Chairman Derek Walker introduced the guest speaker Brian Skeys for the evening of March 18 with his fascinating presentation/ talk/slides, “ The Floriade 2012”.

Spring has definitely sprung according to the astronomical definition the first day of apring began on March 20. Spring and springtime refer to the season and broadly to the ideas of rebirth, reward, and regrowth. We had placed posters for the Astley Show March 28 around the village designed by Denise Bower winner of the Astley School competition to advertise the event and it had really paid off. We certainly had our rewards. Robin Saunders Show Secretary and the Committee were delighted to see so many people. We had 34 exhibitors with 223 entries and in addition those from Astley CE Primary School. Altogether there were 163 Horticultural Exhibits, 40 Culinary Exhibits, and 9 Floral Art, 11 entries from local children plus entries from Astley School. Robin was impressed with the spectactular entries overall and increased Floral Art. The room was a kaleidoscope of colour .Trading for the plant sales was also brisk.

Spring Show Winners: Daffodil Cup D Walker Best Horticultural Rosette, D Walker; Best Floral Art Rosette, H Rogers: Best Culinary Rosette, C Russell: Best Domestic Rosette, C Russell.

Novice Classes: Daffodils 3 stems J Daniels: Daffodils 5 stems J Harris: Daffodils 9 stems G Saunders.

Floral Art: Here comes Spring; H.

Rogers, L Hughes, G Saunders.

Arrangement in any container;H Rogers, L Hughes, M Cook.

Novice Class Floral Art ; J Harris.

Children under 11 a decorated egg; T Harrison + A Dorrell, J Dorrell, O Frost.

A Vase of Spring Flowers: O Frost, A Dorrell, O Hill.

Children under 14 a decorated egg: G Baldwin, A Hill.

A vase of spring flowers; A Hill, G Baldwin.

Astley School Years 3/4 ELM: Flag for your school:Isla Gibbs, Phoebe Bowell, Sophie Whatmore & Cameron Shepherd.

Highly Commended Charlie Watts Commended Helen Badger and Jay Bennett Writing about school 5/6 OAK: Scarlet Holland, Denise Bower & Chloe Poligne, Jasmine Smith.

Highly Commended: Joseph Gibbs & Scarlet M Freeman Commended Morgan Draper & Hermione Cook.

Pot Plant Competition: G Saunders, V Powell, M Hughes.