EVERYTHING went like clockwork as Staunton & District WI Show committee prepared for the opening of its 34th annual Spring Show held at Corse & Staunton Village Hall.

Visitors described it as a wonderful show as they viewed the large entry of exhibits in the 68 classes and the scent of flowers filled the air from the bulb and floral art sections. This year the bowls of hyacinths, daffodils, tulips, crocus, miniatures and amaryllis in every colour were magnificent.

With new classes in the cookery section, the results were mouth-watering and in the men's class of ploughman's lunches (with can of beer alongside) the judge left a comment 'Don't tempt the judge'.

The handicrafts were as always of a high standard and variety with a large entry of cushion covers, embroidery, needlework, soft toys etc. there were also fine entries in art but this year photography was down.

County chairman of Gloucestershire Federation of Women's Institutes, Barbara Lucas judged best in show and the Ursula Groves-Smith cup was awarded to Beryl Cullimore of Redmarley. The Clayton cup for floral art was awarded to Diane Dent, runner up Wendy Mary Henderson. The Needle cup for handicrafts went to Mary Henderson, runner up Barbara Padley. The Houldey cup for cookery went to Christine Ward, runner up Anne Vaughan Davis and Anne was also awarded the Darley cup, which is presented to the Staunton & District WI member for the most points overall. Wendy Fowler was runner up. The children's cup went to Jessica Pate.

The children's section deserves special mention with the family portraits especially good and full of expression. Lydia Ashley was first with Luke Arnall and Megan Jones second and third. The fabric money containers were very innovative and neatly made and the hand written classical poems and nursery rhymes well done too. A demonstration of hand-made cards was especially interesting with splendid examples shown by Elizabeth Solesbury.