The East Cheshire Show heralded in May and the eclectic mix of sun, rain, wind and hail, to which the exhibitors and public alike were exposed, was the forerunner of the weather throughout the month.  76 Exhibitors staged 495 plants under 370 entries.  Competition was extremely strong, and any one of the three plants short listed for the Farrer could have taken the award on another day.  Geoff Rollinson not only won the Farrer but also received the G.F.Smith Trophy for his venerable Androsace cylindrica.  Daphne petraea ‘Grandiflora’ (Alan Taylor) and Saxifraga pubescens ‘Snowcap’ (John Forrest) – the other two plants in contention received Certificates of Merit. 

The Winners of the Cheshire Challenge Trophy in the Open Section were Martin and Anna Sheader with a collection of predominantly South American alpines, which are always immaculately staged despite their long journey from Southampton. One of the plants, Petunia patagonica, which was grown to perfection also received a Certificate of Merit.  A local member Elizabeth Maddock won the Cheshire Salver for section B, but the Bernard Green Bowl for section C travelled to Yorkshire with Mel Linney.

Three groups of plants staged in significant numbers at this show are Orchids; Ramondas/Haberleas and Lewisias.  The C.A.Underwood Memorial Plate for the best pan of Orchidaceae, was awarded to a plant of Cypripedium fasciolatum, which underlined  Barry Tattersall’s skill growing orchids.  Another long distance exhibitor, Ivan Pinnick from the Isle of Wight earned a red sticker for a 30 cm pot of Ramonda nathaliae.  John Harrison also received a Certificate of Merit for an excellent plant of  Lewisia cotyledon.  The C.A.Underwood Memorial Plate for the best pan of Orchidaceae, was awarded to a plant of Cypripedium fasciolatum, which underlined  Barry Tattersall’s skill growing orchids.  Another long distance exhibitor, Ivan Pinnick from the Isle of Wight earned a red sticker for a 30 cm pot of Ramonda nathaliae.  John Harrison also received a Certificate of Merit for an excellent plant of  Lewisia cotyledon.