PICTURES: 'Exceptional' Deskford Flower Show draws the crowds
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AN "exceptional" Deskford Flower Show welcomed young and old alike on the afternoon of Saturday, August 12.
Following a tentative return from the pandemic last year, the show – in its 122nd year – proved to be a bumper affair.
In addition to the show itself there was an impressive display of vintage tractors, numbering around 20.
On hand to present the prizes was the Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire Andrew Simpson.
He said: "It's been fantastic.
"For me the highlights have been meeting people, chatting to people, hearing stories, seeing the produce, seeing the exhibits, seeing the skill on display in so many different ways, it's just been a fantastic afternoon.
"Thank you also for the tractors, they were amazing, it's great to see them still going and to celebrate their heritage.
"From me it's a huge thank for being invited here today. It's wonderful to see so many people supporting this event. I was talking to someone earlier about community, how important community spirit is and having opportunities for people to come together on occasions like this to celebrate their skills, talents and also just to get together and have an opportunity to be together.
"It's been a wonderful afternoon, but these afternoons don't just happen. This is the 122nd Deskford Flower Show, and that is amazing. Just think of all the people over the years who've helped make it happen and who've also contributed, displayed or attended, but particularly the committee, the people who've volunteered and worked hard all year round from one year to the next."
Maimie Mitchell, one of the flower show organisers, said she was delighted to see the event bounce back so strongly after the uncertainty of last year.
She continued: "It's been an exceptional show, really, really good.
"One person I spoke to who goes to all the shows said the fruit section here was the best he'd seen this year.
"The floral art section entries were way up – there were only five last year – and they were all absolutely beautiful.
"We were delighted to see a lot of new folk entering across the classes, including young folk.
"It's all very encouraging for next year."
Claiming the Baldwin Cup for Most Points Overall (Gents) was Graeme Clark, while Moyra Hendry won the Rose Bowl for Most Points Overall (Ladies).
One of the youngsters left relishing her trip to Deskford was Banff girl Emmy McBain, who walked off with the Schoolhouse Cup for junior scholars at the first time of asking.
It was also to be a special occasion for 87-year-old Fraser Duncan who has been a member of the flower show committee for an amazing 70 years. To mark this achievement, he was presented with a special certificate of appreciation by Mr Simpson.
Doing his dad a favour was to see him embark of seven decades of service with the show.
He recalled: "I'd just passed my driving test at the age of 17 and I gave my dad a lift down to a flower show committee meeting.
"The then show president Willie Currie came out and said to me 'You may as well join the committee, too' and that was that.
"When I was working as a farmer I used to exhibit turnips at the show and after I retired I started baking, mainly sponges and custard creams.
"I was really surprised when I got the certificate. I'm very pleased to get it although I didn't join the flower show for recognition and awards.
"I certainly never thought I'd still be doing this 70 years on!"
Presenting Mr Duncan with his certificate, Mr Simpson said he was breaking his normal rule of not singling out individuals from an organisation for praise.
He added: "There is one person who, I think, no-one else in this room will be able to equal in their contribution to this show.
"It gives me huge pleasure to be able to thank Fraser Duncan for all he's done for many, many years to keep this show alive, healthy and successful."
Mr Simpson went on to praise Mr Duncan for his "excellent" custard creams.
Flower show results: Jimmy Brown Cup/Jim Muiry Trophy/Horticultural Cup – Alan Morrison; Silver Salver – Neil Bain; Raffan Cup – Silvana Stellini; Currie Cup – Jack Mitchell; Rumbles Cup/Bert Dawson Cup – Graeme Clark; Tom Rumbles Cup – Henry Milne; Honey Shield – Ewan Roy; Dairy Produce Trophy – Moyra Hendry; Dawson Cup – Elaine Wood; Industrial Cup – Muriel Farquharson; Howe Trophy – Julie Strathdee; Home-made Wines Cup – Bob Clark; Schoolhouse Cup – Emmy McBain; J&M McConnachie Cup/Deskford School Reunion Shield/Jimmy and Jessie Boyd Trophy – Olivia Porter; Rose Bowl – Moyra Hendry; Baldwin Cup – Graeme Clark.
