Hillsborough show sees intense competition

Hillsborough Horticultural Society has applauded what organisers called 'another very successful Spring Flower Show'.
Richard McCaw, Hillsborough, winner of the prestigious 'Silver Thread' at Hillsborough Horticultural Society's recent annual Spring Flower Show,  with Society president, Jacqui Townsley.Richard McCaw, Hillsborough, winner of the prestigious 'Silver Thread' at Hillsborough Horticultural Society's recent annual Spring Flower Show,  with Society president, Jacqui Townsley.
Richard McCaw, Hillsborough, winner of the prestigious 'Silver Thread' at Hillsborough Horticultural Society's recent annual Spring Flower Show, with Society president, Jacqui Townsley.

The recent event, held a little later this year due to Easter, reportedly saw main daffodil growers throughout Northern Ireland flock to Hillsborough.

A spokesperson said: “Although daffodils predominated, there were other flowers too, including floral arrangements.

“The fact that the Show was a little later this year because of Easter probably helped the level of entries. The daffodils were really at their peak and the competition between exhibitors was intense.

“This left the judges with quite a difficult job on their hands as they compared and evaluated each of the entries.

“One of the prestige competitions came to Hillsborough this year when members of the Northern Ireland Daffodil Group competed for the Silver Thread Award, an entry comprising three vases of three blooms, at least three divisions of any variety.

“The Chairman, Derek Alexander, thanked all the exhibitors and visitors, and of course all those who had been involved in organising, setting up and running the show.

“President of the Society, Jacqui Townsley, handed over the silverware to the winners.”

The main prizewinners were as follows: Special prize for first in Class of 12 varieties of daffodil, one bloom of each - Dave Hardy, Dromore, Co Tyrone; Orr Perpetual Challenge Cup for most points in the Open Daffodil Classes - Dave Hardy; the McGready Cup for most points in the Amateur Intermediate Daffodil Classes - Gordon Finch, Belfast; the Gray Challenge Cup for the competitor gaining most points in the Novice Daffodil Classes - Ted Thompson, Annahilt.

Also, winner of the best exhibit in the Daffodils for Display - Mr and Mrs P Wallace, Lisburn; the Northern Ireland Daffodil Group Silver Thread Award - Richard McCaw, Hillsborough; the Mary E Johnston Memorial Perpetual Cup for the best exhibit in the Floral Art Classes -Laura Molloy, Lisburn; the Martin Cup for the best exhibit in the Children’s classes - Logan Belshaw, Lisburn.