Despite the difficult growing season due to the extremely dry weather this year, a splendid array of dahlias, roses, potted plants and flower arrangements greeted visitors to the Burbage Gardening Club 78^th Open Show as they arrived at Hastings High School on Saturday 15^th August. The vegetable growers had also somehow coped with the lack of rainfall and had produced some real quality exhibits. There were many favourable comments from the exhibitors, judges and visitors alike. The café and bar were as busy as ever, and the afternoon ended with the raffle, prize giving, and the presentation of the Recognition Award from the Royal Horticultural Society to Linda Barratt for her outstanding contribution to the club in her role as chairperson.

Volunteers from LOROS Hospice, our charity for the year, were present and collected donations amounting to £360 in lieu of an entrance fee to the show. This will be topped up with further donations and a from the show profits, and a formal presentation will be made to LOROS later in the year. LOROS volunteer Peter thanked the Club and highlighted some of the issues LOROS are facing before presenting the cups and trophies to the winning exhibitors.

Many thanks to the Show Sub-Committee for another splendid show and we look forward to the 79^th Show which will be held on the 21^st August next year.