THERE was tea, cake and friendly rivalry in Hatherleigh at the annual Flower and Produce show last Saturday.

Hatherleigh Community Centre opened its doors for the afternoon to welcome local people who came to marvel at the wonderful display of entries and enjoy tea, cake and a natter with friends and neighbours.

Entries were up on previous years and ‘best in show’ was won by Made-Well, the farm and horticulture centre run with help from people with special needs, with six cherry tomatoes.

‘Despite a very dry three months – brilliant for us, not so good for growing – there still managed to be an impressive number of entries in the flower, fruit and vegetable classes, while children’s entries were well up on previous years – an encouraging sign,’ said Susan Gill of organisers Hatherleigh Gardening Club.

‘There was a good display of home-baking and the increasingly popular photography section gave the judge much to muse over. Only the entries for floral arrangements were disappointing — in terms of numbers, not quality, I hasten to add!

‘It was a lot of hard work for the gardening club who organise the show but worth it, we hope, for the enjoyment and “friendly” rivalry of the day which seems to be appreciated by the local community.’

Cups were awarded as follows: Flowers, Ashanti Kelly. Vegetables, Made-Well. Fruit (shared), Pat Canham and Angela O’Brien.

Homecraft challenge (cookery) and best pasty, Netty Holwill. Floral arrangements (shared), Monica Jones and Ann Goord.

Photography, Mike Stamp. The novelty cup (most tomatoes on a truss), Gordon Reynolds. Best dahlia exhibit, Heather Tapp.

Cup winner, most points for children, Harry Edwards-Brady. Most outstanding exhibit by a child, Anna Bixter. Top tray, Deb Laing-Trengove. Top vase, Trish Wonnacott. Best in show, Made-Well.