ROSE SHOW A “BLOOMING SUCCESS”

Our town’s 2014 Rose and Flower Show – in its 70th year – was held late in November in Martinborough’s equally famous Town Hall. The Committee, helpers, exhibitors and their exhibits, visitors and even the Town Hall itself, all battled the wind [and won!] to make a successful and attractive show.

As well as nearly 400 entries including lots of roses and some beautiful irises, there was a popular display of Bonsai put on by the recently formed Wairarapa Bonsai Club, and a table of exquisite creations made out of icing from the Cake Decorators’ Guild.

The two Rose Classes Judges and well-known Gareth Winter, who judged the ‘Cut Flowers’, were impressed with the standard of entries, particularly because of the inclement weather that exhibitors have been facing.
The imaginative entries in the Children’s Section were one of the show’s highlights this year. Local lad Cody Busch won the trophy for 2014 and all children received a special certificate.

The traditional raffles – Rose Bush and Christmas fruit cake – very appropriate for a November Show – brought out visitors’ competitive spirit. Yvonne Harvey who is one of the mainstays of the Committee no doubt purchased heaps of tickets, because there was much delight when she won the Rose Bush. The fruit cake went to a visitor to the town, Heather Smith from Wellington, who was visiting her sister-in-law. “I’m thrilled!” was her response.
The Rose Show has eighteen perpetual trophies; many with famous names – donated and engraved. This year, the ‘Champion Exhibition Rose’ cup was won by Carterton enthusiast Hilary Tait.Hher lovely exhibit was judged the best from thirteen entries in the class.

Sylvia Osborne, also one of the small Committee, is very enthusiastic about entering. She deserved to win the ‘Bain Cup’ for “Most Points over the Show”.

As usual, a special thankyou to Property Brokers, the Show’s major sponsors, and also to Mitre 10 Timber Yard staff for donating some ‘trophy winner’ stands.

The Committee would also like to thank all those who helped, visited, and especially the new exhibitors. Martinborough events and residents have a reputation for friendliness and fun; this was much in evidence at the Show. 2015 Show will be a ‘definite’. Watch this space!