Annual Horticultural Show and Community Fair
This year’s Annual Horticultural Show and Community Fair was a fantastic celebration of all things Hayling—and the sun even made an appearance! Held at the Hayling College, the day brought together the best of the island’s horticultural skill, artistic flair, and community spirit in one vibrant, family-friendly event.
Far more than just a traditional flower show, the day combined colourful flowers, vegetables, photography, arts and crafts, and miniature gardens made by local schoolchildren, with over 25 community stalls, classic cars, and five wonderful performances from local youth groups. Whether you came for the roses, the raffle, or just a slice of homemade cake and a sea shanty from the U3A Island Shanty Singers, there was something for everyone.
Thanks to an incredible team of volunteers, the day ran seamlessly—from early set-up to the final sweep-up. Special thanks go to the kitchen crew who kept everyone fed and refreshed with homemade cakes and teas, as well as to the Hayling College for hosting and supporting the event, and to the First Responders for providing medical cover. Many hands made light work—and warm thanks go to everyone who donated tombola prizes, plants, cakes, and their valuable time.
We were thrilled to see such strong support for the Show classes this year. As promised, there really was a class for everyone—from roses and sweet peas to crochet and cookery, with categories for adults, juniors, and all five Hayling Island schools: Mengham Infants, Mengham Juniors, Mill Rythe Infants, Mill Rythe Juniors, and The Hayling College.
- 382 entries
- 95 classes available to enter
- Online entries: a whopping 71% submitted online!
Our seven experienced judges brought over 100 years of show judging between them—including Barry Moore, who first judged for HIHS in 1969! Their expertise was much needed with such a high standard of entries across the board.
We would like to give a special mention to those who entered roses and sweet peas, no mean feat given the long hot dry spell in the run-up to the show. The results were stunning and full of summer colour. You can find a full list of cups and diplomas on page 9, and full results will be posted on the website shortly.
And behind the scenes, a very special thank you must go to Jane Evans, our brilliant Show Recorder. Jane receives all the entries, right up to 4pm on the Wednesday before the show! She enters them into the programme, prints all the class cards, and generally keeps the whole horticultural show running like clockwork. From coordinating with stewards to totalling up the prize money, diplomas and trophies, we quite simply couldn’t do it without her.
Visitors enjoyed browsing a wide variety of craft and produce stalls, from jewellery and beeswax wraps to handmade paper crafts and glasswork. The plant stall, run in partnership with The Growing Together project, did a roaring trade all afternoon, raising valuable funds for local school gardening clubs. So thank you to everyone who bought a plant or five!
It’s the mix of horticultural heritage and vibrant community involvement that makes this event so special. Thank you once again to every single person who helped make it happen—before, during, and after the day. We love putting the show on, and it’s your entries, your support, and your enthusiasm that make it truly come to life.
Keep an eye on the website for results.
Here’s to even more entries, smiles, and sweet peas next year!
TIM SPELLER, SHOW MANAGER AND LIESE HOLDEN, PUBLICITY OFFICER
