Horticulture, Homecraft, Handicrafts, Children's Classes

Gillingham & Shaftesbury Agricultural Society

Event Date

18th Aug 2026

Division I - Fruit & Vegetables

Description:

NOTE: Exhibitors may be required to name the variety of the fruit or vegetable they enter - cards will be provided.
Carrots and parsnips must have foliage trimmed back to 7.5cm (3in). Peas and beans must be displayed with some stalk attached. Tomatoes must be displayed with calyces (the green flower bud case). The tray, board or staging must not be cut or mutilated in any way at all – such as cutting holes for standing onions in.
Judges may handle exhibits, open pods etc to check for quality. Judges should use their discretion when judging the Top Tray class, remembering that entries may come from inexperienced exhibitors. The points awarded should be clearly marked by the judges on the exhibitors’ cards. Any queries that may arise, regarding anything other than the above rules, should be referred to, and decided by, the show officials.

Ring:

Horticultural Marquee

Judges:

Mrs Helen Crofts (Judge)

Class: 1 'Best Tray'

'Best Tray' A collection of three types of vegetables. RULES: 1. The Best Tray class is for a collection of three types of vegetables taken from the following list of fifteen. The quantity of each vegetable required for the collection is given in brackets: carrots (3), cauliflowers (2), onions (3), parsnips (3), peas (6 pods), potatoes (3), runner beans (6 pods), tomatoes (6), French Beans (6 pods), sweetcorn (2), pepper (3), cucumber (2), courgettes (3), red beet (3), aubergines (2). Each type of vegetable will be judged out of a total of 20 points. This is split into three sections as follows: 7 points for size, shape and colour; 7 points for condition; 6 points for uniformity. The overall mark will be out of a total of 60. 2.All vegetables are to be displayed for effect. The vegetables must be displayed within an area measuring 45cm by 60cm (18x24in), without bending any part of them. No part of any exhibit may exceed the size of the tray. A tray or board measuring 45cm by 60cm (18x24in) can be used to display the vegetables, or the area can simply be marked on the staging. Where a tray has a lip or edge, it is the internal measurements that must not exceed 45cm by 60cm (18x24in). 3. A black cloth is permitted, and the tray may be painted. Parsley is allowed for garnishing, but no other foliage or accessories, such as plates, sand, rings and so on, will be allowed. Onion tops may be tied or whipped using raffia or string. NOTES FOR EXHIBITORS AND JUDGES * Carrots and parsnips must have foliage trimmed back to 7.5cm (3in). * Peas and beans must be displayed with some stalk attached. * Tomatoes must be displayed with calyces (the green flower bud case). * Judges may handle exhibits, open pods etc. to check for quality. * The tray, board or staging must not be cut or mutilated in any way at all – such as cutting holes for standing onions in. * Judges should use their discretion when judging the Top Tray class, remembering that entries may come from inexperienced exhibitors. * The points awarded should be clearly marked by the judges on the exhibitors’ cards. * Any queries that may arise, regarding anything other than the above rules, should be referred to, and decided by, the show officials

Description:

A collection of three types of vegetables.

RULES:
1. The Best Tray class is for a collection of three types of vegetables taken from the following list of fifteen. The quantity of each vegetable required for the collection is given in brackets: carrots (3), cauliflowers (2), onions (3), parsnips (3), peas (6 pods), potatoes (3), runner beans (6 pods), tomatoes (6), French Beans (6 pods), sweetcorn (2), pepper (3), cucumber (2), courgettes (3), red beet (3), aubergines (2).
Each type of vegetable will be judged out of a total of 20 points. This is split into three sections as follows: 7 points for size, shape and colour; 7 points for condition; 6 points for uniformity. The overall mark will be out of a total of 60.
2.All vegetables are to be displayed for effect. The vegetables must be displayed within an area measuring 45cm by 60cm (18x24in), without bending any part of them. No part of any exhibit may exceed the size of the tray.
A tray or board measuring 45cm by 60cm (18x24in) can be used to display the vegetables, or the area can simply be marked on the staging. Where a tray has a lip or edge, it is the internal measurements that must not exceed 45cm by 60cm (18x24in).
3. A black cloth is permitted, and the tray may be painted. Parsley is allowed for garnishing, but no other foliage or accessories, such as plates, sand, rings and so on, will be allowed. Onion tops may be tied or whipped using raffia or string.

NOTES FOR EXHIBITORS AND JUDGES
* Carrots and parsnips must have foliage trimmed back to 7.5cm (3in).
* Peas and beans must be displayed with some stalk attached.
* Tomatoes must be displayed with calyces (the green flower bud case).
* Judges may handle exhibits, open pods etc. to check for quality.
* The tray, board or staging must not be cut or mutilated in any way at all – such as cutting holes for standing onions in.
* Judges should use their discretion when judging the Top Tray class, remembering that entries may come from inexperienced exhibitors.
* The points awarded should be clearly marked by the judges on the exhibitors’ cards.
* Any queries that may arise, regarding anything other than the above rules, should be referred to, and decided by, the show officials

Prizes: 1st - £7, 2nd - £3, 3rd - £2, Highly Commended and Commended

Class: 2 Collection of five kinds of Vegetables

Class: 3 Housewives Choice

Class: 4 Vegetables not included in Classes 5 - 30

Class: 5 Three Parsnips

Class: 6 Three Leeks

Class: 7 Two Lettuces of any variety

Class: 8 Five Potatoes - coloured

Class: 9 Five Potatoes - white

Class: 10 Three Carrots - short/stump rooted

Class: 11 Three Carrots - long

Class: 12 Four Globe Beetroot

Class: 13 Five Onions - no bulb to exceed 250g

Class: 14 Three Onions - all bulbs over 250g

Class: 15 A Rope of Onions

Class: 16 Nine Shallots Exhibition

Class: 17 Nine Shallots Pickling

Class: 18 Two Cucumbers

Class: 19 Nine Runner Beans

Class: 20 Nine French Beans

Class: 21 Two Vegetable Marrows

Class: 22 Two Cabbages

Class: 23 Five Medium Tomatoes

Class: 24 Rhubarb, natural

Class: 25 One Truss of Tomatoes

Class: 26 Nine Cherry Tomatoes

Class: 27 Five Chillies

Class: 28 Three Peppers

Class: 29 Three Courgettes

Class: 30 My Favourite Herb or Herbs

Class: 31 A collection of five kinds of named culinary herbs

Class: 32 Five Culinary or Dessert Apples

Class: 33 A dish of soft Fruit

Class: 34 Adult Fun Class

Division II - Flowers

Description:

All entries to be in one vase except where stated.

NOTES:
• Flowering stems can be taken from ANY flowering plant.
• The different kinds of plants need to be taken from different genera. For instance, pinks, carnations and sweet william – which are all dianthus – would not be classed as different kinds.
• Use only fresh, home-grown flowers. No dried or silk flowers allowed.
• A vase, by definition, is any vessel that can be used to hold cut flowers and which is taller than it is wide at its widest point.
• The Best Vase class is open for anyone to enter and is not intended purely for growers who regularly display in single species classes at shows.
• Judges should use their discretion when judging the Top Vase class bearing in mind that the entries may come from inexperienced exhibitors.
• Please note that the display has to be viewed all round.
• The points awarded should be clearly marked by the judges on the exhibitors’ cards.
• Any queries that may arise, regarding anything other than the above rules, should be referred to, and decided by, the show officials. Failure to abide by any of these rules will lead to disqualification.

Ring:

Horticultural Marquee

Judges:

Mr Gwynne Davies (Judge), Mr Ian Clemens (Judge)

Class: 40 Best Vase

Best Vase A vase for mixed flowering stems containing a total of between five and ten stems taken from a minimum of two different plants. RULES: 1. The Best Vase class is for a vase of mixed flowering stems containing a total of between 5 and 10, taken from a minimum of two different kinds of plants. Please note that it is two different KINDS of plants, two varieties of the same plants are NOT two kinds. 2. The display is judged out of a total of 35 points, split into 25 points for the colour, form, condition, quality and freshness of the flowers on display, and 10 points for the overall presentation and effects of the flowers in the vase. The vase will be viewed from all directions. Judging of flowers should be to the normal rules used for other classes. 3. Stems used in the display must be showing flowers only, no seed heads or berries will be allowed. 4. The vase can be any shape and size and made from any material, but must be in proportion to the display. No marks are awarded for the vase itself. 5. No accessories such as bows and additional foliage will be allowed. Foliage which is growing naturally from the flowering stem, and still attached to that stem, is allowed. Packing material - including florists’ foam - to keep the stems in place is allowed. NOTES FOR EXHIBITORS & JUDGES: • Flowering stems can be taken from ANY flowering plant. • The different kinds of plants need to be taken from different genera. For instance, pinks, carnations and sweet william – which are all dianthus – would not be classed as different kinds. • Use only fresh, home-grown flowers. No dried or silk flowers allowed. • A vase, by definition, is any vessel that can be used to hold cut flowers and which is taller than it is wide at its widest point. • The Best Vase class is open for anyone to enter and is not intended purely for growers who regularly display in single species classes at shows. • Judges should use their discretion when judging the Top Vase class bearing in mind that the entries may come from inexperienced exhibitors. • Please note that the display has to be viewed all round. • The points awarded should be clearly marked by the judges on the exhibitors’ cards. • Any queries that may arise, regarding anything other than the above rules, should be referred to, and decided by, the show officials. Failure to abide by any of these rules will lead to disqualification.

Description:

A vase for mixed flowering stems containing a total of between five and ten stems taken from a minimum of two different plants.

RULES:
1. The Best Vase class is for a vase of mixed flowering stems containing a total of between 5 and 10, taken from a minimum of two different kinds of plants. Please note that it is two different KINDS of plants, two varieties of the same plants are NOT two kinds.
2. The display is judged out of a total of 35 points, split into 25 points for the colour, form, condition, quality and freshness of the flowers on display, and 10 points for the overall presentation and effects of the flowers in the vase. The vase will be viewed from all directions. Judging of flowers should be to the normal rules used for other classes.
3. Stems used in the display must be showing flowers only, no seed heads or berries will be allowed.
4. The vase can be any shape and size and made from any material, but must be in proportion to the display. No marks are awarded for the vase itself.
5. No accessories such as bows and additional foliage will be allowed. Foliage which is growing naturally from the flowering stem, and still attached to that stem, is allowed. Packing material - including florists’ foam - to keep the stems in place is allowed.

NOTES FOR EXHIBITORS & JUDGES:
• Flowering stems can be taken from ANY flowering plant.
• The different kinds of plants need to be taken from different genera. For instance, pinks, carnations and sweet william – which are all dianthus – would not be classed as different kinds.
• Use only fresh, home-grown flowers. No dried or silk flowers allowed.
• A vase, by definition, is any vessel that can be used to hold cut flowers and which is taller than it is wide at its widest point.
• The Best Vase class is open for anyone to enter and is not intended purely for growers who regularly display in single species classes at shows.
• Judges should use their discretion when judging the Top Vase class bearing in mind that the entries may come from inexperienced exhibitors.
• Please note that the display has to be viewed all round.
• The points awarded should be clearly marked by the judges on the exhibitors’ cards.
• Any queries that may arise, regarding anything other than the above rules, should be referred to, and decided by, the show officials. Failure to abide by any of these rules will lead to disqualification.

Prizes: 1st - £7, 2nd - £3, 3rd - £2, Highly Commended and Commended

Class: 41 Dahlia

Class: 42 Dahlia

Class: 43 Dahlia

Class: 44 Dahlia

Class: 45 Dahlia

Class: 46 Dahlia

Class: 47 1 Spray of Roses

Class: 48 Rose - 1 specimen

Class: 49 Large flowered Rose Life-Cycle

Class: 50 Hybrid Tea Rose

Class: 51 Vase of 5 single stem Roses

Class: 52 Annuals

Class: 53 Herbaceous Pernnials

Class: 54 Hydrangeas

Class: 55 Sweet Peas

Class: 56 One Pot Plant

Class: 57 One Pot Plant

Class: 58 Geranium

Class: 59 A Fuchsia

Class: 60 Shrubs

Class: 61 Planted Patio Container

Class: 62 Hanging Basket

Division III - Floral Decoration

Description:

Classes to be judged according to the NAFAS Competition Manual 4th Edition 2023.
NOTES:
A. An exhibit is natural plant material with or without accessories (foam oasis is permitted however we endeavour to discourage it's use where possible).
B. Exhibits may be arranged at home or in the marquee.

Ring:

Horticultural Marquee

Judges:

Nicola Ralph (Judge), Dr Francis Burroughs (Judge)

Class: 70 'Magic of the Musicals'

Class: 71 'Where Have All The Flowers Gone'

Class: 72 'Peace & Harmony'

Class: 73 'Beauty In Simplicity'

Class: 74 'Charming'

Class: 75 'Bold As Brass'

Class: 76 'Spice It Up'

Class: 77 'Minimum Material, Maximum Impact'

Class: 78 'An Artists Palette'

Class: 79 INTERMEDIATE NOVICE: 'Tiers of Joy'

Class: 80 NOVICE: 'Beauty in a Goldfish Bowl'

Division IV - Photography

Description:

NOTES:
A. All exhibits must be taken by the exhibitor and not have been entered in a previous Gillingham & Shaftesbury Agricultural Show.
B. Photographs must be the bona-fide exposure of, but not necessarily developed and printed by the exhibitor. No copies or reproductions allowed.
C. No photograph shall exceed 30cm x 25cm including the mount.
D. Photographs must be securely mounted on plain white card but not framed or glazed.
E. All photographs must be as taken and not digitally or otherwise enhanced.
F. Photographs will be judged on technical merit rather than on the subject material.
The whole of the entries from each exhibitor must be enclosed in a cover bearing the exhibitors name and address. Class numbers will be affixed by the Stewards.
Staging will be done by the Stewards, but you are advised to bring covering for your Exhibits.

Please be aware that exhibits which do not comply with rules listed above will not be eligible for judging.

Ring:

Horticultural Marquee

Judges:

Mr John Tilsley (Judge)

Class: 90 Photograph - Light and Dark

Class: 91 Photograph - Spirit of Show Day

Class: 92 Photograph - Partnership

Class: 93 Photograph - Sport

Class: 94 Black & White Photo - House Sign

Class: 95 Photograph - Creatures Great and/or Small

Class: 96 NOVICE: Photograph - Home

Division V - Homecrafts

Description:

NOTES:
A. All Exhibits to be homemade.
B. Exhibits may be displayed on china, plastic or paper plates.
C. A limited number of plastic domes, supplied by the Society will be available.

Kindly Sponsored By: Watts Electrical

Ring:

Horticultural Marquee

Judges:

Mrs. S. Warr (Judge), Sue Fear (Judge)

Class: 100 Boiled Fruit Cake

Class: 101 Five Pieces of Fudge

Class: 102 Five Decorated Butterfly Cakes

Class: 103 A Jam Swiss Roll

Class: 104 A Banana Loaf Cake

Class: 105 A Treacle Tart

Class: 106 A Marble Cake

Class: 107 A Decorated Cake to describe the Gillingham And Shaftesbury Agricultural Show

Class: 108 Five Pieces of Rocky Road

Class: 109 3 Whole Scotch Eggs

Class: 110 5 Sausage Rolls

Class: 111 A Cake to include a Vegetable

Class: 112 5 Sultana Scones

Class: 113 3 Mini Pizza's

Class: 114 5 Pieces of Your Favourite Tray Bake

Class: 115 Lemon Drizzle Cake

Class: 116 Dorset Apple Cake

Class: 117 5 Dark Chocolate Muffins

Class: 118 A Round of Shortbread

Class: 119 Five Cheese Straws

Class: 120 5 of Your Favourite Biscuits

Division VI A - Preserves

Description:

NOTES:
A. All Exhibits to be home made.
B. No chilli to be added to jams and pickles
B. Labels to be plain white, stating variety, month and year. Do not use commercial jars. For preserves twist caps without wax discs are recommended, but waxed disc with cellophane cover may be used. When using cellophane cover DO NOT cover with a metal or plastic lid. Vinegar proof lids should be used for chutneys. Please provide an elastic band to secure entry number card.

Ring:

Horticultural Marquee

Judges:

Class: 121 Glass jar of Strawberry Jam

Class: 122 Glass jar of Stone Fruit Jam

Class: 123 Glass jar of Jam

Class: 124 Glass jar of Jelly

Class: 125 Glass jar of Marmalade

Class: 126 Glass jar of Fruit Curd

Class: 127 Glass jar of Chutney

Class: 128 Glass jar of Piccalilli

Class: 129 Glass jar of Pickled onions or shallots

Class: 130 A collection of three preserves

Division VI B - Homemade Wines & Cordials

Description:

All bottles must be colourless clear 75cl wine bottles with flanged stoppers. All labels to be plain white, the lower edge to be a minimum of 5cm from the bottom of the bottle. Please provide one elastic band around each bottle.

Ring:

Horticultural Marquee

Judges:

Sue Billington (Judge)

Class: 131 A Bottle of Cider

Class: 132 One bottle Lemonade - any size

Class: 133 One bottle of Elderflower Cordial - any size

Class: 134 One bottle of Fruit Wine

Class: 135 One bottle of Flower Wine

Class: 136 One bottle of Wine - Sweet or medium, any colour

Class: 137 One bottle of Wine - Dry, any colour

Class: 138 One bottle of Sloe Gin – any size

Class: 139 One bottle of Liqueur excluding Sloe Gin - any size

Division VIII - Handicrafts

Description:

NOTES:
A. Specimen of wool, nylon, etc. used, to be attached to knitted article.
B. Exhibits must not have been entered in a previous Gillingham & Shaftesbury Agricultural Show.
C. Garments must not have been worn prior to the Show or will be disqualified.

You are advised to bring coverings for your exhibit.

You are advised to bring coverings for your exhibits.

Ring:

Horticultural Marquee

Judges:

Mrs Sue Stroud (Judge), Mrs. R. Harding (Judge)

Class: 140 An item of Woodwork

Class: 141 Glass Painted Item

Class: 142 An article of Pottery or Ceramics

Class: 143 Any article made from a purchased kit or pattern

Class: 144 A Handmade Greeting Card with an envelope or box

Class: 145 A Homemade Greeting Card with an envelope – computer generated

Class: 146 A Machine-Sewn Garment

Class: 147 An Article of Jewellery (inc. Earrings)

Class: 148 Any Article of Bead Work

Class: 149 Any Hand-Knitted Garment for a Baby 0-6 months

Class: 150 Any Hand-Knitted Garment for a Child 1 – 7 years

Class: 151 Any Hand-Knitted Garment for an Adult

Class: 152 A Knitted Shawl or Stole

Class: 153 A Homemade Stuffed Toy

Class: 154 Home-Made Stuffed Toy

Class: 155 A group of Knitted or Hand Sewn Toys or Dolls

Class: 156 A Handbag

Class: 157 A Cushion

Class: 158 A Patchwork Article

Class: 159 An Article of Felting

Class: 160 Felting Nuno/Wet

Class: 161 Any Article of Crochet

Class: 162 Any Appliqued Item

Class: 163 An Article of Cross Stitch

Class: 164 A Pin Cushion

Class: 165 An Article of Tapestry

Division IX - Children's Classes

Description:

NOTES:
A. Age must be stated on entry form.
B. All exhibits must have been completed by the exhibitor during the past twelve months and must be his/her unaided work.
C. All food in classes 211, 221 & 231, must be displayed on firm plates, and placed in a large, clear, plastic food bag to cover the exhibit and the plate.
D. Classes 200 to 202 - No exhibit shall exceed 76cm x 60cm including mount. No frames allowed. Artists signatures must be covered.
E. Handwriting - Classes 212, 222 and 232 - please mount on thin card.
F. Photograph - Classes 208, 218 and 228 - please mount on thin card.

Classes 200, 203 - 212 open to Children aged 7 years and under on Show Day.
Classes 201, 213 - 222 open to Children aged 11 years and under on Show Day.
Classes 202, 223 - 232 open to Children aged 16 years and under on Show Day.
Class 233 open to Children aged 0 - 16 years on Show Day.

Ring:

Horticultural Marquee

Judges:

Class: 200 Children's Art: Open to children 7 years of age and under on Show Day

Class: 201 Children's Art: Open to children 11 years of age and under on Show Day

Class: 202 Children's Art: Open to children 16 years of age and under on Show

Class: 203 Section A: Any article of handwork

Class: 204 SECTION A: A Decorated Welly Boot

Class: 205 SECTION A: A junk model - space station or rocket

Class: 206 SECTION A: A collage - your favourite sport

Class: 207 SECTION A: A paper plate king or queen

Class: 208 SECTION A: A photograph - a favourite animal

Class: 209 SECTION A: A Model of a Dinosaur Made from Vegetables, Fruit, Nuts, Foliage or Feathers

Class: 210 SECTION A: A Selection of Colourful Flowers and Foliage in a Vase

Class: 211 SECTION A: 5 Homemade Jam Tarts

Class: 212 SECTION A: Illustrated handwriting

Class: 213 SECTION B: Any article of Wood, Metal, Pottery or Glass

Class: 214 SCETION B: Any article of Needlework, Tapestry, Knitting or Embroidery.

Class: 215 SECTION B: A Collage - Hot Air Balloon/s

Class: 216 SECTION B: A Seaside or Coastal Scene in a Seed tray

Class: 217 SECTION B: Make a Stick Person

Class: 218 SECTION B: A photograph –A mode of transport

Class: 219 SECTION B: Grow a Dwarf Sunflower in a Decorated Pot

Class: 220 SECTION B: A floral arrangement for Halloween

Class: 221 SECTION B: 5 Homemade Butterfly Cakes

Class: 222 SECTION B: Illustrated Handwriting

Class: 223 SECTION C: Any article of Wood, Metal, Pottery or Glass

Class: 224 SECTION C: Any article of Needlework, Tapestry, Knitting or Embroidery

Class: 225 SECTION C: Design a World Cup Football Kit

Class: 226 SECTION C: Grow Cress in an Unusual Container

Class: 227 SECTION C: Make an Underwater Scene in a Shoebox

Class: 228 SECTION C: A Photograph – Sunset or Sunrise

Class: 229 SECTION C: A Floral Arrangement for a Birthday Celebration

Class: 230 SECTION C: Design a front cover for the 2027 Show Horticultural Schedule

Class: 231 SECTION C: A Chocolate Victoria Sandwhich Cake

Class: 232 SECTION C: Illustrated Handwriting

Class: 233 CHILDREN'S CLASS: Five home grown vegetables

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Event Summary

Location
Show Office, Turnpike Showground,
Motcombe,
Shaftesbury,
Dorset,
Dorset,
SP7 9PL
Entry Fee
£1.00
Date
Tue 18 August 2026 7:30am
Entries Close
Wed 29 July 2026 11:59pm
Email
compete@gillinghamandshaftesburyshow.co.uk
Phone
01747823955

Horticulture, Homecraft, Handicrafts, Children's Classes

Division I - Fruit & Vegetables

Division II - Flowers

Division III - Floral Decoration

Division IV - Photography

Division V - Homecrafts

Division VI A - Preserves

Division VI B - Homemade Wines & Cordials

Division VIII - Handicrafts

Division IX - Children's Classes

Show Office, Turnpike Showground,
Motcombe,
Shaftesbury,
Dorset,
Dorset,
SP7 9PL

£1.00

Tue 18 August 2026 7:30am

Wed 29 July 2026 11:59pm

compete@gillinghamandshaftesburyshow.co.uk

01747823955

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Horticulture, Homecraft, Handicrafts, Children's Classes

Division I - Fruit & Vegetables

Division II - Flowers

Division III - Floral Decoration

Division IV - Photography

Division V - Homecrafts

Division VI A - Preserves

Division VI B - Homemade Wines & Cordials

Division VIII - Handicrafts

Division IX - Children's Classes

Show Office, Turnpike Showground,Motcombe,Shaftesbury,Dorset,Dorset,SP7 9PL

£1.00

Tue 18 August 2026 7:30am

Wed 29 July 2026 11:59pm

compete@gillinghamandshaftesburyshow.co.uk

01747823955

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Show Office, Turnpike Showground,
Motcombe,
Shaftesbury,
Dorset,
Dorset,
SP7 9PL