Gardeners and bakers from across Epping Forest celebrated a bumper year this bank holiday weekend.

More than 250 people visited the Epping Horticultural Show on Saturday (August 29), held at St John’s Church.

Opened by town mayor Michael Wright and MP Eleanor Laing, hundreds of entries were made in a number of competitive categories, including best fruit and vegetables, preserves and flowers.

Despite challenges such as dry spells and recent heavy rainfall, judges were impressed with the quality of entries.

Society member and organiser Victoria Robertson was also one of the most successful growers, taking home several medals which were presented by Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Howard Martin Stuchfield MBE.

Ms Robertson said: “The Epping horticultural committee worked so hard together to put on a great horticultural show.

“I was very pleased with the trophies and awards I received on the day.

“It has been yet again another successful growing year for me.

“To receive the Banksian Medal too, I am overjoyed!”

 

The full list of winners was as follows:

 

Treasurer’s Cup for Best in Show: Marcia Levan-Harris

Banksian Medal for Most Points in Flower, Fruit and Vegetable Classes: Victoria Robertson

NVS Medal for Most Points in Vegetable Classes: Marcia Levan-Harris

Leisure Shield for Most Points in Flower Classes: Victoria Robertson

Epping Rose Bowl for Most Points in Rose Classes: Marcia Levan-Harris

Crowther Cup for Most Points in Pot Plants: Victoria Robertson

Silver Bowl for Best Pot Plant: Denise Beard

Fothergill Cup for Best Vase of Mixed Flowers and Foliage: Victoria Robertson

Fred Bowles Memorial Trophy for Best Spray Chrysanthemum: Victoria Robertson

Anniversary Shield: Victoria Robertson

Gooday Cup for Best Collection of four kinds of vegetables: Amy Bramble

Preserves Trophy for Best Preserve: Letitia Berry

Letitia Berry Salver for Most Points in Baking & Preserves: Mr & Mrs Lowry

Cake Tier for Best Baking Entry: Mr & Mrs Lowry

First prize for Miniature Gardens: Caitlin Taylor

Second: Oscar Ruthven

First prize for Cress Head: Oscar Ruthven

Second: Lola Ruthven