Despite a cold winter day, a strong turnout of 54 members and five visitors attended the July meeting and annual general meeting of the Lakes Entrance Garden Club.
A full committee was successfully elected for the upcoming year, welcoming one new face to the leadership team.
The show bench annual award winners for 2025/26 were announced during the proceedings, with Shirley Bardwell taking first place overall, followed by Dearne Albert in second and Ann Barker in third. Shirley Barnes was awarded highest scoring new member. President Stan Barker presented prizes to Ms Albert and Ms Barker, with both Ms Bardwell and Ms Barnes absent on the day.
This month’s meeting featured an “In The Pink” mid-winter madness theme, creating a sea of pink across the hall with members sporting scarves, jumpers, jackets, hats and fluffy socks. Pink blooms also featured heavily on the show bench, complemented by a range of themed treats during afternoon tea.
The monthly show bench competition was judged by fully qualified local florist Kirsty Wain, who commended the overall quality and selection of blooms on display.
The special section for an floral arrangement depicting winter was taken out by Ann Barker with a collection featuring spindle bush, red Japanese maple and grey conifer branches.
In the potted cyclamen category, Dearne Albert took first place with an unusually coloured purple flower, while Gwen Christopher secured second with a deep red variety.
The best exhibit of the day was awarded to Truus Adams for a deep pink masdevallia orchid.
With annual general meeting proceedings taking up much of the afternoon, formal presentations were replaced with a lighthearted game of Beetle, bringing plenty of laughs to close out the meeting.
The next Lakes Entrance Garden Club meeting will be held on Monday, August 17, at 1.30pm at the Mechanics Hall in Mechanics Street, Lakes Entrance. Visitors are always welcome.
