Single point separates top seeds at Alness show

A SINGLE point separated the top dogs at an Alness horticultural showdown at the weekend.

The flower and vegetable show run by Alness Horticultural Society saw judges spoilt for choice with stunning blooms and vegetables vying for their attention.

The best exhibit in show was claimed by veteran local competitor George Pirie with his magnificent pink double begonia. But George Scott from Newtonmore went home with the Jack Bain Challenge Cup for Most Points in Show after pipping another Alness veteran, David Munro, by just a point.

In the cut flowers, Jack Bain had most points in roses while best exhibit in roses went to Melvin Miller. George Pirie gained most points and David Munro won the best exhibit with a vibrant vase of five dahlias. John Ross won the top vase competition and Susan Seright for sweet peas.

The dahlia sections were won by David Munro. John Ross secured most points in chrysanthemums and gained best exhibit. In the intermediate section, Rosie Macdonald gained the award for most points.

The fruit and vegetable classes saw some lively competition with Charles Scott picking up the silver for the collections of vegetables and most points in vegetables, best tray and best mini collection. It was a remarkable achievement given that the exhibits are grown on a tiny plot of land.

David Munro was able to shed tears of joy winning the onion championship for his exhibit grown from seed. Bruce Begg of Tain won best exhibit in leeks for his blanch leek exhibit.

Graham Sullivan won most points in fruit.

The floral art was well contested with Christel Mackintosh gaining most points while Jacqueline MacDonald was awarded best exhibit. Jacqueline also picked up the society’s special award of £50 which this year was allocated to the floral art section.

Joan MacIver collected the best novice award.

The junior classes were well attended again with some new names on the entry sheets. Kayleen Paterson won the seven and under class as well as gaining most points in children’s sections with Kayleigh Leiper garnering most points for the eight to 12-year-old classes.

The baking and preserves were very well contested. Once the judges had sampled their way through the exhibits, Alison Mackenzie took the award for most points in preserves, and best exhibit went to Sheila Spence, while Rhona Begg gained most points in baking.

Committee members paid tribute to all who participated and the contestants for the numerous exhibits left to auction for funds. They also thanked judges, helpers and the public who gave up free time to help make the day a success. The society’s spring bulb show is next March.

A social night and prize giving will take place on October 25.

The AGM is on November 22 at 7.30pm in the Perrins Centre, Alness.