under
Best Exhibit 9 and over
Chris Spree, Stockbury
Chris Spree, Stockbury
Peter Aplin, Deal
Gordon Francis, Eccles
Chris Spree, Stockbury
Darren Everest, Westerham
George Spree, Stockbury
Ian Clapp, Herne Bay
Sheila Smith, Eastry
Brian Everest, Westerham
Pat Wickwar, Leybourne
Sandy Roff, Sheldwich
Richard Roff, Sheldwich
Moira Lord, Tonbridge
Richard Dorey, Aylesford
Ronald Bell, Maidstone
Christine Walton, Dartford
Margaret Letley, Walderslade
Mrs.I Lovell, Yorkletts
Miss Isla Sweatman
Miss Lucy Sweatman
Kent County Show 2016
The Kent County Agricultural Society has confirmed that the
2016 County Show
at Detling will take place on
Friday - Saturday & Sunday July 8th - 9th & 10th.
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Hello to one and all.
I'm back in the swing of things, at the shows. Many thanks for all your good wishes,
after my bypass op last year.
The county show , in the new marquee arrangement, is very impressive (I missed
last year`s event). It gives a lot more space for exhibits, which means we need to
encourage more people to put in exhibits. So how about the membership planting a
few more roses to fill some of this extra space. The main supplier of show roses is
R.V.Roger of Pickering in Yorkshire, but there are some good varieties that are sold
locally in Kent. The county show is a bit late in the rose growing season so look out
for late flowering varieties.
Tall growing types are good for showing, with lovely long stems. The best of these, in
my opinion, is ELINA a pale yellow (once known as Peaudouce) . This seems to
flower non-stop all season. Another good large flowered variety is Buxom Beauty,
which produces enormous pinkish/lavender blooms. In the cluster flower (floribunda)
types a good tall late variety is Anne Harkness, a rich yellow. And probably the
easiest rose variety to obtain is Silver Anniversary, a good white variety. Suppliers of
some of these varieties are :
Rumwood nurseries at Langley, Eastcroft Roses at Cliffe, Layham Garden Centre at
Staple, Meadow Grange nursery at Blean, Notcutts garden centre at Maidstone and
The Old Rose Nursery at Northiam on the Kent Sussex border.
Enjoy your rose growing and I hope to see your entries at a future county show.
All the best
Ian Clapp
************
Musings of a Travelling Speaker
There are two particular months when a circuit speaker enjoys a break from talks – August and December
although I do occasionally get August bookings. More and more Societies and WIs have morning or
afternoon meetings, which suits me, but do check your blackout facilities for speakers who show slides. I
had an experience recently with a local WI, with a marvellous audience of at least 60, where most of the
windows were curtained but the two flanking the wall used for projection were not!
I have mostly given up my talk on ‘French & English Gardens – Vive La difference!’ because it is now
some years since I visited most of them, especially the French gardens. Whilst working at Hadlow College
I was lucky enough to go on a number of study tours, involving gardens such as Monet’s Giverny, Vaux
Le Vicompte, Versailles and Bagatelle, all in or near Paris. We also visited several down the Loire Valley,
including the marvellous Chateau Villandry. The latter has the most outstanding Potager and is not far
from Tours. We drove minibuses which gave us more leeway in terms of getting off the beaten track, as
opposed to a large coach and driver. Many things have changed at Hadlow since I retired, some (but not
all) for the good. The student numbers are vastly increased, but the commercial side is much reduced.
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Blueberries have come to the fore in recent years – some grown here but more from abroad. Blueberries
are related to Rhododendrons and Heathers in the Ericaceae family, so they like an acid soil, but they can
be grown in pots if the soil is not suitable. Also related to this group is the Strawberry Tree – Arbutus
Unedo. This is a large evergreen shrub, which has small white flowers alongside the fruits in the autumn.
These look like strawberries, but the second Latin name – Unedo – means ‘only one’ (as they are gritty
and bitter). They do make a very potent liqueur, which you can find in countries such as Portugal where it
is called Madrona.
Incidentally, my apologies to the Botanists among you as there are huge changes going on in naming
plants, not least by the way of DNA, so I may be out of date with some of my plant families. I am sure it is
all very scientifically correct, but it does seem a little odd when you are told that Water Lilies are allied to
Nettles (have I got that right?!) The strawberry season has been extended in recent years by a
combinations of breeding and selecting new varieties and by controlled environment, usually grown under
a polytunnel. Of course these could be considered a blot on the landscape when you see the vast areas
of planting, but we now eat English strawberries over a longer period. There are benefits too for if you
remember the back-breaking work of picking, the plants are now often grown in raised gro-bags and with
better air circulation there is less problem with disease – especially Grey Mould or Botrytis.
Roses have given a grand show this summer and always justify those who consider them our No.1.
garden plant. Playing Devil’s Advocate to Rosarians, I would say that roses get Blackspot, Mildew, Rust,
Canker, Greenfly, Leaf Hoppen and caterpillars. They have thorns and suckers and are only interesting
for half of the year! But we love them despite all these challenges and we are spoilt for choice with
thousands of varieties. You can grow standard, weepers, ground cover forms, climbers and ramblers,
though these usually flower only once in the summer rather than the more common perpetual types which
produce several flower flushes. Roses used to be a major crop under glass in the UK, but we have hardly
any now with flowers produced in countries such as Kenya. All we are left with mainly are the ubiquitous
Chrysanthemums, which are controlled by manipulating day length to flower at any time of the year.
We do like things out of season and can be indulged, such is the efficiency of our air transport system and
regulated cool stores, though sometimes the flavour is lost in transit. However, with more and more
people trying to grow their own, we are realising that there is nothing like freshly picked own produce.
Hilary Newman M.Hort. ( RHS )
************
Pat`s Pantry
NUTELLA COOKIES
Ingredients
One teacup of granulated sugar
One teacup of demerara sugar
One teacup of Nutella
One teacup of butter
Three teacups of plain flour
Two eggs
One Teaspoon of bi-carbonate of soda
Half teaspoon of baking powder
Teaspoon of salt
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Method
Cream sugars, butter and Nutella together, add eggs and beat together. Sieve all dry
and mix thoroughly. Place small rolled balls (walnut size) on greased baking sheets,(do not flatten)
leaving at least two inches between each ball. Bake on 2 nd shelf from top of oven on Gas Mark 4 for
20 – 30 minutes. Lift off carefully when cooked with a palette knife.
Once thoroughly cold, place in an airtight container.
This mixture makes quite a lot, so plenty of choice to pick out five for the show bench.
Note: Use the same cup throughout this recipe.
Pat Westgate
01580 753895
************
What a wonderful surprise !
My late husband was a 'plant nut'. He grafted apple trees, budded roses and 'played' pollen.
He also introduced a new variety of viola, which he named after me.
He sent it to a viola specialist in Shropshire to try to get it introduced into a nursery.
Sadly he died in 2001 without knowing the outcome, and I had forgotten all about the viola.
To my surprise and delight whilst watching the B.B.C`s coverage of this year`s Chelsea
Flower Show, there was a feature about a young couple who had started a viola nursery in
Shropshire, and one of their favourite varieties was 'Jennifer Andrews'
JENNIFER ANDREWS
Flowers Large,
Creamy-Yellow.
Distinctly edged with
mauve.
Free - flowering.
Scented.
Jennifer Goodban
( formally Andrews )
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Autumn Show Report
Wow! where did all that come from. I didn't speak to Sandra after Tuesday when things were "trickling in",
my attitude is I can`t do anything about entries that may or not come, so why worry!
I turned up at the hall at 7.10am on Sunday morning to be greeted by Sandra and Graham Talbot drinking
tea (does he ever sleep, I wonder). We started setting up only to discover that with so many entries we
were struggling for space - how come? - it`s supposedly been a rotten season, hasn`t it? Well apparently
not, if Sunday was any guide. Vegetables, flowers, domestics and craft were all in abundance.
Entries in most classes were of the highest standard, so any winners of the cups, trophies and rosettes
needed to be exceptional. Max Budden, Doug Drury, Graham Talbot and Roger Simmons, all deserve
special mention as some of their vegetables, and particularly blooms in the chrysanthemum and dahlia
classes would have won awards at any show. Needless to say they won several of the top prizes between
them.
I need to stop waffling and say my "Thank yous", so thanks to my judges and stewards, to Radio Kent`s
Andy and Steve for the plug and to Christine for arranging the advertising. Thanks to Max and Bud for all
their hard work before, during, and after the show, and the rest of my committee for mucking in when and
where needed, plus Gary and Coral for running the raffle. Of course I must not forget her indoors ( Bet )
and our neighbour Mary, for the lunch and the splendid "Afternoon Tea and Cakes". To Richard and
Sandra, each year I say, "it wouldn't work without them" and it wouldn't - I know how much they do and it is
so appreciated.
The weather was very kind and the number of visitors was up yet again on previous years.
I have not mentioned my biggest shock of the day, where did you, the exhibitors, get all that fruit - the best
ever number of entries in my memory.
Last but not least - to all those people who exhibited - whether you had one or twenty-one entries - you
were, and are the show - so a big thank you to you all.
The 2015 Federation Autumn Show was definitely the best for many years!
Roger Austin (Chairman)
RESULTS
Cups,Trophies and Federation Rosettes
K.F.H.S. Challenge Cup
Wyevale Trophy
Barry Ridsdale Memorial Print
Grafty Garden Centre Plaque
Garrad Challenge Cup
Rochester Cup
Bugge`s Challenge Trophy
Lady Masserrene & Ferrard Trophy
Federation Dahlia Trophy
Harmsworth Challenge Trophy
Tiarks Cup
The K.F.H.S. Challenge Trophy
Mrs C.P. Black Trophy
Inter-Society Challenge
Onion Championship
Potato Championship
Federation Tray of Vegetables
Vegetable Collection
Most Points - Vegetable Classes
Most Points - Fruit Classes
Three Dahlia Class
Best Vase of Dahlias
Three Chrysanthemums Class
Best Exhibit - Chrysanthemums
Best Exhibit - Other Flowers & Plants
Most Points - Home Economics
Woodnesborough Horticultural Society
Gordon Francis, Eccles
Graham Talbot, Maidenhead
Roger Simmons, Maidstone
Roger Simmons, Maidstone
Roger Simmons, Maidstone
Maxine Budden, Upchurch
Graham Talbot, Maidenhead
Graham Talbot, Maidenhead
Doug Drury, Pembury
Doug Drury, Pembury
Duncan Rouse, Frittenden
Maxine Budden, Upchurch
KFHS Certificates of Merit and Rosettes
Class 6
Class 7
Class 8 to 27
Class 28
Class 29 to 33
Class 42
Class 70
Class 71 to 75
Class 76 to 78
Best Exhibit
Best Exhibit
Best Exhibit
Best Exhibit
Best Exhibit
Best Exhibit
Show Stopper Challenge
Best Exhibit
Best Exhibit
Roger Simmons, Maidstone
Maxine Budden, Upchurch
Roger Simmons, Maidstone
Graham Talbot, Maidenhead
Patsy Dawson, Eastry
Derek Parks, Pembury
Sandra Foreman
Maxine Budden, Upchurch
Reg Bloe, Tonbridge
Winner of the Banksian Medal for most points in all Horticultural classes in the show - Graham Talbot
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K.F.H.S. Annual General Meeting & Mini Spring Show
The 2016 A.G.M. and Mini Spring Show will be held at Ditton Community Centre on
Sunday March 20th.
Staging for the Mini Show from 9.30am. – 11.15am.
A.G.M. commences at 11.30am.
A Light Lunch will be provided and a Bar will be available.
Additional Side Shows, Sales and Raffle.
Ditton Community Centre
Kiln Barn Road
Ditton
Aylesford
Kent ME20 6AH
2016 Mini Show Schedule
No entry forms or fees.
Show vases will be provided for all classes unless otherwise stated.
All you need to do is to bring along your exhibits and check in with our Show Administrator
for your entry cards.
Staging from 9:30am – 11:15am
Judging and A.G.M. at 11:30am
Classes 1 Daffodil, Trumpet.
Div.1 - Yellow perianth, yellow corona, specimen cut stem.
2 Daffodil, Trumpet.
Div.1 - Any variety or varieties, cut stems, three.
3 Daffodil, Large Cup.
Div.2 - Any variety, specimen cut stem.
4 Daffodil, Large Cup.
Div.2 - Any variety or varieties, cut stems, three.
5 Daffodil, Small Cup.
Div.3 - Any variety, specimen cut stem.
6 Daffodil, Cyclamineous.
Div.6 - One variety, cut stems, three.
7 A vase of daffodils, any varieties, cut stems, five.
8 A vase of miniature daffodils, any one variety, cut stems three.
9 A container, not to exceed 12in/30cm. diameter of growing daffodils, any one variety.
10 A container, any size, of growing bulbs, any kind, one variety.
11 Hyacinth, specimen cut stem.
12 Hellebores, cut stems, three.
13 A 8in/20cm. vase of any cut spring flowers, mixed.
14 A vase of polyanthus, one variety or mixed, cut stems, three.
15 Winter pansies or violas, five cut stems to be shown on a white plate. Plate provided.
16 A specimen camellia, cut stem.
17 A vase of muscari hyacinths, cut stems, seven.
18 An 11in/28cm. vase of early flowering shrubs, one variety or mixed.
19 A flowering pot plant in bloom.
20 A petite exhibit of miniature spring flowers, not to exceed 9in/23cm. in any dimension.
Exhibitors may arrange this exhibit at home, using a container of their own choice.
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100Plus Club Results
TICKETS FOR THE 2016 DRAWS WILL BE AVAILABLE SHORTLY.
Your support helps to keep Federation Subscriptions to a minimum and at the
same time gives you the chance to get your money back.
Please ring 01732 844071 or e-mail [email protected]
for an application form.
Registered with Tonbridge & Malling District Council
1st
2nd
3rd
Results of the April Draw 2015
Congratulations
£32.25 No.101 Mr.R.WALL, SHELDON
£19.35 No.15 LYMINGE GARDENERS` SOCIETY
£12.90 No.21 Mrs.S.O`NEILL, LEYBOURNE
1st
2nd
3rd
Results of the May Draw 2015
Congratulations
£32.25 No.13 Mr.R.CALLAN, GILLINGHAM
£19.35 No.14 Mr.J.GOODBAN, WAINSCOTT
£12.90 No.20 Mrs.S.O`NEILL, LEYBOURNE
1st
2nd
3rd
Results of the June Draw 2015
Congratulations
£32.25 No.80 HERNE BAY GARDENING CLUB
£19.35 No.33 COBHAM GARDENERS` SOCIETY
£12.90 No.99 CHARTHAM GARDENERS` SOCIETY
1st
2nd
3rd
Results of the July Draw 2015
Congratulations
£32.25 No.129 STOCKBURY COTTAGE GARDENERS` SOCIETY
£19.35 No.2
Mrs.DUNMALL, SIDCUP
£12.90 No.13 Mr.R.CALLAN, GILLINGHAM
1st
2nd
3rd
Results of the August Draw 2015
Congratulations
£32.25 No.53 MID KENT FUCHSIA GROUP
£19.35 No.54 Mr.B.EVEREST, WESTERHAM
£12.90 No.56 ISLAND GREENFINGERS CLUB
1st
2nd
3rd
Results of the September Draw 2015
Congratulations
£32.25 No.33 COBHAM GARDENERS` SOCIETY
£19.35 No.54 Mr.B.EVEREST, WESTERHAM
£12.90 No.16 Mrs.C.DENYER, WILMINGTON
1st
2nd
3rd
Result of the October Draw 2015
Congratulations
£32.75 No.103 Mr.M.BALDWIN, SNODLAND
£19.65 No.14 Mrs.J.GOODBAN, WAINSCOTT
£13.10 No.123 Mrs.M.WALLER, LARKFIELD
Thank you all for your support
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Remaining Shows & Plant Sales Dates for 2015
NOVEMBER
Friday 6th
Eynsford Gardening Club
Saturday 7th
Faversham Horticultural Society
Saturday 28th
Little Common Horticultural
Society
Eynsford Village Hall ( Members Only )
West Faversham Community Centre,
Bysing Wood Road.
St.Martha`s Church Hall, Birkdale,
Bexhill-on-Sea
Plant Sale
Weald Horticultural Society
Weald Memorial Hall
19.00
No
12 Noon
Yes
10 – 12Noon
WINTER
DECEMBER
Saturday 5th
15.00
No
Editors Notes
Thank you in anticipation to all Societies and Members who send in their renewal subscriptions
on time, it is much appreciated and saves so much time and work.
SOCIETY SECRETARIES & TREASURERS PLEASE NOTE:The new edition of the
Judges & Speakers list will be available from January 1st 2016
New copies will be issued on receipt of your society subscription.
NEXT NEWSLETTER issue No. 160 ( April 2016 )
Should you wish that your 2016 Shows & Sales Dates are advertised in the April 2016 Newsletter
they must be received by March 21st OR SOONER please.
Send to:- Mr.R.Foreman, K.F.H.S. Secretary, 16. Cobdown Close, Ditton,
Aylesford, Kent, ME20 6SZ
All Shows & Sales Dates for 2016 will be posted on the Federation website as received.
You may email if more convenient.
to:-
[email protected]
If you know of any company or organisation, including your own society, that would like to
sponsor a Class or Classes at any of our shows, or would like to place an article in these
Newsletters we would love to hear from you.
Just contact the Secretary.
Thanks to all who have contributed to this Newsletter.
There is always much to read on the Federation website.
www.kentfed.com.
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