Centenary for Rose Show Trophy
The now century old trophy.
Martinborough Rose [and Flower] Show last month became a small slice of local history, with the 100 year anniversary of one of its eighteen trophies. The “Martin Memorial Challenge Cup” – the prize for the Champion Head of Iris – was first awarded on September 14th, 1911.
Despite the adverse weather there were an amazing array of beautiful blooms on show.
The full title of the trophy is ‘The William James and Catherine Martin Memorial Challenge Cup’. In 1911 it belonged to the Martinborough Lower Valley Horticultural Society, and was presented to W & L Martin by George Pain. Unfortunately the next engraving date is not until 1944; when at that time or soon after it became the property of the Martinborough Rose Show. Katrina Jordan from Carterton was this year’s winner.
A smaller entry to the show this time didn’t detract from the lovely display in the Town Hall. A late spring meant less roses – the cause of much frustration for regular exhibitors – although entries in other sections helped to make up for that. Yvonne Harvey, one of the small but hard-working Committee, entered the Champion Exhibition Rose this year. It was a special occasion too, for our Wharekaka Home – two trophies for 2011!
As usual, the Committee extends a big thank you to Martinborough Property Brokers, who sponsor the show each year, and to all the volunteers. We’ll be back in 2012.
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