Packed programme for banffshire event
Experts put final touches to flower show
Published:
Green-fingered experts are putting the final touches to their exhibits for one of the biggest flower shows in Banffshire this weekend.
The show at Aberchirder on Saturday will feature the usual floral and vegetable classes where keen competition is the order of the day.
A packed programme of sports and entertainment has also been lined up for the McRobert Park, and the event will culminate with the popular marquee disco at night.
The show opens to the public at noon and trophy winners will receive their prizes from Rachel Stewart, of North Tonight, at 2.45pm.
Organisers hope to mirror the increase in overall show entries experienced by last weekend’s flower show at Banff.
Afternoon attractions at Aberchirder include displays by the Portsoy-based Skip 2 The Beat skippers and the Phoenix Dancers, a vintage tractor show, a balloon race, baby show and other fun.
Music will be supplied by Inverurie Pipe Band and a grand fancy dress parade takes place at 6.50pm.
Meanwhile, the organisers of the Banff show on Saturday are reflecting on total entries of 800, which was up from about 700 last year.
Secretary Muriel Farquharson said: “We had 32 vases of sweet peas which was the best at Banff for more than 30 years and the scholars section was up from 74 in 2007 to 173 this time.”
George McCaig, of Macduff, took the Abercromby and Duthie Cups while Miss Farquharson lifted the Sutherland Cup.
Mr McCaig also claimed the Birnie Salver for red roses, the Lyall Trophy for a bowl of roses and the Bank of Scotland Rosebowl for most points in the roses section.
The cut flowers champion was Colin Chinchen, Macduff, who won the Banff Springs Cup for most points and the Craib Cup for dahlias, while Denis Simpson, from Turriff, took the Bowman Trophy for most points in cut flowers.
Trophy winners in vegetables, fruit, pot plants and other sections received their awards from Banffshire Deputy Lord Lieutenant Patricia Seligman.
