News & Blog

Another successful tulip year with some beautiful flowers and a special Coronation Class in honour of King Charles.

above Judge Jane Green assisted by Dan Smith scrutinising an 'Agbrigg' featherResults of the Tulip Society's 188th Annual Show

The Wakefield and North of England Tulip Society's 188th Annual Show was held at the Ossett War Memorial Community Centre on Sunday 7th May 2023. It is always a delight to see these special flowers with growers often battling the odds to produce some amazing flowers for the show and this year was no exception. Despite the recent cooler weather and late season more than 30 exhibitors displayed tulip blooms at the Annual Show in Ossett, moved back one day due to the Coronation and a special class this year in honour of King Charles. The show was opened by Professor Jonathan Seville, a descendent of Sam Barlow the eminent Victorian tulip grower after whom the bizarre tulip 'Sam Barlow' was named.  Judy Baker was particularly successful with a T.  'Agbrigg' feather for Overall Premier Bloom. Florence Bell winning the Coronation Class and the Elizabeth Smith Medal for Best Exhibit by Exhibitor under 18 years of age.

Points Classes
F R Hunter Cup, Most points in Vase classes: Polly Nicholson:
Jim Akers Memorial Goblet, Most points in Open classes: Judy Baker:
Brook Silver Challenge Cup (The Novice Cup) & Glass Goblet, Most points in Novice classes: Lynn Gill:
Glass Goblet, Most points in Extra Open Classes: Jane Green:
The Dawson-Brown Trophy, Most points in English classes + ASYF: Dave Skinner.

Bloom Classes
Elizabeth Smith Silver Medal, Best Exhibit by Exhibitor under 18 years of age: Florence Bell (Aylesbury):
The James Akers Trophy, Best Feather in Show: Judy Baker: Agbrigg.
The Wendy Akers Trophy, Best Flame in Show: Jackie Kendall: Lord Stanley.
The Keith Eyre Trophy, Best Breeder Tulip in Show: Judy Baker: Goldfinder.
Peter Emmett Trophy, Best Exhibit Classes 2 - 8: Lynn Gill: Temple of Beauty.
Cochrane of Cults Vase, Best Bloom Classes 23 - 25: Judy Baker: Agbrigg.
The Dudmaston Plate, Best Bloom in Novice Classes 28 - 32: Jackie Kendall: Lord Stanley fl.
S Knowles Cup, Best Bloom in Extra Open Classes 33 - 36: Lynn Gill: Rosie Wainwright.
Turner Memorial Trophy, Best Sam Barlow: Chris Gill: Sam Barlow.
Albert Tear Memorial Trophy, Overall Premier Bloom: Judy Baker: Agbrigg.

Members travelled from across the UK and Europe to ensure a good turnout and a splendid display of English Florists’ tulips at the much-anticipated first public show since the pandemic.

above 187th Annual Show Ossett War Memorial Community CentreResults of the Tulip Society's 187th Annual Show

The Wakefield and North of England Tulip Society's 187th Annual Show was held at the Ossett War Memorial Community Centre on Saturday 14th May 2022.

Swedish member and noted historian Emilie Wellfelt opened the show in the afternoon and welcomed both members and the public with a reminder of the intriguing history of the flower. Despite a variable growing season 23 exhibitors competed, some with tulips which had been carefully stored in refrigeration for nearly two weeks and others with flowers picked that day. The Society’s Chairman, Chris Gill, was particularly successful winning several trophies including the Albert Tear Memorial Trophy for T. ‘Goldfinder’ which was the best Overall Premier Bloom at the Annual Show.

Points Classes
F R Hunter Cup, Most points in Vase classes: Christine Brooks.
Jim Akers Memorial Goblet, Most points in Open classes: Chris Gill.
Brook Silver Challenge Cup & Glass Goblet, Most points in Novice classes: Niklas & Katrine Wellfelt.
Glass Goblet, Most points in Extra Open Classes: Gill Starkey.
The Dawson-Brown Trophy, Most points in English classes + ASYF: Teresa Clements.

Bloom Classes
Elizabeth Smith Silver Medal, Youngest Exhibitor under 18 years of age: Not awarded.
The James Akers Trophy, Best Feather in Show: David Bonser: Julia Farnese.
The Wendy Akers Trophy, Best Flame in Show: Chris Gill: Sir Joseph Paxton.
The Keith Eyre Trophy, Best Breeder Tulip in Show: Chris Gill: Goldfinder.
Peter Emmett Trophy, Best Exhibit Classes 2 - 8: Christine Brooks: Gorilla.
Cochrane of Cults Vase, Best Bloom Classes 23 - 25: David Bonser: Julia Farnese.
The Dudmaston Plate, Best Bloom in Novice Classes 28 - 32: Niklas & Katrine Wellfelt: Julia Farnese.
S Knowles Cup, Best Bloom in Extra Open Classes 33 - 36: Teresa Clements: Deryn Roberts.
Turner Memorial Trophy, Best Sam Barlow: David Bonser: Sam Barlow.
Albert Tear Memorial Trophy, Overall Premier Bloom: Chris Gill: Goldfinder.