Annual Show Report 2026
It seems a while ago since March, when we very optimistically set the schedule, thinking about abundant cut flowers and vegetables! So as the summer got dryer and gardens crispy, we were very concerned about Show entries. BUT Stoodleigh rose to the challenge and, with entries only slightly down, created another interesting, beautiful and creative show. THANK YOU to everyone who entered.
The setting up of the Show starts on Friday: Chris Lines from Mid Devon Marques, delivers 12 extra tables - delivers and puts them up, all in exchange for a thank you chocolate cake! Then we know we’re up and running.
This year we altered the Show around, we think it has been laid out much the same in the Hall for over 20 yrs. So, a bit of extra magic; a few strings of fairy lights and some fresh ideas. We are very fortunate to have lots of willing members with their partners who came along to help....so by early evening we were set up. Our very generous members, started to deliver a wonderful selection of homemade cakes and scones ready for the show refreshments. The fridge was stocked with salad and quiche ready for lunch for the judges, stewards and helpers.
The Show opened at 10am, to take exhibits; we were all ready. Fairy lights on, helper stewards ready, the Hall looked a real treat. By 11.15am all the exhibits had arrived, judges had been welcomed and the serious work began. Each section has a judge and steward; the points are collated and certificates written; our recorders beavering away this year with the help of an angle poise lamp. Meanwhile the outside of the hall is set up as a pop-up café. The parking area had been cleared of leaves and looked very smart. Tables and chairs set up, ready for judges, stewards and helper lunches. With the gazebo, bunting, our Garden Club stall and the buckets of judged potatoes, it all looked very welcoming. The catering team, ably led, are ready and work solidly all day, yet again.
At 2pm the exhibits are ready for viewing. People trickled in....we were a bit concerned no one was coming; how wrong we were!
Lots of interested people and exhibitors; lots of customers to enjoy the wonderful cakes on offer... all of them worthy of the cookery trophy. It was very social; the sun shone; the refreshments perfect.
Pat Pennington, our President and one of our founder members, handed out the rosettes and trophies. Pat said "it was still a very special show". How wonderful after all these years.
Gradually exhibitors cleared the Hall of their exhibits, our team of helpers got stuck in yet again and the Hall was tidy by 6pm.
We raised £379.15 which will be used to support next year’s Show, pay for hall hirings for Garden Club events and fund our free-to-all talk on hornets on October 16th.
Thank you all for making ‘26 a very special Show in very tricky weather and growing conditions.
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