Saturday 6 Sept saw St Richard’s Hall busy with growers, bakers, crafters, photographers and children all eager to enter our Flower, Craft and Produce Show. This year’s Show saw some outstanding entries, echoed in comments made by the Blackheath and Greenwich Women’s Institute who once again judged the competition. One judge said, ‘the standard, particularly in the baking section is exceptionally high this year’. In many of the categories they had some tough decision to make when awarding First, Second and Highly Commended certificates and prizes.

With 29 entries, the photography section was the most popular. One highly esteemed judge said, ‘some of these photos could be featured in a glossy photography magazine’. The vegetable class, with 24 entries had some highly contested categories. The smallest ripe tomato was so small it could barely be seen, and the heaviest single veg saw a giant pumpkin pitted against an enormous courgette. The winning courgette, which came in at 3 kg, was described as ‘deceptively dense’.

The ever-popular preserves section with 15 entries had a winning marmalade described as ‘divine’. The organisers were particularly impressed by our younger competitors. Some entered adult categories and won!

The prestigious Perpetual Trophies, which are for exceptional entries, were awarded as follows: The WI Trophy for ‘’Excellence in Baking’ was won by Isaac Morgan. The Mr Ming Trophy for ‘Best Flower’ was won by Brenda Taggart. The ‘Best Craft’ Trophy was won by Ali Endean and the Village Greengrocer Trophy for ‘Best Fruit/Veg’ was awarded to Krisztina Lódi

The highlight of the Show is always the awarding of the ‘Best in Show’ which for the first time was won by a photographer. Lisa Chillingworth took the trophy for her outstanding picture entitled ‘Along the Thames’.

The star of the Show this year was undoubtedly the estate agents Truepenny’s in Charlton Village. In the past the Show has been sponsored by Conran’s (Charlton Church Lane), but since their take over by the national brand Dexters they no longer support local events. So, we are delighted to have been generously supported this year by Truepenny’s. Walking around the area recently you could not have missed their colourful advertising boards. They also sponsored a banner for the hall. Their generosity is gratefully appreciated and CCRA look forward to further collaborations with their friendly staff. They received a round of applause on the day.

So, after our successful event this year, now is the time to start to think of the 2026 show. Start practicing those scones and get crafting. Thanks to all who supported the show by entering, judging, working backstage or just coming along to enjoy a really special day. We look forward to receiving a bumper number of entries next year.