DESPITE the dry weather Abbotskerswell Village Hall Garden Show organisers were delighted that entries were up on last year, with 469.

Cllr Alistair Dewhurst handed out the cups once all the marks had been counted and the numbers crunched by thededicated team of Catherine Howard and Emma Grice.

Some of the cups awarded included The Best Horticultural Exhibit in Show and Most Points in Vegetable Classes which went to Colin Jenkins.

The Best Exhibit in Cut Flowers and Most Points in Cut Flower Classes went to Wendy Grierson.

Some of the other notable winners were Linda Banks for Best Exhibit in Roses, Peggy Munden for Best Exhibit in Fruit and Abbotskerswell’s Young Cook which was awarded to Freya Reed for her exceptional cupcakes! The ‘Most Points in One Family’ cup went to the Tucker family who had entries across all of the main adult and children’s categories including floral art, home economics, art and craft.

The 2022 Abbotskerswell Community Cup was awarded to Chris, Bea and the team at Central @ Model Stores in recognition of the support they give to our community, not least throughout the Covid pandemic where they remained open throughout, provided a delivery service for those who were shielding or vulnerable and were a valuable source of items that were in short supply.

They also hold keys for some of our village facilities such as the Village Hall and MUGA courts and always help out with selling tickets and handing out forms for village events.

Barry Hedger, chairman of Abbotskerswell Village Hall Trust, presented the Community Cup to Chris and Bea outside the shop.

We were especially delighted to see all the entries from the children of Abbotskerswell Primary School, and huge thanks to Paula Simmonds for the work she does to help create and display such wonderful artwork from all age groups. It would be great to see even more entries from the children in the village next year, we have so many talented youngsters here it would be lovely to see even more of their work in the future.

Amy Hedger, of the Village Hall Committee, said: ‘There was a delicious array of homemade cakes to enjoy with a cup of tea in the afternoon sunshine, many thanks to everyone who baked and donated their wares.

‘Finally, the show could not happen without the help and support of so many people who, amongst other things, organise the raffle and sell tickets, contribute and collect sponsorship, set up and tidy away on the day, provide the teas and lunches for both the judges and the public, act as stewards and help with all of the organisation in the lead up and on the day. Thank you to everyone who helped to make this show a success.’

Barry Hedger, chairman of Abbotskerswell Village Hall Trust presenting the Community Cup to Chris and Bea outside their shop Central @ Model Stores.