After a two year covid break the Brinkworth Show is back on the Sunday 4th September (https://www.brinkworthflowershow.com/). Hurrah!
One easy way to take part is to enter the produce show. And if growing is not your thing, then there are categories for jams, preserves, drinks, arts and crafts. Check the website above for a full list of the categories you can enter.
Whilst you may not think that your vegetables, fruit or flowers are show-worthy you may still find they are better than your neighbours! You don’t have to be an expert grower, the show is open to everyone. Some of the vegetable categories don’t have many entries, so just by entering you stand a chance of a 1st, 2nd or 3rd placing.
There are trophies to win as well such as overall points winner (you get points awarded for each category you enter and finish 3rd or higher in), and the coveted “best in show”.
Photo – plenty of trophies to be won if you like silverware!
I first entered the Brinkworth Show in 2008. I had no idea what I was doing but ended up with one first, two seconds and three thirds. This gave me the bug and I have taken part every year since, and even ventured out the village to enter the Somerford and Wroughton shows and even further afield to the national giant vegetable competition at Malvern.
Photo – my first attempt at a giant pumpkin at Malvern in front of the winner which was over 400kg
Sometimes a spur of the moment entry can yield surprising results. In 2018 I entered Wroughton Show mainly as they had a giant marrow category. At the last moment I entered 3 Jalapeno peppers, only to rewarded with a trophy for best in class!
Photo – it’s always good to win, especially when it’s unexpected!
How to enter
For your first show I suggest just concentrating on a few categories based on the vegetables or flowers you think you stand the most chance with.
Keep an eye out for the competition schedule, the show has a facebook page, a website and you should see details of the show in this magazine. Once you have the schedule decide what categories you want to enter. I tend to start planning in January when I decide what seeds to buy for the year. Now all you have to do is id the fun part, the gardening!
As the show approaches, you may want to check the rules, for example, root veg will require the leaves to be chopped in a uniform manner (each show varies but usually 2-3 inches). Make sure you have everything you need to present the produce. If you want an idea what the judges will be looking for RHS Horticultural Show Handbook is a useful purchase (it’s currently £8).
Photo – some categories are for quality, some are just sheer size!
Some vegetables like onions and potatoes can be prepared in advance of the show, I usually harvest onions in July/August and then dry the best ones for the show. Some vegetables need to be picked as close to the show as possible, for example, courgettes, herbs, tomatoes and beans.
On the day before the show make sure you have everything harvested, cleaned and ready to present, as on the day you have a limited time to stage the exhibits ahead of the show. Once you have stage your produce it is then time to enjoy the show.
An additional benefit is that taking part is a great way of getting to know everyone.
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