Rules for exhibitioners
1. Exhibits must be the property of the exhibitor. All horticultural exhibits must have been in the possession of the exhibitor at least 2 months before the SHOW. Any prize money obtained contrary to this rule will be forfeited and awarded to the competitor next in merit in the same class. Gardens of the exhibitors are liable to inspection at any convenient time before or after entry.
2. Number of entries allowed. A competitor may not enter or stage more than one exhibit in each class.
3. Entry forms. All entries must reach the show secretary not later than the Wednesday before the show date. Telephone entries may be accepted if time permits. Postal entries accepted from long distance exhibitors to arrive by first post 18/09/24. (Cheques made payable to Aylesbury Gardening Society).
4. Entry cards. Exhibitors must apply to the Hon. Show secretary for their exhibit cards upon arrival. These cards must be placed face downwards on or in front of the exhibit prior to being judged.
5. Any question arising as to the proper status of an exhibitor shall be referred to the committee, whose decision shall be final.
6. Staging. Staging may take place 7.15-9.15pm on the evening prior to the show and may commence at 7am on the morning of the show. The hall must be cleared for judges at 10.30 am. No exhibit may be removed before the end of the prize presentation, but the hall must be cleared by 6pm.
7. Prizes. The judges may withhold any award in any class in case of insufficient competition or indifferent production, but additional awards may be made by the committee as far as funds allow for any exhibit recommended by the judges. Prize monies not collected on the day of the show will be donated to show funds.
8. Liability for loss. The committee will not be responsible for any loss or damage to exhibits from whatever cause arising. Every care will be taken by officials, but all exhibits must be shown at sole risk of the respective owners.
9. Entry fees. For all paid up, full members of the society entries are free. A full member must live in the Town of Aylesbury, Post codes HP19,20,21. For associate members and all others, entry fee is 25p per entry.
10. Points. Awarded: 4points—1st; 3pts—2nd; 2pts—3rd; 1pt—highly commended. In the event of a tie on points the winner will be the one with the most first places.
11. Protest. In exceptional circumstances four members of the committee summoned by the show secretary shall have power either before or after the decision of the judges has been given to declare any exhibit disqualified, and their decision shall be final. Any protest must be lodged in writing to the show secretary not later than 3pm on the day of the show, and must be accompanied by the fee of £1, returnable at the discretion of the special sub-committee.
12. Decisions. The committee reserve the right of interpretation of all rules and regulations. Any emergency not provided for by these rules shall be dealt with by the committee and their decision shall be final in all cases.
13. The preparation of vegetables for exhibitions. All vegetables must be properly prepared for exhibition by washing only. The use of oil or any polishing process is strictly prohibited.
14. Flower classes. Exhibitors in these classes must see that all stems reach the water, except in floral arrangements. Colour variety is allowed except where otherwise stated. No imitation flowers or foliage allowed. Floral Art Section flowers and foliage need not be home grown.
15. Plates and vases to be provided by the exhibitor.
16. Cups/trophies will be signed for and held for one year. Cup/trophy holders must inform the show secretary if they change their address or if cups/trophies are lost or damaged. Cups/trophies must be returned to the show secretary or the trading store on a Sunday morning in a clean condition by the last day of July before the show to ensure they are engraved for current year.
17. Novice only. A novice is an exhibitor who has not won a first prize in section entered.
18. Longest runner bean train is 4 beans to be measured without stalk, straight and without straightening, i.e. not around the curves.
19. Maximum sizes in all classes to be adhered to.
20. Annuals (section 18 page 24 RHS Horticultural Handbook). Flowers raised from seed during the last 12 months prior to the show.
21. Prize giving will commence at approximately 4pm.
DUE TO A CHANGE OF ENGRAVER, PLEASE RETURN TROPHIES TO THE SHOW SECRETARY OR THE GARDEN STORE ON A SUNDAY MORNING BY LAST DAY OF JULY SO THAT THE SOCIETY CAN HAVE ALL TROPHIES ENGRAVED.