Well, on the 12th December, despite Blewbury Village Hall refurbishment not being complete, we managed to hold the Banksian Medal Competition outside the hall under a VPA gazebo. Thank you to Andrew for helping me put it up – I hadn’t got a clue which pole went where! We had nine entrants and all of them deserved to win. Well done to Rosie and Mathew Phillips (the youngest entrants) for taking part. The most unusual entrant was Tony Sibley’s whose table decoration displayed his skill as a woodturner and included wooden Christmas trees, snowmen and bells. And, congratulations to our entrant, 90 years young, who was placed 2nd by the judges – which proves you are never too old!!
The judges, Joanna Fielden and Alex, had great difficulty in choosing a winner as so much thought and work had gone into all the wreaths and table decorations. The final decision was:
1st place – Kornelia Hearman. (winner of the Banksian Medal)
2nd place – Helen Bennett
3rd place – Graeme Gettings
Highly Commended – Rose and Mathew Phillips
The judges asked the Committee to pass on congratulations to all the entrants for their beautiful entries, so, Congratulations to you all!
It is hoped that when we have the Summer Show in 2021, all the entrants in this competition will take part and put entries into the floral art section.
Well, we’ve now been locked into the Covid-19 Tier-4 and goodness knows how long it will be before we have freedom again. Let’s hope the vaccine which is now being given out will do its job and it can be distributed to everyone as soon as possible.
Despite the restrictions, the VPA will be preparing for the Summer Show, to be held in July 2021.
In the meantime, maybe we can hold another competition at the beginning of April – how about “An Easter Bonnet with Spring Flowers.”
There’ll be an update on the allotments next month. Just to let you know, the hens are surviving the mixed weather we’re having and still laying well.
Did You Know “It is said that marigolds, particularly the Mexican variety ‘tagetes minuta’ will control Ground Ivy, Horsetail and Ground Elder. It may be disconcerting to the visitor to see a dense crop of marigolds blazing in some unsuitable part of the garden, but if this remedy works as effectively as turnips against couch grass, who cares?
Happy Gardening – Keep well and safe.
A Happy, Healthy and Peaceful New Year from all the Committee Members of the VPA.
Eileen