
Date: Saturday 1st September 2018
Location: St Andrew’s Church
Sponsors: Gates Nurseries and Garden Centre, Mike and Sonia Graves, Whissendine Feast Week Committee, Whissendine Parish Council.
Show officials: Sarah Bysouth, Chair (Whissendine 226); David Penny, Show Manager (Whissendine 008); Marion Lawrie, Show Secretary (Whissendine 072).
Show timetable
Friday 31 August (evening before the show)
4pm – 6pm Registration opens but no staging of exhibits.
Saturday 1st September (day of the show)
8am – 10.30am Registration re-opens and exhibits are staged.
11am – 1.30pm Judging.
2.00pm The show reopens and tea and cake will be on sale in the church.
4.00pm Prizes presented by Sir Laurence Howard
4.15pm Immediately after the prizes have been awarded, some exhibits will be auctioned or sold along with surplus cakes from teas.
5.30pm Exhibits may not be removed until after the presentation of the prizes. Any exhibits not removed by 5.30pm will be disposed of by the show management.
Show rules: download PDF
Previous winners of sponsored trophies: click here
Show Categories
The 2018 Craft and Produce Show is made up of 113 classes across 12 categories or sections (2 categories are for juniors only).
Produce Section 1 – Vegetables & Fruit
• All exhibits in sections 1 & 2 must have been grown by the exhibitor.
• Always bring extra items and choose the best when staging your exhibit.
• If a class asks for more than one item remember the judges will be looking for condition and uniformity (shape, size and colour).
• Check that you exhibit the correct number of items required in the class description.
• Leave stalks intact and cut to length if required by the class description.
• All vegetables must be lightly washed.
• ‘As grown’ means not stripped or peeled.
• Only exhibit items that are free of disease and/or pests such as aphids.
Class number
1. Apples eating – 3, same variety
2. Apples cooking – 3, same variety
3. Beetroot – 3, same variety, as grown
4. Carrots – 3, same variety, topped to 8cms (3.25’’)
5. Chillies – 3, same variety
6. Courgettes – 3, same variety, each not exceeding 15cms (6’’)
7. Garlic bulbs – 2, same variety
8. Gourd – 1, most interesting, shape or colour
9. Leeks – 2, same variety
10. Onions – 3, same variety, as grown
11. Pears – 3, same variety
12. Plums – 5, same variety
13. Potatoes – 5, same variety
14. Raspberries – 7, same variety
15. Runner bean – 1, longest
16. Runner beans – 5, pods, same variety
17. Tomatoes – 3, same variety, calyx left on
18. Tomatoes cherry on the vine – no less than 5 fruit
19. Collection of cut herbs – 5 distinct kinds
20. Misshapen vegetable or fruit – 1
21. A trug of mixed vegetables and/or fruit
Produce Section 2 – Flowers
• All exhibits are fresh, cut flowers and must be grown by the exhibitor.
• The container forms part of the exhibit and will be judged accordingly.
Class number
22. Begonia – 1 bloom, any variety
23. Clematis – 1 bloom, any variety
24. Dahlia – 3 blooms of the same variety
25. Hosta – 1 leaf, any variety
26. Rose – single specimen judged on best scent, any variety
27. Roses – 3 of the same variety
28. Pansies – 6 of the same colour and variety
29. Phlox – 3 of the same variety
30. Single floating flower – stem cut to 2.5 cm (1’’) maximum, no foliage
31. Sweet peas – maximum of 15 sprays, any variety in a vase or bowl
32. Pot plant foliage maximum 60 cm (2’) in height
33. Open class – any single bloom not covered above
34. Arrangement of foliage for a side table – any colours maximum 76 cm (2’6’’) in height
35. Jug of mixed garden flowers maximum 60 cm (2’) in height
Produce Section 3 – Baking
• All items must be home baked and presented on a paper plate provided.
Class number
36. Carrot cake – any recipe
37. Gluten free cake – any recipe
38. Tray bake – 4 pieces, any recipe
39. Shortbread – 6 pieces, any recipe
40. A loaf of bread – 500grm or 1lb – any type
41. A Cornish pasty
42. Men only – 4 brownies
43. Women only – 4 sausage rolls
Produce Section 4 – Preserves and Chutneys
• Containers must be clear glass, labelled with contents and date.
• Top can be screwed or cellophane but not both.
Class number
44. Jar of ‘stoned fruit’ jam
45. Jar of ‘non-stoned fruit’ jam
46. Jar of marmalade
47. Jar of chutney
Produce Section 5 – Home Brew
• Labelled including date bottled.
• Bottle must be easily opened for judging.
Class number
48. Bottle of beer
49. Bottle of sloe gin
50. Bottle of apple cider
51. Bottle of elderflower cordial
52. Bottle of non-alcoholic perry
Crafts Section 6 – ‘Soft’ Materials
• The crafts must not have been previously exhibited in any show.
• Judged on material choice, skill and presentation.
Class number
53. Cushion 40 x 40 cm (16’’x 16’’) pad inserted
54. Hand knitted item
55. Craft item for a baby
56. Item of embroidery
57. Machine or hand quilted item
58. Ladies scarf or small shawl made from fabric, silk or wool
59. Item of jewellery made by the exhibitor
60. Item of lace
61. Item of soft furnishing (not cushions)
62. Example of gift wrapping
Crafts Section 7 – ‘Hard’ Materials
• The crafts must not have been previously exhibited in any show.
• Judged on material choice, skill and presentation.
Class Number
63. Item of wicker work – using willow, rushes, twigs, cane etc.
64. Item of wood work or metal work
65. An ‘upcycled’ item made from recycled materials
66. Decorated box with an opening lid, max size 30 x 30 x 30cm (12” x 12” x 12”)
Craft Section 8 – Art
• Art work must not have been previously exhibited in any show.
• Unframed art work must be in a mount but need not hang.
Class number
67. Abstract – any medium
68. Landscape – any medium
69. Portrait – any medium
70. Flower or flowers – any medium
71. Pottery – any item
72. Sculpture – any item
Craft Section 9 – Flower Arrangements
• Flowers and foliage used may be bought and may be fresh, dried, silk, etc.
• The container forms part of the exhibit and will be judged accordingly.
Class number
73. Arrangement in single candlestick with secured candle
74. Arrangement of cakes made from flowers on a cake stand
75. Arrangement for a harvest festival
76. Decorated wreath for any occasion
77. Wired corsage of any flowers
Craft Section 10 – Photography
• Photographs must not have been previously exhibited in any show.
• All photographs must be 18 x13cm (7’’x5’’), unframed and unmounted.
Class number
78. Sunrise or sunset
79. Landscape or waterscape
80. Whissendine village scene
81. Flower portrait
82. Bird or birds
83. Insect or insects
84. Shadow or reflection
85. Any kind of transport
86. Food cooked or uncooked
87. Confusing / funny sign
88. Make us laugh (not a sign)
Junior Section 11 – up to age 8
• Age to be stated on the entry slip and will be taken into account when judging.
• Exhibits presented on a provided paper plate if required by the class description.
Class number
89. A painted or decorated hard-boiled egg – shell left on
90. A decorated paper plate – any medium
91. An illustration of an animal – A4 size, any medium
92. A thank you card – any medium, finished card A5 when folded
93. Rocky road – 6 pieces on paper plate provided
94. Model of a figure in any modelling material –maximum 15 cm (6’’) in height,
95. Potato stencil printing – A4 size
96. A vehicle made from vegetables
97. Dragon made from recycled materials, maximum 30x30x30cm (12”x12”x12”)
98. A Lego model not from a kit maximum 10x10x10cm (4’’x4’’x4’’)
99. Sunflower head – greatest diameter
100. A photograph of family or friends having fun, 18 x13cm (7’’x5’’)
101. Open craft – not covered in any other category
Junior Section 12 – aged 9-16
• Age to be stated on the entry slip and will be taken into account when judging.
• Exhibits presented on a provided paper plate if required by the class description.
Class number
102. A painted or decorated hard-boiled egg – shell left on
103. A decorated paper plate – any medium
104. An illustration of an animal – A4 size, any medium
105. A thank you card – any medium – finished card A5 when folded
106. Decorated cupcakes – 4 on provided paper plate
107. Model of a figure in any modelling material – maximum 15 cm (6’’) in height
108. A craft item made from a kit
109. A craft item designed and made by you – any medium
110. A hand puppet made from re-cycled materials
111. Sunflower head – greatest diameter
112. A photograph of family or friends having fun, 18 x13cm (7’’x5’’)
113. Open craft – not covered in any other category
Hints & Tips
Every month in the run up to the Craft & Produce Show, the organisers will share hints and tips relating to one of the categories in the show. Check back each month for more tips below.
This is the time of year though to start planning ahead either by purchasing your seeds or preparing the ground for growing…. Yes I know it’s only January but your Runner Bean trench needs preparing early!!!
Talking of Runner Beans, we are having a Longest Runner Bean class in the show this year and I was talking to one lady in the Village about this new class. She said she would be using Elephant dung on her beans. It made me think that her garden must be a sight bigger than mine if she keeps Elephants!
We also have a new class for the most interesting Gourd. These fruits are very easy to grow and are part of the Cucubitaceae family – marrows, squashes, and cucumbers to you and me. They are grown largely for ornamental reasons as they are not edible and come in lots of colourful shapes and sizes so we hope it makes an interesting class.
This year we are also separating the Apple class in two – eating apples and cooking apples, as our judge found it really difficult to decide the winner from the two different types of fruit at last year’s show.
So get started even if it’s just perusing the seed catalogues as you sit by the warm fireplace and start planning because spring is just around the corner!
Wishing you good gardening and good luck showing.
Keith Dugmore
Chairman of Whissendine Allotment Association
Generally what the judges look for in the photography section is good composition and a shot that is well ‘framed’ and catches the eye. So photos that are unusual in terms of lighting, colour, subject and character are all important.
This year the rules for the photographic section have changed. All entries must be the same size at 18 x 13cm (7″ x 5″), unframed and unmounted. Photographs must not have been previously exhibited in any show but there is no rule about when the photograph was taken.
The photography section includes some favourite classes from previous years but also some new ones. Don’t be afraid to be creative!
Sunrise or sunset: Look for a dramatic skyline with fabulous colours.
Landscape or waterscape: Try to include something in the foreground to add interest.
Whissendine village scene: We have a beautiful and interesting village that lends itself to this class, so you should be spoilt for choice. But make sure your scene is recognisable!
Flower portrait: Lighting and focus are key for this class. Also consider the angle of the shot.
Bird or birds: A difficult subject but a good close up with movement could be a real bonus.
Insect or Insects: Be patient, get up close and personal and try your shot from different angles.
Shadow or reflection: High contrast is needed here and excellent lighting.
Any kind of transport: Think about any method to move or be moved by air, land or sea!
Food cooked or uncooked: Let you imagination loose with either a shot of a beautifully presented dish or a portrait of your favourite ingredient!
Confusing / funny sign: We’ve all seen them, signs that make you chuckle.
Make us laugh (not a sign): Make this as quirky as you like! Give us a real fun shot of something unexpected.
We hope this gives you something to aim for and will build on the high standards of previous years.
Jean Penny (with acknowledgement to Derek Whitehouse’s photographic advice for the 2017 show)
The schedules have now been delivered either through your letterbox or by school email. So why not take a look at some of the activities in the craft and produce show schedule and start planning your entries!
The Junior section is packed with ideas to keep you busy on those rainy days. Here’s just a small selection:
• Have you thought of decorating a hardboiled egg?
• Making a dragon out of recycled materials?
• Perhaps practice your cooking skills by making either rocky road or decorated cupcakes!
• Have a go at growing a sunflower – the bigger the better!
• Have a go at designing a craft item and then make it to put in as an entry – we would love to see your ideas!
• Do you love being creative with Lego? Let us see your designs by making a Lego model that is not made from a traditional kit – be inspired and conjure up some unusual models!
There are lots of ideas in the brochure – the classes are split into two age groups: aged 4 – 8 years and aged 9 – 16 years.
Have a look through, have a go and submit your exciting completed work. You will receive a rosette just for entering and you never know you may be awarded a winners rosette or even better, depending on your age group, the Junior shield!
Here are some hints and tips to help you to get the best from your flowers!
• Look at the brief very carefully and make sure you meet the criteria specified – if it says to use four flowers then that is what you should use
• Use the best examples of materials you have – foliage and flowers
• Find appropriate containers to show your exhibits at their best, or as requested in the brief
• Spend some time to consider how best to display your flowers or foliage to best advantage
• Give some thought to colour, texture, size and design and what you are trying to convey
• Use your imagination to show your style and flair
• Remember to put out your exhibit number
So now is the time to start thinking about the flowers you want to use, how you want to display them and what containers will work well.
Enjoy and have fun! I am sure you will all be fantastic!
For more information, visit the Craft & Produce Show page or contact Sarah (Whissendine 226) or David (Whissendine 008).