The 2017 Annual Flower & Craft Show was held on Saturday 19th August.
Cupar Flower Show was held in the Corn Exchange on Saturday, 19th August, and saw a very colourful and attractive display for those attending.
Despite being down on entries in most categories, the wonderful scents of the sweet peas welcomed all attending the 105th Show, coupled with the very colourful table of pot plant exhibits. Bill Duff from Balmullo was the winner of the East of Scotland Four Vase Sweet Pea Championship, and in fact was winner of all the Sweet Pea classes, with newcomer to the show, Alan Banks of Musselburgh taking the John Gerrie Medal for the most first prizes in pot plants.
The floral art category saw an amazing display of exhibits. Our judge had a tough job of selecting the winners due to the quality of the exhibits being shown. The best floral exhibit in show, sponsored by Gladys Lundie, was awarded to Mrs Ann Duff of Balmullo for her Bright Horizons exhibit.
There was a fantastic display in the vegetable section, with the extraordinary specimens of the tallest leeks, carrots and celery being shown by Mr E Low of Strathkinness, who also gained the most prizes in the vegetable section and took the Watt Trophy for the most prizes in Show.
The industrial section was supported well with a range of home baking, preserves and handicraft section. Mrs Janet McQuilton of Cupar championed in the baking and preserve sections with Mrs Mary Finlay taking home a number of trophies in the handicraft section.
Schools in the local area were able to get assistance from SRUC Elmwood Campus to help them create a flower garden, vegetable garden or a combination of both. Judged at the end of June before the school holidays, saw only four entrants, from primary and secondary schools to nurseries taking part in ‘Growing for Fun – best garden allotment’. Kilmaron School came out on top with judge, Bruce Robertson from SRUC, commenting that “It would be great to see more schools and pre-school groups get involved in this competition as it is an ideal opportunity to introduce children to horticulture, one of the country’s most popular pastimes. This year’s competition whilst lacking numbers made up for this by way of quality and enthusiasm!
The competition was stiff; all of the schools and especially the pupils involved are to be congratulated on their efforts and their enthusiasm in explaining their ideas to me. As in any competition there are always winners and whilst Kilmaron School was judged the overall winner, I consider all who took part to be winners”.
This competition is supported by SRUC Elmwood Campus and the students from the Horticultural Unit are happy to assist in any way in developing the gardens or providing some surplus plants to help get the gardens established. If you’d like any help or advice for the School garden, please get in touch with the Cupar Flower Show organisers.
The Scottish Women’s Institute Competition based on ‘the mother of the bride’ was won by Kilmany SWI.
And the Society, along with trying to encourage the younger generation to experience growing, have put on a Novice Section for those new to the showing scene. This section definitely saw an increase in numbers, and covers not only flowers and vegetables, but some novelty classes too. Why not have a go next year…?
The generosity of the local businesses through sponsorship or the donation of prizes cannot be emphasised enough; it’s down to them that we are able to award the level of prizes we do and to put on such a fantastic show. There was also a fantastic backdrop to the lower hall from the Fife Bonsai Society, who were busy styling trees throughout the day.
Vice President, Debbie Wheelans thanked all the competitors, committee members and visitors who made the show a success and said “It was nice to see some new exhibitors coming away with awards and it’s encouraging that our new categories for novice growers and Bonsai’s were supported; here’s hoping for more entrants again next year”.
If you enjoy gardening; create hanging baskets in spring, have a nice patio ornament, maybe have a collection of border flowers, grow your own fruit or vegetables, are good at baking, needlework or floral art, please give consideration to entering next year’s Flower Show. We are also always looking for committee members and volunteers as numbers are always dwindling and the success of the show depends on you.
Guess the weight of the cake, sponsored by Fisher & Donaldson was won by May Balsillie, Cupar and the hamper was won by Molly Lumsden. Many thanks to all who donated prizes and raffles.
Full results are available here. 2017 Trophy & Prizewinners
Doors open at 10am with a coffee morning in the lower hall, with the upper hall and official show opening at 11.00am.
2017 Schedule 2017 Entry Form(Microsoft Word) 2017 Entry Form (PDF)
What’s new for this year?
Caulder’s Garden Centre in Cupar have teamed up with the Society to encourage participation of their patrons in the Show, particularly the garden competitions.
Spend £25 or more on bedding, vegetable plants or seeds, and get FREE entry into the Amateur Garden Competitions at Cupar Flower Show. Your garden doesn’t need to be of a standard like the Chelsea Flower Show, just clean, tidy and one you get pleasure in tending!
Classes available for entry:
*Best vegetable plot/vegetable garden or allotment in Cupar
*Best flower garden – Cupar gardens only
*Best overall garden (flowers & vegetables) – Cupar gardens only
*Best landscaped garden in Cupar & 7 mile radius
*Best flower garden—open to gardens within 7 mile radius of Cupar
*Best cottage garden (fruit, flowers & vegetables) in Cupar & 7 mile radius
*Best hanging basket, window or patio ornament in Cupar & 7 mile radius
Closing date for entries: 15th July 2017
Garden Judging: 22nd July 2017
The School’s competition ‘Growing for Fun’ is being opened up to all nurseries, pre-school, play-groups, primary and secondary schools, and also further education colleges in Fife, and any educational eco-groups. ‘Growing for Fun’ can take the form of a flower garden, vegetable garden or a combination of both. Assistance can be sought from the staff and students from the Horticultural Department at the SRUC Elmwood Campus who have volunteered their services to any group wishing to participate in this initiative.
Closing date for entries: Friday 9th June
Judging: Thursday 22nd June
Novice or New Exhibitors?
If you are new to the showing scene, why not put your exhibits into the new NOVICE Section. If you are a little daunted by the open categories why not give this a go; enjoy it and see what happens.
Have you a Bonsai? Why not bring it along and join in the display of the Fife Bonsai Society in the lower hall. A number of classes are available to enter, and the “Best Bonsai in Show” class will be awarded by way of the most public votes of those attending the event on Saturday 19th August. Votes must be cast by 2pm at the latest.
Important Dates
CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES
Friday 9th June : School’s Competitions
Saturday 15th July : Garden Competitions
Monday 7th August : Floral Art Classes
Monday 7th August : WRI Competition
STAGING TIMES
Friday 18th August : 3.00pm –
Saturday 19st August : 8.00am-
JUDGING
Thursday 22nd June : School’s Competition
Saturday 22nd July : Garden Competitions Only
Saturday 19th August : Commences at 8.30am –
SHOW OPEN TO PUBLIC
Saturday 19th August : 10.00am –
PRESENTATION ON TROPHIES
Saturday 19th August : 4.30pm
COLLECTION OF CUT FLOWERS
Saturday 19th August : 4.45pm
DOWNLOADS
2017 Results