Strachur was in full bloom on Saturday (August 23) as the much-loved Strachur and District Flower Show made its vibrant return to the village’s Memorial Hall. Bathed in late-summer sunshine and fresh from a recent facelift, the hall welcomed a bustling crowd of exhibitors and visitors, all eager to celebrate a day of colour and creativity.
Tables groaned under the weight of homegrown produce and floral displays. Local gardeners, who had once again braved Argyll’s famously fickle weather, produced a dazzling array of entries. From immaculate roses and towering sunflowers to gleaming courgettes and quirky specimens, like the bashful carrot winner of the ever-popular wonky veg class, the standard was as high as ever.
The baking tables proved equally irresistible, with the judge tasked with sampling an enviable spread of cakes, scones and preserves. Younger participants brought energy and imagination, with inventive creations that delighted both judges and onlookers. Pupils from Strachur Primary School had clearly worked hard, their colourful artwork adding a special touch to the day.
Of course, no flower show would be complete without a good blether over tea and cake, and the refreshment tables were as busy as the exhibits themselves.
Committee member Angela Brown summed up the atmosphere perfectly, saying: “It was a lovely day, well-attended and with a really good number and standard of entries–enough to give the judges a headache, in a good way. The childrens contributions were as entertaining as ever, but there was also some seriously impressive growing on display. And as always, tea, cake and banter played a big part in the success of the show.”
The committee extended heartfelt thanks to all who made the event possible: the exhibitors for their creativity and effort, the judges for their fair-minded decisions, and the volunteers whose hard work ensured everything ran smoothly. Above all, thanks went to the community, who turned out in force to support one of Strachurs best-loved summer traditions.
With such a cheerful and colourful display, the Flower Show has once again proved itself a highlight of the local calendar and a fine celebration of village life in full bloom.
Cup and prize-winners
Vegetables
Bob Whyte Cup Highest points potatoes Angela Brown/Jill Campbell
Onions Cup Highest points onions Peter Clarke
Tomatoes Cup Highest points tomatoes Audrey Robb
Clachan Bar Shield Tray of vegetables Angela Brown
Alistair McLachlan Cup Best vegetable Angela Brown
Wonky Vegetable Shield Best wonky vegetable Sam Morgan
Mary Manton Cup Highest points vegetables Peter Clarke
Fruit
Angus Paterson Trophy Tray of mixed fruit Angela Brown
Pot plants
Borland Cup Highest points pot plants Audrey Robb
Pottery Dish Best pot plant Bill Dickson
Container of mixed bedding Best 18 container Alison Roy
Cut Flowers
Rose Bowl 4 rose blooms Carol Campbell
Clachan Bar Shield Highest points roses Carol Campbell/Mary Colquhoun/Christine Harding/Audrey Robb
Bon-Bon Dish Vase of perennials Rae Black
Maclachlan Cup Highest points sweet peas Angela Brown
Clachan Bar Shield Highest points cut flowers Audrey Robb/Alison Roy
Best vase
Flora McLachlan Trophy Best vase of flowers Rae Black
Dahlias
Dahlias Cup Highest points dahlias Audrey Robb
Baking and preserves
Baking Cup Highest points baking Cathie Montgomery
Preserves and Sweets Cup Highest points preserves Sandra Clarke
Children
Childrens Section Shield Highest points childrens section Connie Stirling
Animal or bird made from veg/fruit First place Mary Colquhoun
Plate of home-grown vegetables First place Connie Stirling
Chocolate chip cookies First place Connie Stirling
Painting or drawing of favourite garden/flower/fruit/vegetable (up to 5 years) First place Amelia
Painting or drawing of favourite garden/flower/fruit/vegetable (6-10 years) First place SC
Painting or drawing of favourite garden/flower/fruit/vegetable (11-16 years) First place Lachlan
Best in show
Andrew & Chrissie Gillies Memorial Cup Best exhibit in show Rae Black
Bowl Highest points in show Audrey Robb
