Northumberland 40th Anniversary SRGC/ AGS Show

[Maggi Young]

There are forumists online (I see you, Alan) who were there..... if no pix ready yet, at least tell us what  plant of Chris Lilley's  won the medal!

Edit by M: the bounder made off just before I posted. Tsk!

[Stan da Prato]

This was the 40th show though not all have been in the current spacious venue - the adjacent supermarket means that you have the choice  of carrying  or wheeling in your exhibits- once in the hall there is a welcome cup of tea from the ladies while other group members man/woman the computer for entries, the tombola and the admission table. To qualify for free parking you are given a ticket which says you are at an athletics event! Finally  a snap of the main  benches - apparently  there were around 500 entries from 78 exhibitors.

[Lesley Cox]

The preliminary pictures look great and show promise of many more to come.

I've seen the word "tombola" mentioned a number of times in show reports. What is that please? I have in mind something like a coconut shy or choc wheel.

[Stan da Prato]

now some people among the plants

[Stan da Prato]

and some more

[Maggi Young]

I've seen the word "tombola" mentioned a number of times in show reports. What is that please? I have in mind something like a coconut shy or choc wheel.

  Tombola is a kind of raffle hybrid with a lottery, Lesley. To be honest with you, I have never been entirely sure myself how it works. 

[Maggi Young]

I see masses of friends in your super photos, Stan!

In the picture srgcHexham12 042  we can see the person who won the premier award at the very first Northumberland show, 40 years ago.... none other than Bette Ivey, the SRGC Honorary President
Bette is wearing the red jacket, speaking to Neil Huntley.
Behind her is Audrey Leach and we can also see Brian Davidson in that shot, too. 

[Stan da Prato]

Some plants starting with the bigger pots - the  6 pan then 3 pans then a selection  from the  first bench - hopefully others will add better and more detailed pictures

[Maggi Young]

Who are the two blokes manning the stand next to Hartside's? They can be seen in the pic with Bette and also in the pic no 56, to the left of Ilse and Brian Davidson.

They don't look too cheery.... not the best way to drum up business, is it?

[Maggi Young]

What plants! Such Lewisias... on the last day in March!!! 

[Peter Maguire]

Maggi,
Christ Lilley's Forrest Medal plant is Saxifraga x edithae 'Bridget'.
I don't have a photo (any photos for that matter), being a little busy with other matters, but I'm sure photoS will appear in due course.
Correction, it's the first picture of Stan's second batch.

[Maggi Young]

Maggi,
Christ Lilley's Forrest Medal plant is Saxifraga x edithae 'Bridget'.
I don't have a photo (any photos for that matter), being a little busy with other matters, but I'm sure photoS will appear in due course.
Correction, it's the first picture of Stan's second batch.

 Thanks Peter.
It's a cracker of a plant.

[Peter Maguire]

Fermi, Cynthia did come up to say hello, and she seems to have enjoyed herself at the show. We even had some Pterostylis orchids on the bench to make her feel at home!  

[Stan da Prato]

 Bette's achievement  40 years ago was highlighted on the groups' Ruby display and the lady herself spoke   before  SRGC president Liz Mills and show secretary Peter Maguire cut the fine cake - Dunfermline's best - several  photographers recorded  this so a snap should soon be posted?

[Maggi Young]

Fermi, Cynthia did come up to say hello, and she seems to have enjoyed herself at the show. We even had some Pterostylis orchids on the bench to make her feel at home!  

Mercy! What's not to enjoy?  Besides, Cynthia is the type of person who goes about determined to enjoy herself and have fun.