MOVES to encourage more local people to showcase their talents at the Musselburgh Community Flower & Craft Show are beginning to bear fruit, say organisers.

Eve Dickinson, president of Musselburgh Horticultural Society (MHS), said that this year’s event attracted “many exhibits” from people who had never previously entered a flower show and highlighted the “huge number” of first-time trophy winners.

She said: “A massive shout out to all the individuals and families that came along or exhibited at the Musselburgh Community Flower & Craft Show.

“The event turned out to be a huge success.

“The exhibits were just what we wanted and have been working towards over the last three years – amateur and hobby items made and grown by local folks in their leisure time, rather than selective and expertly groomed flowers, fruit and vegetables.

“The children’s classes were very well supported with a good entry of imaginative and inspiring creations.”

The show was held at St Michael’s Church Hall on Dalrymple Loan on August 17.

SEE MORE: Musselburgh Flower Show pictures

Eve said: “Normally, too many of the committee scoop the most trophies.

“It was a breath of fresh air to see so many new exhibitors this year.

“It shows that our plan to move away from the old-fashioned shows with seriously competitive, very experienced growers is beginning to bear fruit – to encourage local gardeners and crafters to showcase their best efforts.”

She reported that exhibits were a “little bit down” in floral art, crafts and vegetables, with “the shortage of vegetable exhibits the result of very bad weather this growing season”.

One of the first-time exhibitors was Suzanne Gibson, from Musselburgh, who enjoyed double success, winning The Harry Owens Trophy for ‘best exhibit in cut flowers’ and the Tom Robinson Trophy for the ‘best pot plant’ in this year’s show.

She said: “What a lovely afternoon at the annual flower show.

“I met very nice people and the show had a great atmosphere with people of all ages. [MHS] are keen to welcome more new members like me if anyone fancies it.”

Eve added: “Special thanks to all the MHS committee, our volunteers from the Musselburgh Sea Cadets & Royal Marines Cadets, and Musselburgh Bridges Project that made the day possible by building our show benches and running the teas.

“I also wish to thank the many local businesses and individuals that donated generous prizes for our raffle and tombola – Blueberry Gifts, Ravelston House Hotel, Gurkha Bar & Restaurant, Mercat Grill, Virtuoso Hairdressing, Musselburgh Racecourse, Eskside Pharmacy, Kings Manor Hotel, Strawberry Corner Garden Centre, Tesco Musselburgh and many local people.”

She explained that the society hoped to continue the event next year but was always in need of new committee member and volunteers.

She said: “Our committee, is fun, friendly and very laid back, and our aim is to help and encourage everyone young and old with a garden or even just a window box to grow their own flowers, fruit and vegetables, and to support our local community with an annual show, plant sale, talks, outing and growing advice. If people can spare a few hours once a month, they should please consider joining us.

“Membership of MHS (we are a charity: 028659) and our £8 adult membership and £2 for children, entitles holders to free entry to the annual show, early access and discount on bookings for our annual outing, varied talks with guest speakers, games night and more. We can be contacted via musselburghhorticultural society@hotmail.com”

The trophy winners 2024 are: The Tom Robinson Trophy for the most outstanding exhibit in pot plants, Suzanne Gibson, Musselburgh; Ravensheugh Trophy, most outstanding exhibit in baking, Amanda Cleghorn, Musselburgh; Lewisvale Challenge Trophy, most outstanding exhibit in handicraft, Myra Loughton, Prestonpans; Carberry Candles Trophy, most outstanding exhibit in jams, Linda Alexander, Wallyford; Newhailes Nursery Trophy, vegetable championship, Joan Smith, Elphinstone; Cruden Challenge Trophy, most outstanding exhibit in cut flowers, Jim Logan, Inveresk; Harry Owens Trophy, cut flower championship, Suzanne Gibson; Denholm Trophy, most outstanding exhibit in the vegetable classes, Celia O’Donnell, Musselburgh; Arnold T Grier Shield, most outstanding exhibit in fruit classes, Brenda Milne, Musselburgh; Musselburgh Floral Art Club Trophy, most outstanding exhibit in floral art, Leila Neely, Edinburgh; Stoneyhill Trophy, most outstanding exhibit in photography, John Durham, Musselburgh; Harry Martin’s Trophy, most outstanding exhibit in children’s classes aged six-10 years, Joey Ritchie, Dalkeith; Alan Bussell Strawberry Corner Trophy, most outstanding exhibit in children’s classes 11-16 years, Anne Marie Roache, Loanhead.