Over the past few seasons I have been involved in discussions,
debates and arguments etc. concerning championship classes at
various shows.
What should a championship class be? It should be the pinnacle
of the show, most people agree but thereafter it is a different
story. The chairman, secretary and committee members of each society
have their own views and not many societies agree with one another
on the subject.
The National Shows at London and Harrogate obviously have to
cater for the creme-de-la-creme, who grow 30 or 40 plants of each
and every variety, although occasionally lesser mortals do intrude
and nick the odd ticket.
These shows call for three giant or large; three medium decoratives;
three medium cactus or semi—cactus; five small decoratives
and five small cactus or semi-cactus. The Scottish National at
Stirling has toned the previous format down slightly calling for
three blooms of the smalls.
At Perth we have also adopted this set up as we feel most exhibitors
can have a go at the championship and have blooms left for other
trophy classes.
I can think of two societies where the top prize is for 3 x 5
blooms. Personally I think this set up puts unfair pressure on
the judge as he may have to judge large against miniatures or
even poms. In spite of arguments to the contrary I think human
nature will always play a part here.
I did see five Alva’s Supreme in a vase at one of those shows.
Not a pretty sight, but I feel that the exhibitor who staged it
had his tongue firmly in his cheek when he staged it.
For as long as I can remember Dundee Flower Show have asked for three mediums; five small decoratives and five small cactus or small semi-cactus as their championship class while another society asks for three medium decoratives; three medium cactus or semi—cactus; five small decoratives and five small cactus or semi-cactus. Some exhibitors that I have spoken to find this set up awkward on three tier staging.
The one I found most awkward was at AYR where the top prize is for three medium cactus or semi-cactus; three small decoratives; three small cactus or semi-cactus and three miniature decoratives. There was no way it looked right.
Finally some societies make their No. 1 the “Best Exhibit
in Show”. Some readers may be wondering what is the point
of this waffle. It is this:
It has been suggested more than once that to uphold or improve
dahlia exhibiting that some sort of league table could be formed
among the top Societies. This idea sounds good but some sort of
uniformity would have to come into it. From past experience I
can see skin and hair flying if it comes to pass and an agreement
reached. It will be interesting to see what develops in the coming
seasons but in the meantime happy growing to you all.
Editors Observations: I seem to recall in the
distant past I tried to get something like this started but the
response was underwhelming to say the least. However let us try
again. Anyone interested initially to contact me with their suggested
shows.
My own suggestion would be to use one of the existing classes
at some of the major shows — e.g. AYR; DUMFRIES: DUNDEE:
PERTH: FIFE and KINROSS and GRANGEMOUTH. Points could be awarded
say “First” - five points; “Second” - four
points; “Third” - three points; “Fourth” -
two points and “Fifth” - one point. I would also suggest
a nominal entry fee say a fiver with the Winner Takes All. Let
me hear your suggestions and if there is sufficient interest we
could hold a meeting somewhere to discuss it.