THERE was a buzz in the air at Kingston St Mary Flower Show - and it had nothing to do with the impressive bug houses displayed in the children’s section.

This year marks the centenary of Kingston’s village hall, so it was appropriate that residents presented a memorable show to celebrate the anniversary.

The hall was festooned with handmade bunting and trestle tables laden with the fruits of the exhibitors’ labours. There were 390 entries - 41 more than 2022 - from 48 exhibitors.

Increased vegetable and flower entries included a plentiful display of runner beans that had benefitted from a wet July.

The creative juices were flowing in the handicraft and decorative arrangement classes - you rarely see a flower arrangement fashioned out of shredded blue face masks.

There was also a set of cleverly carved wooden magic wands worthy of Harry Potter. Abstract patterns, sea scenes and even a nude featured in the painting classes.

The hall was packed for the prize giving and the winning streak of villager Marian Dunsford continued into a fifth year as she lifted the silver plate for bread-making.

Tamsin Boyce repeated her trophy success for the highest number of points in the children‘s section.

The keenly contested vegetable and flower classes resulted in cups for Joseph Heayns and Bill Hayes, while Susan Archer lifted the coveted trophy for the collection of vegetables.

Paul Trolley received two cups in the homecraft section.

A hard-working team provided refreshments in the hall garden and the rain managed to hold off for the afternoon.

A newcomer to the village praised the atmosphere at the show and the happy faces on the children receiving certificates.

TROPHY WINNERS.

Vegetables (Overall), Joseph Heayns.

Collection of Vegetables, Susan Archer.

Best Vegetable Exhibit, Joseph Heayns.

Flowers (Overall), Bill Hayes.

Best Flower Exhibit, Joseph Heayns.

Indoor Plant , Bill Hayes.

Begonia, Heather Calvert.

Decorative Arrangement, Joan Fitton.

Homecraft (Overall), Paul Trolley.

Loaf of Bread, Marian Dunsford.

Three Larder Items, Paul Trolley.

Children’s Section (Overall), Tamsin Boyce.

Watercolour Painting, Jackie Aldrich.

Painting in any other Medium, Bob Moss.

An Item in Clay, Metal or Wood, Joseph Heayns.

Best Item of Handicraft, Annie Trolley.