Chairman ahead on points

The chairman led the way again at the 32nd annual craft and horticultural show at St Giles’ Church Hall, Balderton, on Saturday.

Mr Derrick Hough (70) of Wetsyke Lane, Balderton, won the cup for most points in show for the third consecutive year.

Mr Hough, who also won the Wilson cup for points in the flower section, has been to all 32 shows, and once missed a family wedding to attend.

“I do not grow to show. I grow for my own benefit,” he said.

“It is hard work because it is not just about entering but about getting everything ready.”

He said he had passed on his love of the show to his family.

Last year his granddaughter, Amy Birch (6) of St Giles’ Way, Balderton, earned most points in the children’s section.

This year his youngest granddaughter, Rachael Birch (3) entered for the first time and was third in the children’s hand-crafted cards section.

Overall, there were six more entrants than last year, with 56 exhibitors. The number of entries in the photographic section rose from 75 to 133, and the children’s section went up from nine to 28.

Some sections, including the vegetable, flower arranging and home produce, were down slightly. The event raised £600 for St Giles’ Church.

Cup winners: St Giles’ cup for points gained by one exhibitor, Wilson cup for points in the flower section: D. Hough; St Giles’ committee shield for points in garden produce: A. Collins; Wardens’ rose bowl for points in flower arranging: Mrs I. Turner; Derrick Hough shield for points in home-made section: Mrs G. Longmate; St Giles’ shield for points in handicrafts: Mrs C. Wiltshire; Edith Stearman shield for most outstanding handicrafts exhibit: D. Bailey; St Giles’ photographic shield: C. Reed and Mrs C. Kawamoto; children’s points cup: Arabella Westmoreland and Eleanor Hurst.