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Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: davyw1 on September 06, 2007, 18:25:23

Title: Support your Local
Post by: davyw1 on September 06, 2007, 18:25:23
No not pub. Your local Leek, Flower and Veg Show.
At one time in our village we had as many as six Leek shows, but by 2001  they slowly dwindled down to one. Until this year when for the first time we had a village show which then gave us two shows to compete in.
I think it is very important we do not let these shows die out and if you think you can can grow produce to enter then have a go, even if you think you cant then try. They are great for community spirit and an excellent source for learning.
We only had 15 members in the leek club this year, with a few who enter in the open ( They cant show leeks )
So as a bit of encouragement to have ago i thought i would put a number of photo,s on over the next few days to let you see what a membership of 15 can do.
I thought i would lift Tee Gee,s morale by letting him see flowers are still as good as ever

(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r111/stumpinsci/Picture072.jpg)

(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r111/stumpinsci/Picture070.jpg)

(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r111/stumpinsci/Picture069.jpg)

IMG]http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r111/stumpinsci/Picture068.jpg[/IMG]

IMG]http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r111/stumpinsci/Picture064-1.jpg[/IMG]

(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r111/stumpinsci/Picture063.jpg)


Title: Re: Support your Local
Post by: debster on September 06, 2007, 18:31:14
we have been trying to find out when local shows are taking place near us and as yet no luck what so ever wouldnt want to show but would like to support it by attending
Title: Re: Support your Local
Post by: Lauren S on September 06, 2007, 18:55:38
Debster has hit the nail on the head.
Most events aren't widely advertised. Unless you know someone who is exhibiting, more often than NOT you don't even know these shows exist.
It's such a shame. Looking at the pics from Davy, most people are missing out (in cluding me) on a great experience to show support.  :'(  :'(  :'(

Lauren  :(
Title: Re: Support your Local
Post by: saddad on September 06, 2007, 20:20:19
We are in full show season here... one a week for the next month...
Great!!!
;D
Title: Re: Support your Local
Post by: ninnyscrops on September 08, 2007, 18:58:05
Found out our's was today so took your advice and went along. Looked at the exhibits, was given a plant (Mimulus), won Bubble Bath in the raffle, read the Rules of Entry and the Classes, and had a cup of tea. A great couple of hours all for £2.00.

Might, only just 'might' mind you, have a go in the Novice Class next year, if I can work up the courage  :-\  If my nerve goes, there's always the Disaster Class 'cos I get a few of those!
Title: Re: Support your Local
Post by: jo9919 on September 08, 2007, 19:49:59
I went to our veg and flower show last Saturday.

It was great, even classes for the kids to enter. Everyone was really friendly, and it was really interesting. Lots of silver given out too.

I will definitely go again next year.

Jo.
Title: Re: Support your Local
Post by: silverbirch on September 08, 2007, 20:18:53
I agree that village shows are brilliant, having been secretary of the local one (organised by our allotment society) for the past 4 years or so.  They are superb community events, and if nothing else give you a chance to moan about the judges ("Call that a beetroot - I thought they were supposed to be red". "It might have been the longest runner bean, but it were dead I tell you").  It's so easy to let these thing disappear, but as long as you have a group of around half-a-dozen to get the organisation done, they work a treat.
Title: Re: Support your Local
Post by: emmak on September 08, 2007, 21:04:54
I've gloatingly posted this in the onion thread, but I (newbie) had a go in ours today (I entered 6 small onions and the "other vegetable" categories), and won first for the onions and second in the other with my garlic. I'm pleased as punch. Its definately worth a try.
Title: Re: Support your Local
Post by: Carol on September 08, 2007, 21:05:31
Its our Flower Show tomorrow and looking at the entries tonight I think more people have entered this year.  There are only about 5 local growers though and the rest come from outside the Area.  Plenty people come to see the results of the Flower Show exhibits but are reluctant to enter.   I advertise the event in the Local Paper and we hold a Coffee Morning end of May when we sell bedding plants and veg seedlings.  The Schedules are out in the Community from the end of February so its well advertised.  Meanwhile the usual crowd plod on and try and keep the Flower Show alive.

Title: Re: Support your Local
Post by: jo9919 on September 08, 2007, 21:44:39
Well done EmmaK.

Now I've been to our local show I might have a go (just for fun) next year. I wouldn't expect to win anything.

Jo.
Title: Re: Support your Local
Post by: davyw1 on September 08, 2007, 22:22:55
There is nothing to worried about putting produce into a local show. Its only knowing what veraity to grow.
The best tomato for me for uniformity is Shirley, you also get a very good truss.

(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r111/stumpinsci/Picture074.jpg)

This year i got 1st, 2nd and third in best truss from my own seed

(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r111/stumpinsci/Picture073.jpg)

Now i believe any one can do as good as what is benched there, so don,t be afraid of entering Tomato,s