Sadly event now cancelled due to current restictions

Traditionally this weekend (formerly known as the Judges Course) has been arranged every year (except in the year of the National Show) and this year it is planned for:
10th - 11th July 2021 at the Hilton Hotel, Leicester LE19 1WQ near Junction 21 of the M1

Eddy Harris explains what plants should have been first, second and third.

The weekend is open to all BCSS Members, from qualified judges to anyone interested in all aspects of showing and judging particularly show managers. The course/weekend includes talks on a number of subjects relating to showing and judging, which normally include lectures on specific groups of plants and interactive sessions to discuss judging issues and to share experience. Our programme in 2021 is following a new format, including plant sales, and will include talks by Derek Tribble on the Anacampseros Group, Ian Woolnough on the Pediocactus and Sclerocactus Groups and Peter Berresford speaking on the Echinocereus Group. There will also be an opportunity for experienced judges to discuss the 11th edition of the Handbook of Shows. For people who are new to the course, or who would like a refresher, there will be an introduction to showing and judging principles specifically for them. We also plan to have an interactive session about how to run a show and prepare an exhibit and how to approach some of the common problems encountered.
On Sunday we shall have a further talk in the morning, followed by classes of Cacti and Succulents staged for assessment by both the qualified and unqualified judges. The plants are set out as competitive classes (like a real show) where candidates should select their choice. Please note that participants should be able to recognize plants that are NAS (entered incorrectly according to the schedule). There are separate classes for pointing and identification, it is not required that candidates need to identify each individual plant, but marks are based on knowing to which class each example should be assigned in a real show. In 2021 the classes will be judged in accordance with the new, 11th edition of the Handbook of Shows, which will also apply to all BCSS shows from 1 January 2022 onwards.
Successful candidates should pass each section of the test to qualify for a PASS. A list of all qualified BCSS Judges is held by the Shows Committee Secretary and are available to Show Secretaries on application to the Shows Committee Secretary.

Deep in thought during the judging tests.

Searching for treasures at the car boot sale.

Price of the weekend and how to apply
The full delegate rate of £150 includes en-suite accommodation and all meals (deposit £20 per person)
Day delegate rates are also available at £40 (deposit £10)

Any deposits will be refunded in the event of cancellation
FULL payment is required by 13th June 2021
To book your place on the course please contact Bill Darbon:
• By post at – 10 Walkers Close, Freeland, Witney OX29 8AY United Kingdom
• By phone on – 01993 881926
• By e-mail at – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.