KILLINCHY Presbyterian Church showcased an amazing array of beautiful home-grown flowers, fruit and vegetables at the annual Harvest Fair and Flower Show last Saturday.
The visual impact of colour made an eye-catching display and music filled the air with an impressive afternoon of entertainment by Killinchy Silver Band, while afternoon tea was served by the Women’s Friendship Group and PW. The prizes were presented by Lynda Bryans.
The show which was officially opened by the Minister, the Rev. Dr. Annes Nel, is always a firm favourite with locals and people from further afield and presented the opportunity for participants to display wonderful floral arrangements, handcrafts, art and photography.
Visitors had the opportunity to view a tempting array of home-made breads, cakes, biscuits and preserves and many classes allowed adults and children alike to demonstrate their talent and skill.
The organising committee ensured the fair had a variety of stalls and family orientated events to encourage children, including a Nintendo Wii Challenge, face painting — creatively painted by the Girls’ Brigade and Youth Group — mini football and golf and a crockery crumble organised by the Boys’ Brigade.
There was also a fancy dress competition for children, a display of vintage tractors courtesy of Kenneth McBriar and a dog agility/dancing demonstration, to name but a few.
Visiting exhibitors included Mrs. Margaret Wilson from Christian Mission Charitable Trust selling crafts and lovely silk scarves and Mel Walker with her designer ‘Miglio’ jewellery range. Also welcomed back was Caroline Ardies with her array of crafts.
Show Organiser, Dorothy Campbell, thanked the judges for yet again giving their time and expertise to carry out the task of judging the various sections.
The judges this year were Mr. John Jamieson (Cut Flowers & Plants), Mr. Robin Davidson (Vegetables & Farm Produce), Mrs. Cathy Alexander (Baking & Junior Baking), Mrs. Margaret Orr (Preserves), Mrs. Joan Shanks & Mrs. Helen Hamilton (Handcrafts), Mrs. Hazel Neill (Art), Mr. Peter Neill (Photography), Mrs. Ann Stevenson (Floral Art), Mrs. Muriel Stringer (Children’s classes) and Mrs. Gertie Walsh (Children’s Fancy Dress).
The various cup winners were:
Killinchy Perpetual Challenge Cup for the exhibitor gaining the most points in show went to Irene McKee, with other cups awarded to Robert McClurg (Flowers and Plants), Roy Moorhead (Farm Produce), Fred Strickland (Home Baking), Shirley Elliott (Preserves), Irene McKee (Handcrafts), Mary Tompsett (Taylor Perpetual Cup, Floral Art) and John Stringer (Photography).
Children’s classes winners were Jordan Shanks (9-11), with Alice Tate runner-up. Mark Tate was the winner of the eight and under category, with the runner-up Kate Diamond. The book prize for junior baking was awarded to Alice Tate.
Congratulating the prizewinners and competition entrants, Lynda Bryans said she was delighted to be involved with the show and to see that old-fashioned traditions were still alive and well in the countryside and that people were enjoying a fun day out. She was presented with a basket of flowers by twins Kate and Megan Diamond.
Show convenor Joe Tate thanked Lynda for presenting the prizes and also extended thanks to Dorothy Campbell and everyone who worked hard to make the event successful. He paid special thanks to exhibitors for their participation and to everyone who supported the show.