2026 Early Show Report

Yeovil & District Chrysanthemum and Dahlia Society held their open early show the weekend of 19th & 20th September.  Again, the show was well supported by exhibitors and members of the public alike.

 

It has been a particularly record-breaking hot summer, and our Vice Chairman said it was a particularly hard time for Dahlias this year.  The exhibitors showed true spirit and dedication this year and still produced some fantastic blooms for the judges.  Despite the difficult growing conditions, the number of entries across dahlias and chrysanthemum classes was up on 2025.  In any event, the quality of all the blooms was still quite excellent.

 

The society would like to thank all exhibitors and the judges that made this a successful show.

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DAHLIA RESULTS

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The Len Allen Memorial Trophy for the Southwest of England Dahlia Championship was supported by 3 entries. The judges awarded the 1st prize to Roger Downting from Yeovil for his entry of Kenora Valentine, White Vals Candy, and Deborah’s Kiwi.  Roger also won the NDS Silver medal for his display

 

Roger was also awarded the Chris Burnett Trophy for his 3-vase exhibit of Marston Karen, Normandie Farewell, Josudi Hercules and was awarded the NDS Bronze Medal for this entry. Roger was also awarded the Walter Burroughes Memorial Shield for his 2 vases of Hillcrest Candy.  Roger also won the Red Challenge, with his Kenora Wildfire, the 2 Vase Challenge with his entry of Ryecroft Jill, Josudi Hercules and also the Members Shield and Voucher for most points awarded in Dahlias and also 4 more wins in other classes this year, making him the standout Dahlia winner this year.

 

The Shaston Pompon Cup for 3 vases of pompon, 3 distinct varieties, was awarded to Brendan Curry for his entry.

 

Keith Pursey won the Bond Novice Cup his entry,  and his Loraine Pursey won the Beginners Class Award for her entry.

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CHRYSANTHEMUM RESULTS

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The Rous Cup was presented to Terry Vernoum for his entry in the Southwest of England Championship.  Terry’s entry was made up of  Billy Bell and Rita Fox.

 

The judges awarded the NCS bronze medal to Brian Pople.  The NCS Silver Medal was presented to Terry Vernoum.

 

The NCS Certificate of Merit was presented to Harry Godden.

 

Terry was also awarded The Lionel Park Trophy for his entry in the 1 vase, 5 Bloom incurved Chrysanthemum entry of Primrose Billy Bell and Billy Bell and also the Cook Trophy with his entries Rita Fox and Helen Louise.  Terry was also awarded The Hart Cup & Voucher for most points in Chrysanthemum classes.

 

Harry Godden received the Westland Trophy for the best exhibit of sprays.  Harry entered vases of Tonto, Talbot Parade and Pat Bahn.

 

There were no entries for the Novice Class this year.