Summer show a royal success
Richard Cutcher • Published 16 Jul 2012 15:00
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ROYAL INTEREST: Prince and Princess Michael of Kent arrive at St George's School and are shown around the show by Andrew Try.
GREEN GROWERS: Miss Sam Kerwood shows off Windsor Boys School's produce with pupils Ben Gow, Perry Fletcher, Aiden Rogers and Joshua George.
SHOW IN BLOOM: A bouquet of roses entered into one of 100 classes of competition.
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A ROYAL touch proved the icing on the cake as a rejuvenated flower show was hailed a resounding success.
The Royal Windsor Rose and Horticultural Society's summer show attracted twice as many visitors as last year and brought together garden enthusiasts of all ages, on Saturday.
Prince and Princess Michael of Kent toured the stall holders and exhibitors before officially opening the day at St George's School, in the grounds of Windsor Castle.
Andrew Try, the society's chairman, said: "We are very happy with how it went. Considering an hour and a half before we opened the heavens opened and it poured down we still had a good response.
"The Royals stayed for two hours, despite only being booked for one. They toured all the stall-holders and spoke to a lot of visitors."
Pupils from year nine and ten of Windsor Boys School, in Maidenhead Road, showcased pictures of their new vegetable patch and had produce on show.
Sam Kerwood, the children's biology teacher, said: "We have grown our own tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, broccoli and there is more to come.
"They have really enjoyed working together as a team and it is good to learn how long it takes to grow the food they eat every day."
Visitors were treated to a display the best grown vegetables and flowers in the region, as those judged to be first, second or third were found in the main show marquee.
Mr Try added: "The classes of competitor was very high and I was delighted because I won the photography class."
Celebrity spotters were treated to appearances by British actors Anna Friel and Rhys Ifans, while Windsor businessman and New Zealand rugby legend Zinzan Brooke brought his whole family.
Inbetween the birds of prey display, live jazz and morris dancing, enthusiastic horticulturists could learn a little about the art of beekeeping.
The Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead Beekeeping Society held a stall featuring a virtual hive, which clearly demonstrated how it works without scaring the locals with a swarm of live bees.
Liz Juby, a member of the society, said: "It really is growing in popularity again which is great. We have had a real resurgence in membership, especially in Windsor."
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