Presbyterian Fair and Flower Show

Gardening enthusiasts clipped their favourite gerberas and arranged their best succulents to compete in the Presbyterian Spring Flower and Fete Show on Saturday morning.

It was returning champion Julia Withers that won the title of Most Successful Exhibitor Overall.

“[Gardening] is my relaxation, I always feel at ease,” Julia said. “Through COVID, that is what kept me sane.”

She had 30 entries this year, keeping up with her tradition of entering the flower show for the past 25 years.

Julia thanked her husband for being a great “assistant” and a big help.

The winning arrangement displayed an assortment of different succulents which were all grown by her – despite being allowed to beg or borrow.

It was Gloria Richard’s vibrant and full Paintbrush that won her the Champion Exhibitor award of the show.

Entries made their way to the church hall on Thursday and Friday, creating the brightly coloured display for guests to marvel at on Saturday morning.

Carol Melville was among the many church community members that laboured to make the show successful.

“[We had] wonderful help from everyone – They all work so hard and I appreciate everything that people do to make it a success.”

She was amazed there were hundreds of entries, despite the storm and hail on Thursday afternoon that threatened to ruin local gardens.

“Once again, we have lots of entries that we were thrilled with,” Carol said.

The show also included an extensive children’s section of flowers along with creative entries such as Lego creations, decorated biscuits and a colouring in competition.

But it was not just flowers that kept it a long running successful event in Gunnedah.

The promise of homemade morning tea with friends, purchasing a sausage sizzle or browsing the many bric-a-brac items, plants and toys that brings in hundreds of guests each year.