Midlands Dahlia Society 55th Annual Show 2013

55^th Annual Show 24^th, 25^th August 13

The Midlands Dahlia Society Annual Show had the most exhibitors and exhibits in a long time. amongst the 50 exhibitors were several exhibitors from the north - since the weather had encouraged early blooms, particularly the giants, as well as the south of the country. The honours were shared across many exhibitors.

Midlands 55th annual Show

Phil Watson is Midlands Champion.

		The NDS Silver Medal and Midlands Championship for the Mawby trophy were won by Phil Watson, visiting the show for the first time after many years of encouragement, with an outstanding entry comprising: Eastwood Moonlight, Oakwood Goldcrest, Gateshead Festival and Kenora Challenger. Phil also won the Lady Godiva Trophy showing: Charlie Two, Eastwood Moonlight, Oakwood Goldcrest and Leopold Chloe. The latter vase won the S & E Braddock Perpetual Challenge Trophy for the best vase of Small/min Ball in show.
In other classes Phil won the Gordon Steel Trophy with two vases of Westerton Harry – medium decs. shown on the right. Phil won the 20 bloom Bruce Watson and nine bloom Elaine Fenton Trophies. His Kenora Challenger bloom in the latter class won Phil the Leslie Jones Perpetual Challenge Trophy for the best vase of Large or Giant Cactus and / or Semi-Cactus in the show.
		Ray Weeks came down from Merseyside to win the Philip Damp Trophy for six blooms Giant Decs, in a class of 12 entries. Ray’s entry comprised: Sir Alf Ramsey, Bryn Terfel and one of the best Fairway Spur ever seen at the show. Ray also won the George Woodfield Trophy for a superb Sir Alf Ramsey.
John Jack won the Leicester Challenge Cup showing 3 Rose Jupiter. John also won the Styvechale Trophy for two better than usual quality vases off Kiwi Gloria, which also were awarded the Eddie Durrant Memorial Trophy for best vase of small / Miniature cactus in show. Click on each of the bottom two blooms for a closer look.

Frank Newbery wins the Stella Trophy with Gillwood Terry G and Dikara Superb.		Gavin Carter won the Dennis Watson Trophy with two vases of Hillcrest Candy.

	Geof K Wilson created an impression with his Pompons in a new presentation style. He also won the H Dunkley Trophy for the best vase of Poms in show using a more traditional presentation.


The Novice classes encouraged 9 exhibitors putting up 50 entries. It is pleasing to see so many up & coming novices The standard of entries suggests they may not be novices for long. The high quality of blooms shows that advice from senior society members is working through! Winners included: Giant / Large - Paul Bugden showing Sir Alf Ramsey; Medium dahlia: Dave Glasock with Hillcrest Candy;Small - Sue Digweed showing Jomanda; Miniature - Sue Digweed showing Barbarry Surprise - Sue won the Don Brawn Trophy for the best exhibit in the novice section;	Above are some of the novice exhibits at the show.

We must thank all members for assisting with setting up and closing down the show. Special thanks to Angie and team for the bacon batches & hot drinks early Sat morning as well as the team for the lunches on Sat & Sun. Exhibitors look forward to the friendly reception they get at the Midlands and it is what keeps them coming year after year, so once again thank you.

The Midlands Dahlia Society

55th Annual Show 24th, 25th August 13

55^th Annual Show 24^th, 25^th August 13