A well deserved pat on the back for David Edmond for once again representing our Society so well last year.  As well as once again coming out as the Victor Ludorum, winning most points, in our own annual show and winner of the best exhibit in the show, David also collected some more silverware at other Society shows and three B.F.S. National Shows.
David started with some apprehension, having decided to reduce the number of plants he would be taking on his travels this year. Only 9 were taken to the B.F.S. Northern Show in Manchester at the end of July. However, they all got a card!! David, in fact, ended up with the B.F.S. Salver for most (7) first prizes in the show, plus trophies for best basket plant and best species.  At the Border Show in Hexham on 26th August it was nearly a repeat performance, David once again scooped the BFS Salver for winning most 1st prizes. Amongst his winners were a superb, floriferous Janice Ann full basket and a Multa half basket.
On his travels David is accompanied and assisted by Peter Long. Peter concentrated much of his growing efforts for the artistic display at the Harrogate Show, but made a real uplifting start to the season too by picking up a 2nd prize at the B.F.S. Northern Show with a splendid Janice Ann hanging pot. Just very unlucky to have come up against a certain David Edmond who narrowly beat Peter with his Linda Grace!
At the Harrogate Autumn Show Peter did indeed win the artistic display class, with a lovely display of a fuchsia filled gypsy caravan. Well done!
David Edmond also had a very successful Harrogate Show, again winning the B.F.S. Salver for most (8) 1st prizes! This despite not being able to take all his intended exhibits, being restricted to only one (well-loaded) trip due to the petrol blockade. This unfortunately also reduced the number of exhibitors and exhibits by nearly 50%. Despite the problems with fuel in limited supply the Show still attracted some 25,000 visitors!    We were delighted to see amongst the Harrogate winners even more Scarborough Fuchsia Society members, Norman and Pat McMullen. Norman's Firecracker was truly superb, he notched up a one-two in the 7"+ triphylla class and for Pat ditto, a one-two in the species class. Altogether they gained 3 first, 5 second and 1 third prize. Great work!!    I am sure everyone at our Society will join me in wishing 'our fine ambassadors' another very successful year. Yes, keep up the good work!!   CD   

Having covered the crowns of the fuchsias in your outdoor hardy beds in the autumn you should now, in the midst of winter, occasionally check that the applied protection is still in place, adding more straw, peat, bark or old potting compost if necessary. After all, the most severe frosts don't often occur until well into February, March or even April. Remember also that this has created a cosy hiding place for slugs and snails, so it might be prudent to add a handful of slug pellets just in case.    Instead of just throwing your old tooth brushes away, utilise them in the greenhouse. They are ideal for cleaning off the unsightly, accumulated scale and salts around the inner rims of your pots, and also around the drainage holes of dirty pots, especially prior to washing and sterilising them, as you are doing now before the start of the new growing season.
It is also a good time to consult your regional specialist fuchsia nurseries, to replace lost old favourites or try your hand at some new varieties. Personal visits are most beneficial, as you usually end up with a wealth of good advice and many more plants than you intended to get. Postal orders are welcomed too, but it is advisable to order early.