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PLEASE READ ALL THE RULES STATED IN THE FRONT OF YOUR SCHEDULE - THIS AVOIDS ANY PROBLEMS OR DISAPPOINTMENTS ON THE DAY.
Presentation is important - where more than one specimen is required they should be as near as possible all the same size. Variety to be named if possible
Potatoes should be lifted and washed the day before - washing on the morning of the show is too late.
Onions should be presented on rings with trimmed roots and not too much skin removed i.e. they shouldn't be white! Tops should be tied, ideally whipped with raffia.
Shallots should be presented on a saucer of sand or fine grit, stalk should not be bare but folded over and tied like onions.
Garlic should also be trimmed as onions.
Carrots - leave whole root but top should be trimmed leaving 2"-3"; of stem.
Runner beans - don't pick too early - wrap in damp terry towelling cloth overnight to keep fresh. Beans should all be facing the same way.
French beans - as above.
Marrows - ideally should be straight. Remember to raise off the ground when they are growing.
Courgettes - ideally flowers to remain on if possible. Cut stem to ½". Do not trim flower end.
Tomatoes - calyx to remain on fruit. Number should be 5 or 7 as stated in the schedule. All 5 or 7 to be of same variety. Do not mix round and plum varieties.
Squash - Remember to raise off the ground when they are growing.
When a class asks for a single bloom of any flower, make sure there are no extra buds on the stem.
Do not add berries to a vase of mixed flowers.
Foliage - remove spent leaves.
Any seed pods on flower stems should be removed.
Sweet Peas - ideally would have 5 flowers per stem and presented in a broad necked vase to improve presentation.
Sweet Peas in a broad necked vase to improve presentation.
Only 1 prize awarded for “One Most fragrant Rose in Vase”.
Remember arrangement must look good from all sides.
The arrangement should be in proportion to the vase – one third vase to 2 thirds arrangement or two fifths vase to three fifths arrangement approximately.
Don't forget to state whether designs are original or made from a pattern.
Entry form and exhibit must be marked with child's age.
Jars to be well filled to ¼" from the top.
Don't use cellophane tops for chutneys - it makes it dry out.
Chutneys should be at least 3 months old before judging.
All jars and bottles to be labelled including date of making.
No need for a wax disc if using a twist top.
All twist tops should be new (available from Lakeland).
Jellies should be in half pound jars.
Bread cannot be judged if still warm - make the day before show.
All food must be covered with cling film.
Treacle tarts may have lattice top or not.
Victoria Sandwich should only be filled with raspberry jam and dusted on top with caster sugar.
Bottles should be clear and wine variety named and dated.
All entries should be cleaned for presentation.
Liqueurs should be in half bottles - named and dated.
(Methylated spirit is good for cleaning finger marks etc. from glass bottles and jars)
©
Hardington Mandeville
Parish Council
2019