Royal Agricultural Society of Natal

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R.A.S Highlights

THE 2010 ROYAL SHOW FROM 28 MAY TO 6 JUNE.
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Welcome to the Royal Agricultural Society of Natal

Welcome to the Royal Agricultural Society

Mission Statement
The Royal Agricultural Society of Natal is an organisation ‘not for gain' committed to serving the interests of Agriculture, Commerce and Industry in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal in particular and South Africa as a whole.

Accordingly we aspire to facilitate interaction, education and trade through the medium of exhibitions and shows.

In furthering this objective and fully appreciating that financial viability and the optimal utilisation of resources cannot be compromised, we are ever mindful of:

• our partnership with the city and region of Pietermaritzburg- Msunduzi and the province of KwaZulu-Natal;
• our social responsibility to the wider community; and
• our heritage and traditions.

In fulfilling this mission we subscribe to the principles of ‘fair play’, transparency and openness in all our dealings.

The Royal Show

"Throughout its history, ‘The Royal’ has had the privilege of hosting merchants and businessmen who recognise the benefits and harmony of interacting with one another, the agricultural sector and the general public.

Garden and Leisure Show

Hosted by the Royal Agricultural Society of Natal and sponsored by the Sunday Tribune, a member of the national
Independent Newspapers Group, the Garden & Leisure Show has become a spectacular event, not only on the regional and national calendar, but since 2005, also internationally.

Conferences Functions & Events

The ambience, convenience and extensive safe parking available all contribute to making the Royal Showgrounds an
eminently suitable - and popular - functional venue.

Garden Show 2009 Press Releases

Speed Heat Midlands Garden & Leisure Show Press Release

Jason Hartman 2009 Sunday Tribune Garden & Leisure Show Press Releases

Final Press Release 2009 Sunday Tribune Garden & Leisure Show

FINAL PRESS RELEASE

With blue skies, warm weather and exhibits of the highest order, the 2009 Sunday Tribune Garden Show exceeded expectations.

The show saw 18 486 visitors coming through the gates, 3000 up on 2008. As always, the bulk of the visitor component emanated from greater Durban.

Also and based on a survey of vehicle registration numbers, it is estimated that some 2800 visitors came from out of province, with the Gauteng component predominating.

A survey of exhibitors revealed a high level of satisfaction, with meaningful exposure and, where applicable, good trade being reported.

With in excess of 350 gardens, ranging from 150 square metres to mini tray gardens in the case of junior schools, the uniqueness of the show was again highlighted as a conduit of design excellence.

The event was also privileged to host the re-construction of the spectacular eThekwini (Durban) Parks Department exhibit, awarded a gold medallion at the 2009 Chelsea Flower Show. Being an honorary exhibit, this display was not included in the formal judging process.

The Chelsea mentored panel of adjudicators - Arthur Mennigke, Jan Blok and Terry van der Riet - adjudged the displays to be of a high standard, with the top exhibits meeting Chelsea standards in all design respects.

For the first time in South Africa’s recorded horticultural history, a display - The Sunday Tribune garden, designed by Sue Tarr and Mike Hammersley - was awarded 100% in terms of deemed perfection; an accolade of note that probably won’t be repeated for a long time.

To complement the professional judging process in terms of technical excellence, the show also facilitates a system for determining the ‘People’s Choice’ via a voting system open to all visitors. Some 703 votes were cast, with the final results in both categories being as follows:

	Judge's Choice	People's Choice
1	The Sunday Tribune	eThekwini Parks Department
2	Cramond Garden Club	The Sunday Tribune
3	The Gardener	The Gardener
4	McDonald Stuart Landscapers & Dunrobin Nurseries	Roses & Lavender
5	Dowsett & Keough Landscapers	Dowsett & Keough Landscapers
6	The City of Tshwane	Ludwig's Roses
7	Mangaung Municipality	The Midlands Rose Society
8	Carrisbrooke Primary School	McDonald Stuart Landscaping & Dunrobin Nurseries
9	Pot Pourri Garden Club	The City of Tshwane
10	The Pietermaritzburg Bonsai Society	The Royal Agricultural Society of Natal