Bake off shows there’s no soggy bottom in Bovingdon

The BBC may have lost its Great British Bake Off show to Channel 4, but Bovingdon still has its own with a great turn out at the district horticultural society’s autumn show. With 240 entries from 30 competitors it was another colourful show.  The variable summer, although challenging for growers, did not deter exhibitors who provided some beautiful entries. Mike Leon retained the Ernest Wright cup while Doug Leslie won the Victory Hall Cup for his leeks.  Mr Leslie also won the Chrysanthemum Cup for a successive year, and returning exhibitor Gill Cox  won the Dahlia Cup. May Parker was awarded the Outspan Cup for her magnificent gladioli. The Bovingdon Bake Off saw a record entry of thirteen compete for the Horwood Bakery Cup.  This year’s cake was Lemon Drizzle and Stephen Rickard beat 12 ladies to carry off the cup. It proved to be Stephen’s show as he also won the Copse Hill Cup for preserves and baking and the Eva Stone cup for homemade drinks.  The Floral Art Bowl was awarded to Mavis Lawrence who gained the highest points in this section. Bovingdon Academy youngsters showed their prowess in growing cucumbers while the Sunnyside Trust’s giant pumpkin was far and away the heaviest entry. For the full list of winners, and more, read the October edition of My Kings News, which will be distributed on October 7.