Despite a very hot and dry summer that didn’t do much for dahlias, we once again hosted a very successful autumn show at the Dedham Assembly Rooms.

Nearly 50 people put forward 392 exhibits to be judged – up on last year – including 11 children in our junor classes. Our biggest pumpkin winner, Reg Appleby, barrowed a massive beast from the local allotment into the Assembly Rooms; a herculean task that I think is making him rethink whether to try for a bigger one next year.

There were plenty of photography entries this year, which meant that four people shared the winning trophy, while the weather had been kinder to our rose bushes with a spectacular display of scent and colour.

Several people had spent a lot of time in the kitchen, turning out chelsea buns, sticky swiss rolls and a wide variety of sausage rolls. Some lovely jams and preserves were on display too. For the first time, visitors could buy some of the jams and cooking on display with a new produce stall in the tearoom.

All in all, it was another great day for Dedham and everyone is now looking forward to the Spring Show in 2019.