The Bega Civic Centre foyer was ablaze with colour, drawing accolades from all who came to visit. The beginning of Spring was enough to bring on flowering and fill the show benches.
Grand Champion and Champion Cymbidium 90 mm + was awarded to Richard Skitt for his Cym. Regal Flames ‘Queen of Hearts’. The deep red well formed large flowers held on four strong stems was a delight to see. But it didn’t stop there for Richard, he was also successful with Champion Cymbidium 60 – 90 mm - Cym. Jumbo Tupp X Burma Star, Champion Seedling with Cym. Coraki Glowing x Baritta Unsung which showed promise of things to come.
Richard also presented the Champion Orchid, Any Other Genera, Masdevallia Rein Touch ‘Beenak Beauty’, a very large dark orange Flower with deeper stripes
Reserve Champion was a Cattleya Mango Spice displaying lovely orange flowers very well displayed presented by Keith Barrett, this plant also was awarded Champion Laeliinae Alliance. Keith was not done as his Coelogyne cristata with is beautiful white cascading flowers took out the Champion Species Orchid.
Champion Cymbidium under 60mm was benched by Ed Locs, Cym. Helen Bannerman. This plant had a long cascading inflorescence with small delicate fawn flowers with rusty red lips.
Champion Novice came from a very recent member who has embraced the hobby with gusto, Sue O’Brien was awarded for her Unknown Dendrobium, a large plant with essentially white flowers tipped with pink making a very impressive show.
Champion Paphiopedilum was Bob and Cherryle Watters ever faithful Paph. Nitens displaying an impressive number of its very neat flowers as always.
The Champion Specimen Orchid was a very large plant with strong yellow flowers which were speckled with red, Den. Essie Banks belonging to Les and Ruby Tudberry/Xaio. They also had the Champion Australian Native or Native Hybrid, a beautiful large cream flowered Den. Greta Snow.
Ulli Cliff benched a first flowered seedling from our growing comp and was awarded Champion Seedling Other than Cymbidium with Den. Memoria Phil Grech. Phil was a former member and a very successful breeder, and the plants were bred by former member Michael Wood in his honour.
The Club has some very talented new members who are keen floral artists presenting some very original and interesting pieces. The Champion Floral Art was awarded to Glenis Feltham for her Fan like arrangement featuring large green Cymbidium flowers supported by ferns and other fine trimmings.
Di and Peter Crooks presented the winning Champion Fern and Foliage with their immaculate Vriesea bromeliad.
Congratulations to all winners, exhibitors, and helpers for putting on another great show.
Sapphire Coast Orchid Club would like to thank our Major Sponsors, Robert Smith Complete Furnishers of Pambula, The Bendigo Bank, Club Grants and The Little Bouquet Florist of Merimbula for their very generous support of our Shows.
