Rose Show a ‘Sensory Delight’

A wet winter and spring, while not to everyone’s taste, provided local rose growers with plenty of blooms to take to the town’s November Rose and Flower Show. 2011’s ‘small is beautiful’ show proved to be only a blip in the event’s long history, as this year’s total entry was up again by 30% to nearly 330, with 140 of these in the Rose Classes. Fortunately the perfect weather didn’t keep visitors away either. Donations at the door and raffle sales, and generous sponsorship by Property Brokers, plus the Council for use of the Town Hall keep the show solvent. So this year the Committee was able to donate surplus funds to the ‘Life Flight Trust’. Thanks everyone!

Each year the organisers look for something new to add to the over 100 year old event. Three displays this time attracted a lot of interest. The Wellington Ikebana Group’s elegant arrangements provided a complete contrast to the Heritage Rose Society’s profusion of gorgeous blooms and something completely different from the Wairarapa Cake Decorators Guild – stunning arrangements all expertly fashioned from icing.

Trophies are awarded each year and with engraving paid for by Property Brokers, provide a fascinating record of the Rose Show’s history. The oldest ones are for the Irises which have winners from the early 1900’s. 2012’s champions, from 34 blooms entered in these two classes alone, were Betty Finlayson and Terry Johnson.

Heather Colton won the cup for the ‘Champion Exhibition Rose’ and Martinborough’s own Wharekaka repeated last year’s success with two Rose Trophies. The residents derive much joy from their beautiful garden and will be very proud of their winnings! Rachel Welsh, a new exhibitor, was 2012’s Champion Novice Rose grower.

There are six ‘Points’ Cups to be won, and this year four went to Committee members [not an ‘inside job’!] Yvonne Harvey won in the ’Open Roses’ section and the Bain Cup for most points over the show. Greytown’s Sylvia Osborne excelled in the ‘Home and Garden’ division and Maree Roy won the ‘Michell Memorial Tray’ for points in Novice Roses. Interestingly her miniature rose entries quite probably came from bushes planted by Charles Michell, whose house she now owns.

Floral Art was popular this year, with 30 entries on display. The ‘Oriental Arrangement’ class was a challenge! Committee and judges were delighted to see several entries by teenagers at this year’s show, and impressed by their obvious talent. Local resident Dawn Hartnell was the winner of the McAnulty Points Cup in this section.

The Children’s Section remains small but the quality of entries was excellent, according to judge Mate Higginson. Catriona Savage’s ‘Arrangement with a Favourite Toy’ was superbly constructed and her section trophy win was well deserved. Well done, Catriona!
No show is complete without raffles. The Rose Bush [of course] lucky ticket belonged to Fred Nightingale and this year’s Christmas Cake was won by Floral Art Judge Diana Donald.
The Committee are delighted with this year’s event and are already contemplating one for 2013. Finally they wish to extend a huge thank you to all who helped to make the day such a success.