Biggest Rose Show in the UK Proves Great Success
Above: Colin Squire OBE., Chairman Emeritus, Squire’s Garden Centres and President of the Rose Society at the Rose Show held at Squire’s Shepperton last weekend
Squire’s Garden Centres in Shepperton hosted the largest rose show in the country last weekend (24th & 25th June) with a record number of entrants.
The show was the sixth of the Rose Society UK, the national society for the nation’s favourite flower, and the 46th rose show held by Squire’s Garden Centres. The weekend-long event saw rose growers travel from across the UK, from Teesside to Taunton and from the Lake District to East Anglia, to take part in the event, which is the largest show of its kind in the UK.
The show recognises the exceptionally high standards of rose growing in the UK. Prizes were presented in all categories including Star of the Show, Open Championship Class and Miniature/Miniflora Rose Championship. The awards were presented by Colin Squire OBE, Chairman Emeritus of Squire’s Garden Centres and President of the Rose Society UK and Mayor of Spelthorne, Cllr Denise Saliagopoulos.
Colin Squire OBE, Chairman Emeritus, Squire’s Garden Centres and President of the Rose Society UK comments: “It was an absolute pleasure to once again host this much loved event for growers from across the country on behalf of the Rose Society UK, which is the largest event of its kind. With growers traveling from far and wide to show stunning displays in a range of categories, it’s testament to the continued popularity of this legendary flower. It was also a truly exceptional opportunity for visitors to see such outstanding displays of roses – a real treat for everyone!”
Ray Martin, Secretary of the Rose Society UK, comments: “The Shepperton show was a great success, with a fantastic turn-out of exhibitors attending, demonstrating their skill and passion for growing quality roses. This summer’s bloom flush has been spectacular for many due to exceptional weather conditions and it made the show even more special. I would like to thank Colin Squire and the Squire’s Shepperton team for once again generously hosting this event and making everyone so welcome. This event is very important to us and our members and probably the largest amateur rose show globally with in the order of 2000 rose blooms on show.”
In addition, there were stunning floral art displays by members of the Walton & Weybridge Flower Club, giving visitors the opportunity to vote for their favourite arrangement under the theme of ‘Midsummer Madness’.
Above (from left): Mayor of Spelthorne, Cllr Denise Saliagopoulos (left) and Colin Squire OBE., President of the Rose Society UK, present awards to champion rose grower, Neil Duncan, and ‘Best Newcomer’ to Matthew Pitt, both from Hampshire.
