Last weekend the Anguilla Beautification Club (ABC) held its 8th Flower and Garden Show. It was a great success with many beautiful flowers and plants and lots of people visiting on Saturday and Sunday.

Primary School First Place

At the Opening Ceremony, on Saturday, His Excellency Governor Andrew George congratulated all involved in the Show as well as the members of ABC and all the gardeners of Anguilla who had contributed. He suggested that a garden is an important opportunity for contemplation, patience and dedication and results in much pleasure and relaxation. The opening ceremony was chaired by Dr Rona Hodge. Rev Clifton Niles gave the opening prayer and chairperson of the show, Lady Gumbs, welcomed those present.

Principal Assistant Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Office, Evalie Bradley, spoke on behalf of Osbourne Fleming who had sent his personal congratulations to the ABC.

Entries at Flower Show

“The ABC Flower and Garden Show is now in its 8th year and it is indeed one of those clubs which must be admired and highly commended for the zeal, enthusiasm, the commitment and dedication exhibited by its members in order to ensure the continuity and sustainability of the organization, as you seek to enhance the natural beauty of Anguilla through no doubt very challenging times,” Mrs Bradley said. She expressed the hope that the Show would motivate everyone to become more conscious of their surroundings and beautify their gardens.

President of the ABC, Leslie Richardson, recalled the history of the ABC that started in 1992 and the Flower Show that started in 1999 at the instigation of the late Lydia Gumbs. He implored the island’s citizens and visitors to continue to support the ABC in its efforts to beautify the island. The Show was officially opened by Mrs Watanalak George who was presented with a bouquet of flowers by Denecia Niles, before cutting the ribbon at the entrance to Wallblake House.

Different types of cactus on display

The primary school competition with the theme “Tranquility wrapped in Blooms” was so well done that the judges awarded two schools the first prize — Central Christian School and the Road Primary School.

The floral arrangements and plants were exhibited in the Wallblake House and this year, in addition to adult entries, many juniors in several categories competed with a high standard of work. There were also beautiful displays from professional florists, Black Orchid and Purple Rose. In the grounds there was an exceptional display of cactus grown by Stanley Reid, with contributions from Chris and Brenda Lawrence, Rose Brooks, Rosina Brooks and Catherine Rieman. The display of orchids was much admired and contributed by Eric Martineau, Chris Carty, Hans Isler and Sydney Gumbs.

Flower Show Winners

Contributing to the success of the show were the many booths in the grounds selling art, craft, food, drinks, plants, garden supplies and much more. On Saturday music was supplied by Superfly String Band and on Sunday by Dumpa on the steel pan.

The Best in Show Award was won by Auckland Kentish with her crown of thorns plant. Gaining three first place awards was Vincia Gumbs with her arrangement in a conch shell, flowers depicting a sunset and an arrangement of flowers grown in Anguilla.

Other first prize winners in the flower and foliage arranging categories were Gabi Gumbs, Catherine Rieman, Khonda Hazell, Vera Richardson and Marjorie McClean. In the plant section first prizes were won by Auckland Kentish, Mary Martin, Marguerite Bryan and Catherine Rieman. The Best Garden competition was won by Della Hodge with Rose Brooks in second place and Brenda Lawrence and Donette Richardson tying for third.

Young people really contributed this year to the Show with several entries in the Junior category. Receiving awards were Sierra Richardson, Adalia Britanny, Curley Anna Samuel, Johniela Harrigan, April Gumbs, Ana Bryan, Nashara Payne, Janai Gumbs and Stacey McAllister. In the primary school competition first prize went to Central Christian School and Road Primary School.

The closing ceremony was chaired by the treasurer of the ABC, Elvet Hughes, and the certificates were presented by Dawn Reid, wife of Deputy Governor Stanley Reid, assisted by Civilla Kentish and Hyacinth Hughes.

The many persons and members of ABC who assisted with the Show were thanked by Hyacinth Hughes with special thanks given to the chair of the organizing committee, Josephine Gumbs, and the vice chair Catherine Rieman who were presented with orchid plants by Gertrude Richardson.

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