Helston's healthy harvest on display at horticultural show

The Old Cattle Market was filled with vegetables, fruit and flowers, as well as handicrafts, baking and photography.

Entries were slightly up on last year, with handicrafts and vegetable classes particularly strong.

Dahlias were down, which was put down to the poor growing conditions this summer.

It was fruit and vegetables entries that won Stephen Nicholas from Porthleven the trophy for most prize cards in the show – a total of 24.

He narrowly beat Loretta Ruse, who picked up 23 prize cards, as well as four trophies. She has entered 17 shows already this year, all over the county, with eight more still to go.

The winner of the trophy for best exhibit in the show came from the art section, however, with an oil painting by Shirley White.

This year’s show was moved to a Sunday, to avoid clashing with Helston Farmers’ Market which is always held on the first Saturday of the month – but it had another benefit.

Show secretary Nicolas Boase said: “I think the change of day made a different, as we’re not clashing with another show.”

It also meant that exhibitors had Saturday to prepare their entries, which was particularly welcomed by those who worked during the week. Such was the success of the day change that it is likely to be same again next year.

Mrs Boase said: “Thank you to everyone who has exhibited and we would ask them to encourage more people – and bring their children along.”

Children’s entries this year were strong, both in quality and quantity, but Mrs Boase urged more to take part.

“They’re the next generation of exhibitors. It gives the children something to do in the school holidays, and especially if it’s bad weather it keeps them occupied,” she added.