Deskford Flower Show Celebrates 123rd Year with Record Entries.
The 123rd annual Deskford Flower Show proved to be a standout event, with the 2024 edition held on Saturday, August 17, marking another successful year for the beloved community tradition.
Hosted once again at the local community centre, the show saw a notable increase in entries compared to the previous year. Categories included flowers, floral art, baking, vegetables, and industrial crafts, providing a diverse range of competitions.
Alan Morrison from Fordyce was awarded the Baldwin Cup for Most Points Overall in the men’s category, while Elaine Wood from Deskford claimed the Rose Bowl for Most Points Overall in the women’s category.
Beyond the competitive displays, the event featured activities for all ages. The vintage tractor display made its much-anticipated return, alongside a spinning demonstration and a pen of alpacas—an unusual but delightful addition. Refreshments were available throughout the day in the Jubilee Hall.
Mary Jesson was honored for her 30 years of dedicated service to the show, receiving a bouquet in recognition of her contributions. Mary Farquharson, a long-time exhibitor who had to step back due to health issues, was also recognized. Mrs. Mitchell plans to present Mrs. Farquharson with a bouquet soon.
Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire, Tricia Lawson, presented the prizes and expressed her admiration for the event. “I’m more than impressed by what I’ve seen here today,” Lawson said. “It’s been truly stunning. This is my first visit to Deskford Flower Show, and I’ve been amazed by both the entries and the work behind the scenes.”
Flower Show Results:
Pot Plants: Most Points & Special Prize – Alan Morrison
Cut Plants: Most Points – Alan Morrison; Special Prize – WA Copeland
Sweet Peas: Most Points & Special Prize – Neil Bain
Floral Arrangement: Most Points – Ellen Nock; Special Prize – Ray Stewart
Fruit: Most Points – Graeme Clark; Special Prize – Jack Mitchell
Vegetables: Most Points – Henry Milne; Special Prize – Graeme Clark
Honey: Most Points & Special Prize – Ewan Roy
Dairy Produce: Most Points – Moyra Hendry; Special Prize – Sophie Henderson
Home Baking & Cooking: Most Points – Elaine Wood; Special Prize – Barbara Farquhar
Industrial Howe Trophy: Most Points – Marian Stringer; Special Prize – Thomas O’Brien
Homemade Wines: Most Points – Bob Clark; Special Prize – Mary Lewis
Scholars Junior: Most Points & Special Prize – Emmy McBain
Scholars Senior: Most Points – Olivia Porter; Special Prize – Elsie Grant
Deskford School Reunion Shield: Olivia Porter
Jimmy Brown Cup (Pot Plants)/Horticultural Cup (Cut Flowers): Alan Morrison
Jim Muiry Trophy (Best Rose)/Currie Cup (Fruits)/Tom Rumbles Cup (Potatoes)/Bert Dawson Cup (Vegetables): Graeme Clark
Silver Salver (Sweet Peas): Neil Bain
Raffan Cup (Floral Arrangement): Ellen Nock
Rumbles Cup (Vegetables): Henry Milne
Honey Shield: Ewan Roy
Dairy Produce Trophy: Moyra Hendry
Dawson Cup (Home Baking): Elaine Wood
Industrial Cup: Marian Stringer
Howe Trophy (Best Exhibit Industrial): Thomas O’Brien
Homemade Wines Cup: Bob Clark
Schoolhouse Cup (Junior Scholars): Emmy McBain
J&M McConnachie Cup (Senior Scholars)/Deskford School Reunion Shield/Jimmy & Jessie Boyd Trophy: Olivia Porter
Rose Bowl Most Points Overall (Ladies): Elaine Wood
Baldwin Cup Most Points Overall (Gents): Alan Morrison