COLOURFUL flowers and stunning vegetables - including a pumpkin weighing almost 100lb - were on display as a summer show was hailed as a success.And despite the variable weather conditions, around 1,000 visitors turned out over the weekend (16/17) for the annual Oulton Broad and Lowestoft Horticultural Society show.

COLOURFUL flowers and stunning vegetables - including a pumpkin weighing almost 100lb - were on display as a summer show was hailed as a success.

And despite the variable weather conditions, around 1,000 visitors turned out over the weekend (16/17) for the annual Oulton Broad and Lowestoft Horticultural Society show.

Organisers of the two-day show at Pontins Holiday Centre in Pakefield revealed the show was a “huge success” and society chairman Frank Mortimer said: “The marquee was packed all afternoon with visitors admiring the stunning flowers and vegetables on show.”

With the sun shining all day on Saturday, the Mayor and Mayoress of Lowestoft opened the show and were presented with bouquets by two of the Young Gardeners Club, Lily and Maisie Alger.

“John Thomson's display of unusual vegetables was a great attraction and visitors were invited to try some Mexican radish seed with great delight,” Mr Mortimer said. “The Dahlia basket of Dick Cook drew many admiring glances and the display of fuchsias by Doreen Kent was one of the best seen for a long time.”

A heavy rainstorm on Sunday morning led to a lot of fun with visitors being unable to talk as the rain lashed down on the marquee, before the sun came out later.

The heaviest pumpkin, weighing nearly 100lbwas won by Billy Edwards of Gorleston, with 86-year-old John Pretty of Halesworth winning the cup for potatoes - in his 53rd year of exhibiting at Oulton Broad.

“This was a wonderful weekend at Pontins with many thanks to them, which was enjoyed by their holiday guests, exhibitors and the visitors,” Mr Mortimer said.

SPECIAL AWARDS - ALL SHOWS

All challenge cups and trophies to be held for one year and are presented at the society's annual meeting in November 2008

The Jubilee Bowl - presented by the late M E Humphery - Frank Mortimer, for the highest number of first prizes at all shows.

The Sansom Floral Art Trophy- for the most points - Joyce Aguss, in Floral Art classes at all shows.

The Charles Leggett Memorial Trophy- for the most points - Frank Mortimer, in Begonia classes at all shows.

SHOW RESULTS

The RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) Banksian Medal - Frank Mortimer, for the highest number of points in horticultural classes at the August Show.

Section 1 - Dahlias

The Rachel Gurney challenge trophy - Derek Fairhead, for the highest number of points in the whole section.

The Cyril Richards challenge cup-winner of class 1 - Derek Fairhead.

The Heart of Gold Challenge trophy in memory of the late Winifred Keene- winner class 10 - Derek Fairhead.

The Mitchell Cup - winner of Class 19 - Derek Fairhead.

Section 2 - Cut Flowers

Garden News Challenge Shield most points in the section - Frank Mortimer

John Statham Memorial Cup Winner Class 27 gladioli - Frank Mortimer

Section 3 - Pot Plants

Malcolm E. Humphery Cup Best Exhibit in the section - Pat Powell

Dr Taylor Memorial Challenge Cup for highest points in the section - Frank Mortimer

Section 4 - Begonias

The S W Humphery Memorial Salver for Best Exhibit - Shirley Connolly

Section 5 - Fuchsias

The Vera Oldman Trophy for highest points in section - Doreen Kent

Section 6 - Vegetables

The Sea View Challenge Cup for most points in section - Frank Mortimer

Garden News Challenge Shield for best collection 81-83 - John Thomson

Herbert Collins Memorial Cup for winner class 69 - potatoes - John Pretty

The Royal Standard Shield. For winner class 81 collection - Billy Edwards

Section 7 - Floral Art

The Corner Shop Challenge Cup Best Exhibit - Frank Mortimer

Section 9 - Domestic Economy

The H.Capon Challenge Trophy most points in section - Anne Alger

Section 10 Handicrafts

Lowestoft Country Market Trophy for the best exhibit in section - Hetty Strachan