Behind the Scenes With RHS Judge Helen Baker

Latest Newsletter 24th June 2025 Our latest talk was by Helen Baker, local RHS show judge.  A small group of members enjoyed this very informative talk.  It began with some confusion, as a theatre group had turned up to rehearse.  We thought we were going to have a preview show before Helen’s talk.  Alas no, they found space at the social club next door!

But, onto the main event and Helen Baker’s slide show covered the history of shows and how they developed.  Harrogate is quite a mecca and the pictures of the giant vegetables are amazing.  Wow, how do they get to that size?  I will be giving my vegetables a good talking to when I go up the allotment next.  (I don’t think that works, but you never know!)  Not only were the showing successes demonstrated, but we heard of the many showing mishaps too.   Note: judges hate blemishes/damage, and always double/triple check the numbers required for each class. Helen passed on many tips, like using sand or rice to sit the round fruit on to save them rolling around the plate, and milk bottle tops to sit onions on.  What a simple solution.  We have a hints and tips page for exhibitors on the website. Thank you again to Helen Baker for an excellent talk and we really did find out what goes on behind the scenes.  Very generously, in lieu of payment Helen asked for a donation to be made to Phylis Tuckwell hospice.   Helen ran the amazing plant stall at Crondall Open gardens event, which raised a fabulous amount.  It was lovely to see so many Garden Society members enjoying that day.

(Jill and Liz on entrance duties at Helen’s talk!)

This talk has really helped us prepare for our Summer Show on Saturday 16th August.  There are many other local shows which are well worth a visit.  Crondall show is big and has over 700 entries, and Dogmersfield show is another village fete with classic cars, dog show, etc.  All except Dogmersfield are open to non-members to enter classes.  The list of dates is below. Our show is on a smaller scale and really does promote show what you grow.  Due to planned building work at the War Memorial hall the show will be held at Church Crookham Community Centre, Boyce Road GU528AQ.  Our show schedule will be available very soon on the website, Trading shed and sent out via e-mail.  So why not try a class or two, we can compare notes after the judging.  And we are always in need of volunteers, so please get in touch if you can help on the day. Here is a list of 2025 upcoming shows this summer.  Well worth a visit if you have an hour or two to spare, don’t want to go too far afield and want to support local.

  • 13th July 2025 – Ewshot Village Show. https://www.ewshotvillage.com
  • 19th July 2025 – Dogmersfield, Winchfield and Crookham Village Horticultural Society. https://www.dwcvhortsoc.org
  • 26th July 2025 – Crondall Flower, Produce and Craft Show 14:00 to 16:45h
  • 16th August 2025 – Church Crookham & Fleet Garden Society Summer Show – https://www.ccfgsoc.org.uk
  • 13th September 2025 – Froyle Autumn Show Don’t forget

26th July is the RHS Wisley visit.

Book your place with Gillian Rose – gillian999@gmail.com  T-07909 775134
Happy Gardening, Helen Howard