Each year at the New Forest Show, we get the opportunity to compete against other Hampshire WI’s in the WI marquee. The theme this year is celebrating.

After our success at the Group Show, we would very much like as many members to take part as possible. You don’t have to be a member of the Craft Group to enter, or a Michelin starred chef! There are a variety of different categories to choose from.

Below is a draft schedule of the categories. More details can be found about how to get the best out of your entry in the ‘On With The Show’ (OWTS) book. We do have a paper copy of this (please ask). OWTS can be found in your MY WI page which is found in the tab “Make, Create & Do’, then under ‘Shows & Competitions’ on the WI website at https://mywi.thewi.org.uk/

1. Celebrating ….’A Child’s Birthday’ – Gingerbread men – Three decorated gingerbread biscuits, on a board no larger than 6″x12″/15×30cm, covered with clingfilm OWTS p. 121
2. Celebrating … ‘Wimbledon’ – Strawberry Jam – in a clear glass jar, no larger than 8oz/225g, new plain lid, ingredients and date to be listed on label. To have been made within the last year, no decorative covers. OWTS pp.138-141
3. Novice Class Celebrating . . . ‘Easter’ – Hot Cross Buns – Four Hot Cross Buns to be joined together, displayed on a board no larger than 7″/18cm square, covered with clingfilm OWTS p.108
4. Produce Co-operative Celebrating . . . ‘Mothering Sunday – Afternoon Tea for two’- to include three different food items. No meat or fish and all food items to be covered in clingfilm. To be displayed on a flat board no larger than 20″x20°×16^H/50×50×40cmH – back board allowed, to be viewed from the front. No meat or fish. Accessories may be used but must be within the exhibit area and will be judged as part of staging and interpretation. Marks will be awarded for staging and interpretation. Name of WI on underside of board. At least three members to take part, but only two to stage on Monday 24 July.
5. Celebrating . . . ‘Chinese New Year (2023 is the Year of the Rabbit)’ – A knitted (OWTS p.80) or crocheted (OWTS p.67) Rabbit, dressed or undressed – no larger than 12*/30cm High. Please attach band from wool used to the class label.
6. Celebrating … ‘Christmas’ – A Christmas tree decoration to be hung on the tree; can be beaded (OWTS p.60), felted (OWTS p.86) or hand embroidered (OWTS p.72). No paper, knitting or crochet. No larger than 4″ wide, 6″ long (10W×15cmL)- overall length to include hanger, ribbon or cord. These will be hung to display at the Show.
7. Charity Celebrating . . . ‘Capes of Courage’ Lennox Children’s Cancer Hospital – https://www.lennoxccf.org.uk A cape to fit a child between 3 and 8years. The pattern and instructions guide are available on the following link https://threadridinghood.com/free-cape-tutorial. These capes are given to children battling cancer to give them encouragement. Please attach a gold ribbon (to represent childhood cancer) somewhere on the cape. Capes to be made in different colours, any washable fabric i.e. plain or patterned; super heros, Harry Potter, Frozen, etc.; adorn with hearts, stars, circles etc. Be as creative as you like. Not Halloween as shown on the link please. For a boy or girl OWTS p.71
8. Craft Co-operative Celebrating . . . ‘The Coronation’ – three different craft items, no Art. To be displayed on a board no larger than 24″×30″60×75cm to be viewed from the front. Accessories may be used, but will not be judged and must be within the exhibit. Al three items must be removable from the display to be judged. Marks will be awarded for staging and interpretation. Name of WI on underside of the board. At least three members to participate, but only two to stage on Monday 24 July OWTS p.22
9. Flowers Celebrating . . . ‘Weddings’ – For a Bridesmaid, a small flower girl basket with handle – handle length not to exceed 9″/23cm. Width, including flowers and foliage, not exceeding 6″(15cm). No board, accessories to be contained within the exhibit. OWTS p. 164
10. Photography Celebrating . . . ‘What Makes You Happy’ – a photograph you have taken within the last year, no larger than 7″×5″/18×13cm. Must be appropriately mounted, framed and ready to hang/stand (no clip frames) (maximum 2 entries per member) OWTS pp. 104 – 105
11. Art Celebrating . . . ‘Pride’- a painting/drawing, any medium, nothing stitched or sewn. Exhibit must be framed, glazed and ready to hang (No box frames, clip frames or canvases due to humidity. Overall size no larger than 14″×14″ / 35×35cm including frame. OWTS p. 104
12. Celebrating . . . ‘A Special Event’ – A Greetings Card – (e.g. Good Luck. Easter, new baby, retirement, Diwali, new home/job, exam results, Hanukkah, driving test, etc., etc. – No larger than 7″×5’/18×13cm displayed with envelope in an unsealed (for judging purposes) cellophane bag – (One card per member) OWTS p.77
13. Committee Cup (public vote) Celebrating . . . ‘Bonfire Night’ – on a board, no larger than 14″ x 14″ (35×35 cm), to be viewed from the front. Several members to participate. Name of WI on underside of board.OWTS p.57

Please see Kim or Carole or Evelyn if you have any questions about any of the above.