The 96th annual summer show in Bolton-le-Sands has kept a cherished tradition alive.
Bolton le Sands Horticultural Society's Annual Summer Show was held on Saturday August 15 from 2pm to 4.15pm at the Village Community Centre.
The weather was perfect for show day and the hall was filled with fabulous exhibits.
This year the show was opened by the Right Worshipful the Mayor of Lancaster, Councillor Colin Hartley JP and the Mayoress, Elaine Hartley.
In a lovely speech, the mayor said: "As we all know, a village show is about much more than friendly competition.
"It brings us together, celebrates our shared environment, and fosters community cohesion.
"I want to extend my thanks to the Show Secretary, Louise Belcher, the committee, the judges, and all the dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make this fabulous event a reality.
Colin Hartley, the mayor of Lancaster, and Louise Belcher
"Whether you are a seasoned exhibitor, a first-time entrant, or simply here to enjoy the afternoon, it’s your participation is what keeps these cherished local traditions alive.
"I hope you all enjoy the magnificent displays, the refreshments, and the company of friends and neighbours.”
The society’s President, Barbara Bainbridge, presented the mayor and mayoress with a beautiful picture of a robin drawn by local Artist, Sandy Gardner.
The mayor and mayoress with Barbara Bainbridge
Barbara had earlier presented a picture of a Winter Hare, also by Sandy Gardner, to Colin & Wendy Hargreaves, who have stepped down as members of the committee, as a token of the society’s appreciation for their service to the Society.
Growing conditions have been very difficult this year, with virtually no rain for many weeks. However, despite the reduced number of exhibits of flowers, there were plenty of fruit and vegetable exhibits on display, with some particularly eye-catching shallots and onions this year.
The Blue Ribbon and National Vegetable Society Silver Medal were won by Rebecca Wait for three shallots and the Banksian Medal was won by Martin Ellam.
Blue Ribbon Winner Rebecca Wait with Chair Ian Hutton
The National Dahlia Society Bronze Medal was won by first time entrant Geoff Topham for a vase of three decorative dahlia blooms.
Other awards presented at the show included those for the Village Garden Competition:
Len Parkinson Trophy for Best Large Garden - Belinda and Steve Garland
H & M Pennington Trophy for Best Small Garden - Trevor Malin
Arthur Briggs Trophy for Best Patio Garden - Kevin Fisher
David Rodwell Shield for Most points in Village Garden Competition - Kevin Fisher.
Westmorland & North Lancs Federation of Hort Show Societies Championship prizes from 2025 were also presented as follows:
Vegetables
1st - Martin Ellam 69pts (£10)
2nd - Alan Jolley 32pts (£5)
3rd - Bill Howarth 26pts (£3)
Flowers:
1st - Mark Hewertson 42pts (£10)
2nd - Trevor Piearce 39pts (£5)
3rd - Malcolm Briscoe 28pts (£3)
Over 170 visitors came through the doors to see the exhibits and enjoy the coffee and cakes served by the lovely team from the WI.
Onions and shallots exhibits.
The auction was conducted by Social Secretary, Steve Slater, aided by auction runners Jenson Lofthouse and George Jackson. It raised £73, £50 of which will be donated to the charity of the year, North West Air Ambulance.
“Once again, we delivered a fabulous show with the help of our team of committed volunteers," said Louise Belcher.
"This is my 20th year on the committee and I would like to thank everyone who helps make the show happen. It’s a lot of hard work but well worth it to see the wonder on the faces of people who come through the doors to see it.”
The Horticultural Society's next event will be a Gardeners Question Time-style event on Friday September 18 starting at 7pm at the United Reform Church in Bolton le Sands.
Thank you to Louise Belcher for the report.
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