GGA Show

What a show! Despite one of the driest and hottest spells Glenfield has experienced for many years—with 12 weeks without rain—the green-fingered residents of Glenfield once again did not disappoint!

This year’s Glenfield Gardeners’ Annual Show was a tremendous success, with a record-breaking 124 exhibitors entering. Considering the challenging growing conditions, the quality and variety of the exhibits were nothing short of magnificent. From beautiful flowers and impressive vegetables to handicrafts, art and flower arranging, there was something to delight everyone.

It wasn’t just the exhibits that made the day special. The afternoon saw an exceptional turnout, with people from across the village coming along to admire the entries. With people sitting outside in the sunshine, catching up with friends whilst enjoying an amazing range of cakes and bakes, there was a wonderfully warm and friendly atmosphere. It was community spirit at its very best.

There were plenty of worthy winners this year, with some truly exceptional entries.

Bill Moulds took the honours for Best Vegetable Exhibit with his winning heavyweight onion—a magnificent example of what can be achieved with plenty of care, patience and perhaps just a little gardening magic!

A particularly notable performance in the vegetable classes came from Martine Morgan, who was awarded the Worthy Newcomer Trophy. Martine impressed with a strong and varied set of exhibits, achieving first places for onions, potatoes and French beans, along with second places for her coloured potatoes and sweetcorn. With a total of 15 points, Martine was not far behind the overall vegetable category winner, who scored 22 points. For a first appearance, this is a significant achievement, and we very much hope to see Martine back again next year building on this excellent start.

A special mention must also go to Pete Mee, who swept the board, winning an impressive four trophies across the flower and vegetable classes.

One of the most heart-warming achievements of the show came from 12-year-old Jacob Gordon. Jacob entered numerous categories in the adult vegetable classes and managed to score a remarkable seven points across the vegetable classes. To compete so confidently against experienced adult growers is a significant achievement, and the committee was delighted to see such enthusiasm from one of Glenfield’s younger gardeners. We certainly hope to see Jacob back next year—and perhaps causing even more trouble for the grown-ups!

In the handicraft classes, Sarah Major impressed the judges with her beautifully handcrafted quilt, which deservedly won Best Exhibit in Handicrafts.

Beth Chamberlain won the Charles Hockley Trophy for Best Exhibit in Art with her wonderful representation of the Great British Tea Break, which captured a quintessentially British moment brilliantly.

In flower arranging, Pat Neal achieved the highest number of points. Her imaginative “Petals and Produce” arrangement, incorporating grapes and kiwi, was outstanding and demonstrated just how creative flower arranging can be.

Glenfield should feel immensely proud of the show it has produced. The event has been running for more than 150 years, and judging by this year’s entries, its future looks every bit as bright as its remarkable past.

One visiting horticultural judge was particularly complimentary, even commenting that the floral arrangements on display were more impressive than those at the Rutland Garden & Flower Show. That is quite a compliment—and one that the exhibitors of Glenfield can rightly take great pride in!

Glenfield Gardeners’ Committee would like to extend its sincere thanks to the Parish Council and to Audrey Voce for their sponsorship and generous donation towards the show. Their support, along with the efforts of all our exhibitors, volunteers, helpers, bakers and visitors, helped make the day such a success.

So, to everyone who entered, attended, helped, baked, judged, organised, encouraged or simply came along for a chat and a cup of tea—thank you! You all played a part in making this year’s show such a wonderful celebration of Glenfield.

And now, of course, there is only one thing left to do… Start planning for next year!

Next year’s Glenfield Gardeners’ Annual Show will take place on Saturday, 21st August 2027. Twelve weeks without rain might have tested our gardening skills this year, but there’s plenty of time to prepare, plant, prune and plot your way to a prize next year!

If you would like to join the Glenfield Gardeners, our monthly meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month. New members are always welcome.

You can also follow us on Facebook for news, updates and information about forthcoming meetings and events.

Until then, keep growing, keep gardening—and keep showing Glenfield what a fantastic community we are!

Alison