THE Clehonger Gardening Competition is sponsored and organised by the community group Friends of Clehonger Parish. This competition, which was resurrected in 2012 after a lapse of many years, was this year judged by Alan Morris (Eaton Bishop) fresh from opening his garden to the public under the auspices of the National Gardens Scheme, and knowledgeable Sue Neale (Allensmore). They concluded that overall the entered Clehonger gardens were of a high standard considering the unusual weather pattern over the last year.

The winner of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Shield for Best Garden for 2014 was octogenarian Kitty McKirdy, very closely followed in second place by siblings Robin Morris and Vivian Edwards with their beautifully designed and interesting garden. In third place was Mary Wall with her excellently pruned and shaped trees and shrubs, one point in front of five parishioners Jan Davis, Lil Jones, Anita Valters, Eileen Woodward and Diane Greenall who were all highly commended. Best Children’s Garden – Zoe Bufton and Children, Best Mediterranean Garden – Jane Prothero, Best Veg Plot in a Garden – Ken Smith.