Big news this month is the Exhibition Schedule for the 2026 Canning Show will be available very soon online! So, the big decision is – how many sections can you enter? I’ve already been asked if I’m entering scones again and if I am, will I make some test batches and take them along to my old workplace so they can see if my efforts are up to their expectations (and not to forget to bring the jam and cream with me).

What about you?  Do you have items in your tried and true areas that you’d like to enter?  Perhaps you have some new activities that you’ve started since last Show which you’d like to try out.

It was great to meet so many of our volunteers recently at the Volunteers Fest.  How good was the Yoga session and that Preserving Workshop which went down a treat.  Talking of treats, many thanks to all who brought along goodies to eat and to the Men’s Shed for volunteering over the barbecue.  Without volunteers it would simply not be possible to run the Canning Show and many of our other programmes.

Shoppers at Westfield Carousel got a reminder of the Show when Maxine and Colleen volunteered to promote World Knitting Day in the shopping centre.  Great to hear how kids stopped by and got involved as well.

Hope you’re surviving Winter.  Now is the season of Makuru in the Noongar calendar.  It’s the time to plant beetroot, radish, carrots, parsnips and turnips ready for the Show.  It really is the season for vegetables with leafy greens, brassicas (cabbage, broccoli etc), beans, peas and all types of onions to be planted.  Don’t forget the special section for herbs so get going with rosemary, thyme, parsley, sage and so on.  It’s time to start to think about rose pruning so make sure your secateurs are nice and sharp ready for the job in a few weeks.

I’m looking forward to seeing the results of your endeavours in November.