OSR Horticultural Show webpage header with bunting.jpg

Horticultural & Craft Show
19th September 2026

Show Report:

The Old School Room held it’s first Horticultural & Crafts show on Saturday 19th September and the people of Rayne turned out in force both to enter the show and compete for the trophies and in the afternoon to attend the public part of the event when all the exhibits were on show (the lucky ones with their winning certificates) and to enjoy the afternoon in the garden where the women from Rayne WI served teas and a good selection of home made cakes.

We had over 200 entries for the show, a magnificent effort for a first show – I was reminded by many older residents that Rayne hadn’t had a ‘show’ for nearly 40 years and they in particular were pleased to see one return.

It was very nice to welcome Rayne's best known gardener Ken Turner (and I'm sure nobody would dispute that title, even Colin) join us to present the Show Champion Cup to our champion, Colin Putley who in particular had a magnificent array of dahlias on the benches. That trophy and others were financed by the Commemoration group to whom we owe great thanks.

We received lots of outside help from people such as the judges, the ladies of Rayne who made the bunting, a donation of sandwiches for our lunch on show day and volunteers who assisted our own committee with the preparation and running of the show as well of course, the clear up afterwards. We also received sponsorship from individuals and the Swan, Katie from the Swan opened the show for us. Lots of other items and help as well – thanks to all.

Revd Rachel, our resident vicar supported us with an opening prayer and then presenting the bulk of the trophies. These were the trophy winners: