Shows – Rules and Regulations

  1. All adult competitors must be a member of the Society.
  2. An exhibitor may not make more than one entry in any one class.
  3. Two or more persons may not exhibit for prizes separately in any one class with produce from the same garden or allotment.
  4. All plant material shall have been grown by the exhibitor for at least two months before the show.
  5. Entry forms shall be received at Fellowship House on Entry Night (refer to handbook) or emailed to shows@hortsoc.co.uk no later than the dates specified. Whilst every effort will be made to accept late entries, this will be at the discretion of the Show Committee.
  6. The Hall will be open for staging from 9.00am and 11.00am on the day of the show. Only exhibitors will be allowed into the Hall during staging of exhibits.
  7. Judging will commence at 11.15am.
  8. Exhibitors shall remove their entries between 5.00pm and 6.00pm.
  9. Responsibility cannot be accepted for exhibits remaining after 6.00pm.
  10. Judging of the Cut Flowers, Fruit and Vegetables will be conducted in accordance with the rules and standards contained in the Royal Horticultural Society’s Handbook except were, under this schedule, they obviously do not apply.
  11. Those classes which have their own specific awards, e.g. Sweet Peas, Dahlias and Roses, will not be included in the allocation of points for the Coronation Cup. The winner of this cup may not be the winner of any other trophy in the Cut Flower classes.
  12. The judges shall have the power, according to the standard of excellence, to reduce or withhold any prize. The decision of the judges shall be final except in cases where, after any award has been made, the exhibit is found to be not in accordance with the requirements of the Schedule.
  13. All matters of protest, disqualifications etc. must be lodged with the Show Co-ordinator not later than 4.00pm on the day of the show when the Committee, whose judgement shall be final, will deal with them.
  14. The Committee will take ordinary care of exhibits but will not be responsible for any loss or damage that may occur.
  15. All trophies awarded are for annual competition. They remain the property of the Society and must be returned to a member of the Show Committee at least one month before the AGM. Holders are responsible for their safekeeping and condition.
  16. All trophies must be polished prior to return.
  17. There is a 3-year limit on trophies. Any competitor who has won the same trophy for the past 3 consecutive years will not be eligible to win it for the following 12 months.
  18. Adult trophies and medals, will be presented at the Annual General Meeting of the Society.
  19. Prize monies awarded in the children’s classes will be presented at the shows.
  20. Prize monies not collected from the Treasurer by 31 December 2025 will be returned to the Society’s funds.
  21. All matters not provided for in these Regulations shall be left to the discretion of the Show Committee.