General Guidance for Exhibitors

Guidance for exhibitors in the competitive classes

Remember, anyone can make competitive entries in the show.

This page is designed to make the most of all your hard work! We have individual paragraphs below to help you...but here are some golden rules:

a) Anyone is eligible to make competitive entries in the flower show. Some classes or divisions are restricted to members of particular groups or are for novices etc. The classes in the young people’s division are restricted to particular specified age groups.

Where entry to classes is restricted, this is indicated in this schedule. Exhibitors must make sure they are eligible for the classes they intend to enter. Many of the classes contain special instructions; these are shown in the schedule. Entrants are advised to follow all such instructions very carefully. Please make sure that you enter your exhibit in the correct class to avoid being disqualified as “not according to schedule”.

b) When you have decided which classes you wish to enter, you should complete the entry form (see page 27) and make sure the form reaches either of the addresses shown on the entry form by 12 noon on Friday 27th July 2012. Please use one entry form per person. Extra entry forms can be found on the show’s website or are available from the show secretary. Members may enter by email: see the website for details or email to entries@tauntonflowershow.co.uk

You may only make ONE entry in each class.

Make sure you include a cheque to cover your entries to the correct amount. NOTE that entries are FREE for individual members of Taunton Flower Show. ALL entries in the young people’s classes (division 10) are FREE. See page 2 if you wish to become a member of the show. Note: you don’t have to be a member to take part. Membership applications MUST be received by 30 April 2012.

c) You should bring your exhibits to the competitive marquee between the times specified on the front cover. NOTE that some exhibits must be made up in the tent, these classes are indicated in the schedule. Make sure you bring everything you may need to stage your exhibits. Remember that pots and vases are NOT supplied and you should bring your own.

d) You should collect your entry cards from the control point inside the competitive marquee. Once you have staged your exhibit, place the exhibit card for that class FACE DOWN with your entry. If you are unsure what to do, please see one of the stewards who will be on duty. Entries in division 11 (Wine and beer) are staged in the wine marquee.

e) All exhibits should be staged as attractively as possible with the exhibits in the best possible condition. Always take some extra specimens to cope with emergencies. Presentation is a key part of the competition and we encourage a high standard.

f) Fruit, flowers and vegetables are judged in accordance with RHS rules (with the exception of division 4, Novices) and the floral art classes will be judged to NAFAS standard. If you are entering these classes, it will be useful to make yourself familiar with their requirements. RHS rules are included in a small booklet titled “The Horticultural Show Handbook” which is available from the RHS website and contains excellent advice.

g) You MUST have staged all your exhibits and have left the marquee by 7.45am on FRIDAY 3rd August. You may NOT remove your exhibits before 5.30pm on Saturday 4th August.

h) Prize money can be collected after 3pm on Saturday from the control point in the marquee. Cups and trophies will be presented in the competitive marquee at 4.30pm on Saturday.

j) Have fun and enjoy yourself! We look forward to seeing you at the show.

Staging Times

Exhibits must be staged between 12 noon and 11pm on Thursday 2nd August and between 6am and 7.45am on Friday 3rd August 2012. (After 11pm on Thursday and before 6am on Friday by prior arrangement only - please email us at entries@tauntonflowershow.co.uk or phone 01823 333617 in advance)