A HUGE increase in entrants and exhibits were seen at Freshwater Horticultural Association's 126th summer show at the Memorial Hall.

Exhibitors were up from 44 last year to 61 this time. Between them they staged 450 exhibits which was up by 120 compared to last year.

The judges had their work cut out deciding whose exhibits were the best in each class.

Notable winners this year included: Gwen Harris, most points in the show; Bob Hannam, best exhibit; David Hayden, most points in dahlia classes and Darren Everest, best exhibit in dahlia classes and the National Dahlia Society Silver and Bronze medals.

The RHS Banksian Medal for most points in the horticultural section went to Bryan Everest.

Dr. P A Knill Jones Cup for most points in show — Mrs G. Harris; C. Holland Besley Cup for best in show, all classes — B. Hannam; Freshwater Cup for most points dahlias classes 1-4 — D. Hayden; Hume Cup for best exhibit dahlia novice 9-11 — T. Butchers; Hilton Barlow Cup for best dahlia in show — D. Everest; Penfold Cup class 15. 3 hybrid tea roses — Ms H. Mount; Rolles Cup for class 20. 5 carnations — Ms D. Everest; Mrs E. Hall Cup for class 21 marigolds — B. Wilson; Peter Mills Memorial Cup for class 30, specimen begonia — Ms M. Pilott; Woodford Cup class 33, specimen plant in bloom — Ms L. Burborough; Honnor and Jeffrey Cup class 39, urn or planter — Barbara Robinson; Mrs Knill Jones Cup class 41, collection of fruit — B. Wilson; Charles Bound Cup for most points in fruit section — Ms S. Coombs; Chalk Cup class 47, collection of vegetables — B. Hannam; Mrs C. Jones Cup class 48, basket of culinary vegetables — Ms J. Haire; Causeway Cup class 51, two plates of potatoes — B. Everest; Rees Cup class 73, flower and veg collection — B. Hannam; The Rev’d Puntan Cup for most points in horticultural collection (excluding top vase and top tray) — B. Wilson; Freshwater Horticultural Society Cup for most points in floral art section — Ms C. Plent; Mrs Pink Cup class 78, floral art section — Ms S. Coombs; Mrs E. Ward Cup class 84, floral art section — Ms C. Plent; Hilary Jarman Cup for most points in cookery section —Mrs Harris; cup for most points, boys — Toby Temple; cup for most points, girls — Eliza Couldrey; Robert F. Frise Trophy for most points, handicraft section — Ms V. Yalden; RHS Banksian Medal for most points in whole of the horticultural classes (excludes winner of previous two years) —B. Everest; National Dahlia Society silver classes 1-8 — D. Everest; National Dahlia Society bronze classes 1-8 — D. Everest.