Basingstoke Flower and Vegetable Show

Yesterday and today were manic on the allotment and in the kitchen. We gathered what vegetables we could, dug up tons of potatoes at Old Basing and made a terrific mess of the kitchen yesterday. Today we were up at the crack of dawn to take everything to the show but couldn't make it all in one trip so had a mad rush at the end. I was really annoyed when I realised that the last few exhibits that I had thrown onto paper plated I had mis-read the amount, so two classes we weren't even judged, especially as they were some we could have won as ours were by far the best french beans and fruit. Still, I will learn for next year to take more care.

Anyway, back to the successes of the day. Out of a total of 51 entries, we came away with 15 prizes. Five 1sts, Five 2nds, Five 3rds. You will notice that one of the rosettes for 2nd is missing, this is because it was rightly Katy's as it was her tub of flowers that one this one (see below) so the rosette was heres.




and last but not least, the cup for thE best home produce class. In my book, that makes me the best cook in Basingstoke!

Here I am receiving my cup from our local MP.



First prize

Class 64. Chocolate Chip Cookies. Also best exhibit in the home produce class.







Class 66. A trifle for one person.










Class 69. Five cheese straws.











Class 50. One names pot plant grown for foliage.








Class 30. Three blooms of large flowered roses of the same variety.










Second Prize

Class 71. Homemade white wine. (OK I will admit that there were only two entries in this class, and I am sure they didn't taste it)









Class 68. Five fruit tartlets.











Class 57. A window box or tub/container (maximum size 80cm/32").








Class 32. One large flowered rose of any variety.










Class 23. Two vegetables of the same variety which is not listed above (elephant garlic)








Third Prize


Class 70. A vegetarian dish for one/two persons (stuffed marrow served with sweet potato and sweet corn.








Class 63. Five biscfuits of the same variety (ginger and cinnamon biscuits)







Class 19. Two cabbages with stalks trimmed to a minimum of 2"









Class 16. Five spring onions.









Class 9. An odd shaped vegetable.







I think we have learned a lesson from the show. We should give up growing vegetables!