Largs and District Horticultural Society held their Annual Show on Saturday 20th August in the Dunn Memorial Hall of St John’s Church. Despite the very wet and windy weather the show was very well supported with over 350 exhbits.

This was the 175th Anniversary and the Show was opened by Lord Glasgow whose great, great, great grandfather’s gardener, David Goldie, had exhibited at the first show in 1841.

Visitors were treated to a variety of exhibits up to the usual high standard that had drawn admiring comments from the judges. A colourful display of vegetables, pot plants and cut flowers graced the hall along with superb examples of home-baking and Hobbies and Crafts. The Floral Art exhibits reflected great skills in artistic imagination and creative talent. The Children’s entries were superb and the schools produce baskets were amazing.

The display of memorabilia from earlier flower shows included record books dating back to 1930’s, cups, medals, shields and the President’s Chain. There were also displays of old records, gardening magazines, books, photographs, articles and medals. The large display of memborabilia, donated to the Society, pertaining to Mr R Bone who was a major exhibitor and President of the Society in the 1950’s, drew much interest. Mr Bone had also exhibited in many shows throughout the area including Glasgow and had won many medals and Certificates. Banners, provided by North Ayrshire Council Heritage service, recorded the events in 1841 and detailed the first Flower Show itself. Another display of historical gardening tools, courtesy of Dalgarven Mill, drew some curious stares, and included a lawnmower that would require a weightlifter to operate. Members of the Largs Flower Club provided advice at a workshop for newcomers to try their hand . In the Tearoom the superb home-made soup was much in demand along with a selection of home made scones and cakes. Everyone attending and exhibiting in the show received an anniversary badge. Presentation badges were also presented to Lord Glasgow and Daniela Nardini.

The main prize winner for this year was David Chynoweth from Newmilns who carried home the Anniversary prize for Best Exhibit in Show for his magnificent Gladioli. However local gardener Christine Hitter was again successful in winning the Quaich for Most points in the Show.

The highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of prizes by Largs actress Daniela Nardini who had a special smile and congratulations for every prizewinner.

As excitement started to build awaiting Daniela’s arrival, the junior exhibitors, dressed in their Victorian school pinafores, flat caps and waistcoats, prepared a special hand posy which they presented to Daniela when she arrived. Daniela arrived with her mother, daughter and friend and spent a lot of her time viewing the exhibits and display and chatting to the visitors as well as giving autographs and getting her photograph taken with visitors.

Thanks to all the people who have worked throughout the year to make the Show a success and to the local shops and businesses who made generous donations. Special thanks to Kelburn Windfarm Community Trust who provided funding towards the Flower Show celebrations, North Ayrshire Council for all their asistance and Largs Co-op for sending an assistant to help at the Flower Show.

Prizewinners were:
Royal Bank of Scotland Quaich for most points in the show, Lord MacAndrew Cup for most points in pot plants and the Harry Bacon Cup for most points in Fuchsias - Christine Hitter
Largs Challenge Trophy & Blue Ribbon for best exhibit of the Show - David Chynoweth
John Scott Smith Trophy for most point begonias - B Anderson
Alexander McKay Cup for most points cut flowers, Robert Frazer Cup for most points carnations and the Lord Inverclyde Cup for Sweet Peas - R McIlvar
William Murray Cup for best vase of 6 roses and the George D Philip Cup for most points in Hobbies & Crafts - Angela Crighton
Albert Stone Cup for most points Dahlias - Jim Welsh
Jean George Novice Trophy for Flower Arranging for Novice Decorative - Brenda Johnstone
Mrs Jane B Ross Cup for most point decorative - Anne French
Northfield Cup for most points vegetables - M McQueen
Joyce Dunlop Trophy for best exhibit Tapestry - Fionna Ferguson
Mrs Agnes Neeson Cup, most points baking - Katrina McBlain
Royal Bank of Scotland Junior Quaiche for most points in junior section, Junior Cup for 8-11 years and Junior Cup for hobbies & crafts - Heather Harley
Junior Cup for 7 years and under - Amelia Church
Junior Cup for 12-16 years - Logan Rae
Cardwell Garden Centre Challenge Trophy for most points in school section - Skelmorlie Primary
Largs Viking Festival Class -1st Molly Brown, 2nd Lexi Brown 3rd Heather Harley.

175th Anniversary Prizes:
Best in Show (£100) and Best in Cut Flowers (Trophy & £50) - David Chynoweth
2nd Best in Show (£50) and Best in Pot Plants (Trophy & £50) - Etta Strachan
3rd Best in Show (£25) - Anne French
Best in Vegetables (Trophy & £50) - Ian Taylor
Best in Hobbies (Trophy & £50) - Brenda McDermid
Best in Junior Section (Trophy & £25) - Alex Dunmore