The spring show of Winchester Horticultural Society was its usual bright, colourful, sweetly scented event.

The art of timing was shown by the number of entrants who had held back, or forced forward, the blooming of their bulbs after the long, dry and sunny spring.

The 166 entries, by 18 members and visitors, drew commendations from the judges for excellent work - R. Nutbeam for wine, M. Williams for homecraft, R. Brandham for floral art and P. Collett for flowers, bulbs and vegetables, who all made constructive comments and suggestions for improvement. The two superb amaryllis entries were judged to be in top condition.

Marjorie Budd was delighted to be asked to present the awards and had continued on her road to recovery by winning first for her marmalade.

Award winners:

Ladies Challenge Bowl - E. Jane; Mrs E.H.D. Edwards Challenge Cup - I. Witham; Mrs L.D. Stent Challenge Cup - E. Jane; Sir G. Cooper Cup - E. Jane; Betty Kirby Cup - E. Jane; Scats Challenge Cup - M. Hyatt; Harrison Challenge Cup - M. Hyatt; Lady Lever Cup - I. Witham; WHS Novice Shield - M. Arnow; Best Wine in Show Certificate - J. Keenleyside.

Class Winners:

E. Hodgkinson - pot flowering plant; photograph: "At the Seaside".

M. Hyatt - bowl of tulips; 5 stems tulips; pot primrose: stems muscari: 5 spring blooms: cut flowering shrub: other bulbs: leeks: rhubarb.

E. Jane - pot trumpet daffodils; large cup daffs; small cup daffs; other daffs; cut trumpet daffs; large cup daffs; small cup daffs; tazette; double daffs; any other daffs; mixed daffs: "Have a go".

J. Keenleyside - pot double daff; other vegetables; fortified wine; kit-made wine.

I. Witham - pot 3 hyacinths; floral art "Easter Sunday"; floral art "Football Fever"; fruit scones; iced chocolate sponge.

M. Arnow - novice vegetables.

A. Speirs - cut tazetta daffs; foliage pot plant; photograph, "A Garden Wall".

G. Speirs - digital photo, "In the garden".

M. Francis - wine: dry, white, or golden; dry red; sweet red.

M. Budd - jar of marmalade.