FORTY-TWO members excelled themselves by entering nearly 350 beautiful fuchsia exhibits at the Camborne-Redruth Fuchsia Society's 12th annual show at Camborne School last Sunday.

Janette Eathorne broadcast "live" from the venue whilst judging was taking place. She was accompanied around the show by Mr Clive Simmons who is president of the society and was a founder member when it started in 1989. A competition set by Janette to name a fuchsia with the clue "a cigar-smoking, war-time politician" was correctly names as Winston Churchill and won by Georgie from St Blazey. She visited with her family and was presented with her prize by Janette herself.

The judges, Mr Geoff Smith from Nottingham and Mr Barrie Nash from Bristol said the entries of four feet spreads of the species Triphylla was the best they had seen in 20 years of judging, and surpassed all other shows to date. They much appreciated the high standard, quality and diversity of cultivars entered. Both said that they thoroughly enjoyed their day with such a friendly and enthusiastic society and it was well worth the trip to Cornwall.

Mrs Mona Dawe was very impressed with the artistry shown in the floral art section of the show and commented on how it had improved over the years.

Best exhibit in show was awarded to Mr Jack Abrahams of Camborne with a magnificent three year old standard of the cultivar Falmouth. Runner-up was awarded to Mr Alan Richards, Illogan with a plant of the cultivar Paula Jane. Best beginner, Mrs Zena

Best from Connor Downs with the society plant, the cultivar this year was Rose of Castille. The society plant is issued to each fully-paid up member in March of each year as a rooted cutting and grown on by them and brought to the show bench. It is always a source of friendly rivalry and much discussion as the name is withheld till show day.

Runner-up beginner was Mrs Della Simpson with a triphylla exhibit of Koralle. Special prizes were also awarded to Mr Fred Westlake for best triphylla with the cultivar, thalia. Mr and Mrs Jack Toms from Lanivet won the best hanging basket with the lovely cultivar Linda Grace with its floriferious sugar pink blooms and graceful habit. A sight to behold.

Other prize winners include Mrs Heather Westlake, Indian Queens; Mrs Betty Burleigh, Stithians; Mrs Janet Cohen, Redruth; Mr Oscar Yelland, St Austell; Mrs Margaret Symons, Redruth; Mr John Curtis, Illogan; Mr Alec Bond, St Newlyn East; Mr Horace James, Camborne; Mrs Carol Richards, Illogan; Mr Ric Reilly, Treluswell; Mrs Elizabeth Doyle, Helston; Janet Carter, Hayle; Rodney Hicks, Redruth. Visitors section won by Mr Treve Hampton of Camborne.

The Sunrise Appeal organised by BBC Radio Cornwall played a major feature and £30 was presented to Janette on her departure at midday. This was accrued by members entering a certain class, ie blooms arranged in a dish of sand and paying an entry fee, also from donations and the proceeds of the floral creations by Mrs Vera Vigus auctioned the previous Thursday evening. The blooms arranged in a dish of sand were later judged by the general public and raised £139.16 and was won by Mr Alan Richards whose entry raised the most money. Mr Jack Abrahams auctioned his standard and donated the £20 it raised and a further £50 was raised by the society's plant auction. Donations are still arriving and we will advise the full total raised at a later date.

Mrs Carol Richards, society secretary, said she was delighted with the day's event and wished to offer sincere and grateful thanks to everyone for their support and to all the visiting public and she hoped they had enjoyed their day.

Next meeting is the presentation of awards on September 6 with Mrs June Grubb and slides of the show.