The spectacular Autumn Show resumed at the Maclean Bowls Club end of April, to the delight of members and many welcome visitors. Our thanks go out to Cr Mayor Ian Tiley for attending the Presentation, and to our wide variety of sponsors for shared support throughout our wonderful Clarence region, and their appreciated prizes. Congratulations to all the winners.
Long-time members Neil & Carol Campbell won Grand Champion, Reserve Champion, Culture Award, and Vandaceous, for their elegant purple Vanda Sharon Louise “Madam,” as well as Champion Dendrobium Dal’s Memory “Carol Lee.” Cut Flower, Chrysanthemum, plus Specimen Award, went to Brian Donaghy for his Bigibbum. Other champions included Cattleya Rth. Burdekin Gem, H. Seiver; Oncidium Alliance, Dgrma. Pinot “Princess”, and Species Liparis condylobulban, T&J. Cusack; Miscellaneous, Bulbophyllum Elizabeth Ann “Buckleberry”, T&P. Bird; Foliage and Garden, Caladium, J. Abbott; Floral Art, J&K Bruce, who also won the Sally Irons Encouragement Award for their very appreciated volunteering. Raffle winners of prizes from our valued sponsors included members and visitors as follows: framed artwork – Coral Hogues; Gasmate stove and sunglasses – Penny Stuart; vet pack and towel giftset – Helen Connolly; box of orchids – Jane Mitchell; podiatrist pack and dental pack – Sue King; vet pack and toiletry giftpack – Jacqui; tea pack and wooden cutting board – Sue Mackay-Davidson; dental pack and pot – Judy; crocheted blanket and wine – Sue Marchant; box of orchids – Helen Connolly; DVD Player and toiletry gift pack – Robyn Kennedy; dental pack and Bloc gift pack – Bree; newsagency gift pack – Desley; Botero Coffee & toiletries – Tim Connolly; Beamer Mulch and Yamba vouchers – Rhonda; Iluka vouchers and Maclean vouchers – Joy Small. Well done, grinners!
At our early April meeting, Col Andrews from the Northern Rivers, shared his knowledge of Dendrobium Hardcanes. Judges Choice Orchid winner, Vanda Roberts Delight “Red Berry,” Terry & Penny Bird. Both Judges Choice Flower and Popular Vote, Brian Donaghy’s Pink Dahlia. Popular Vote Orchid, a tie between Den. Topaz Dream x Den. Santi Fancy, Sue King, and C. CRB’s Nice Spots, Terry & Penny Bird. 59 beautiful plants were benched.
Next meeting: Saturday May 21, at the Presbyterian Church Hall, Church Street, Maclean. Lucky Door and raffle prizes are included, plus afternoon tea. Plants are benched by 1pm for judging, for the Meeting to begin at 1.30pm.
Penny Bird