HOOK FLOWER & PRODUCE SHOW  – Sunday 11^th September

The popular community event, Hook Flower and Produce Show at Hook’s Elizabeth Hall, was once again a resounding success with over 369 entries and hundreds of visitors.  Again, the event raised enough funds to help keep the show for both exhibitors and visitors free next year. It was wonderful to see villagers out and about enjoying the sunshine and meeting friends for tea again.

There were so many winners that County Councillor, Jonathan Glen, Parish Councillor John Orchard and Kevin Winchester the manager of Bridges estate agency presented the prizes between them.

HOOK IN BLOOM COMPETITION WINNERS 2022

With a wet cold spring then a hot dry summer, once again it has not been an easy gardening year. As many of you who are gardeners will testify we can’t rely on the seasons and have to adapt our timings as the year progresses.

So this year’s winners of the Hook In Bloom Competition are:

Bridges Estate Agency Trophy for the Most Attractive Front Garden:

Winner – Michael Graham, Raven Road

Highly Commended Front Garden Category:

Eve & Steve Kirk, Highfield Cottage, Morris Street

The Batten Trophy for the Best Residential Hanging Basket:

Winner:

Steve & Sally Riley, Myllers Lond

Highly Commended Hanging Basket Category:

Maggie Kirtley, Goose Green

The Hook Parish Council Trophy for the Most Attractive Business Premises:

Winner – St. Michael’s Hospice shop

Highly Commended – The Pet Shop

The Worlock Trophy for the Best Hotel, Restaurant or Pub:

Richard & Sally Sanders, Crooked Billet. They won for the extensiveness of the display with their welcoming front door.

Highly Commended – Laura Faulkner, The Hogget  

Community Trophy:

Berry Court in Station Road  (who won the trophy and an afternoon tea sponsored by Bridges Estate Agents

The Hook Cross Trophy for the Best Allotment:

Joint Winners were Georgie Youngs (Plots 49a and 54b) and Darren Nicholls (Plots 46c and 47a/b

Best Allotment Newcomer was Matt in from Plot 39a.

Both plot holders have produced exemplary plots this year and the judges just could not decide between the two.

BEST IN SHOW

The coveted Best In Show Trophy went to Robert Herron 

SCARECROW COMPETITION

The last part of the day was the presentation of the Amazon vouchers for the best scarecrow.  The winners were Kim Carswell with 72 votes who won £25, 2nd was Janet who won £12.50 with 45 votes, and 3rd was Max Urie-Passingham with 30 votes who won £12.50 in vouchers.

CONCLUDING SPEECH

After everyone had observed a minute’s silence in memory of HM Queen Elizabeth II who had recently passed away, Chairman of Hook Village Halls Charitable Association David Saunderson, in his concluding speech, thanked Maggie Kirtley the Show secretary and Sue Hinton and all the volunteers from Hook In Bloom, Hook Allotments Association and Hook Village Halls who had worked so hard together to make the day such a huge success. He also went on to thank County Councillor Jonathan Glen, a huge supporter, through his County Councillor devolved budget, of many village initiatives, Parish Councillor, John Orchard and the manager of Bridges Estate Agency, Kevin Winchester.

David went on to say, “What would an event like this be without refreshments and especially delicious cakes from Louise Ingleton of Simple Cakes, who always steps in to do the catering that helps raise much needed funds for this and other projects. I would also like to thank everyone who donated prizes, took part in the tombola, and donated and brought plants & produce from our stall.

He concluded, “Last but not least everyone who has entered their exhibits, whether you won or not. Hook is alive with talented people and great gardeners. We hope to see you next year.”