By Ron Clark
Lockdowns do not apply to the begonias nurtured by regulars of the Benett Arms, Semley, as this year’s ‘Best Begonia in The Benett Bar’ competition attracted a record entry of baskets.
Judge, Claire Gosling of Thorngrove Garden Centre had plenty to think about with the two classes as nearly every basket contained good healthy plants with plenty of flowers. The main prize, the Benett Shield, was awarded to Sue Malden of Shaftesbury, closely followed by Jennie Eardley of Donhead St Mary, with last year’s winner Jason Stopps from Semley in third.
The inaugural ‘Freestyle’ class went to John Osmond with Jason Stopps again among the prizes in second.
Competition sponsor Nick Malden, from NJM Carpentry, Tisbury, congratulated the competitors on such a strong turnout and hoped that next year’s competition would attract even more entries.
Refreshments were provided by David and Sam, the new licencees of the Benett, who thanked everyone for the support since they took over the pub the day before the start of lockdown.