Another Record Pilning Flower Show, Saturday 29th August 2026

Having had months of drought and a hose pipe ban declared a few days earlier, the morning of the show on Saturday 29 th August brought the badly needed rain! With more thundery rain forecast for the afternoon, it was decided, for the first time for many years to revert to an all-indoor event. Visitors to the show though were not deterred, arriving enthusiastically at St Peter’s School from 2:15 pm, in a steady stream all afternoon. Ironically, it didn’t rain at all during the time the show was open to the public.

Fears that the summer’s hot weather would impact levels of entries were unfounded, with numbers for vegetables, flowers and fruit all up on last year – a marvellous achievement by local gardeners. A new record of 90 people was set for numbers of competitors. The photography classes were impressive in both quality and quantity with 23 for the ‘wildlife and nature’ class alone. The 445 entries in total was the highest since 2017.

Best exhibit in show went to Aly and Tim Dark for their top tray of peppers, tomatoes and sweet corn. Coming close was Emma Wharram’s best entry in crafts; a pair of jeans ingeniously upcycled with resin to be used as a planter. Aly and Tim Dark went home with six trophies in all, but also the largest item in the charity auction; a huge pot grown spikey palm donated by local gardens contractor Elm Tree.

Other notable winners included: Mervyn Reeves with four trophies including most points in flowers and tallest sunflower. Alan Bainbridge for tomatoes and Rudbeckia. John and Carol Miller for Dahlias and best tasting jam. Catherine Fish most points in baking. Izzy Green best entry children 8 and under, and Ivy Reeves most points children 14 and under. First time competitors Cora Wilson and Angela Parry won respectively, specimen Rose and most points in photography. All children entering the show were rewarded with a voucher from Hobbycraft. The Parish Council awards were presented by Olga Taylor with Tony Cole and Jill Fysh winning best allotments, and Sue Binns and Donna Coller best gardens.

Central Pook won best commercial frontage. Flower show President Albert George was awarded Freedom of the Parish as was another stalwart of the show, Jeanette Fish. As well as the wonderful displays, visitors enjoyed the homemade refreshments, the bumper raffle and entertaining auction of produce and donated items. Knowing that all monies raised goes to charity, local businesses and individuals had been very generous in their donations, as were visitors by digging deep for the raffle and auction.

The record amounts raised by the show will all go to this year’s local, Hallen based charity ‘Moments’. Mike Lewis and Steve Moorlen attended as representatives to speak about the charity, help present trophies and receive an initial cheque for £500. Mike commented “The whole show was so well organised and I’ve never witnessed a more slick team than the one handling the mammoth auction at the end of the show. Quite brilliant”.

The organising committee was delighted by the day and would like to thank everyone that supported the show in any way. It is an event our community should be proud of when so many other local shows are no more. All the detailed results and photos can be found on this website. Always on the Bank Holiday Saturday, the show will return on 28th August 2027. The AGM takes place on 13th October at St Peter’s Church at 7:30pm, where a final cheque will be presented to Moments. All are welcome to come along and find out more about the show.