Page 34 - Simply Vegetables Autumn 2024

Fiona’s roundup
FIONA SHENFIELD FNVS, NVS GENERAL SECRETARY
NVS awards 2024
In July, the NVS’s Award review
board sat to review this year’s award nominations. We are delighted to advise that a quantity of nine Fellowships, three silver medals and two gold medals have been awarded to acknowledge
the contributions and support given by these people.
Here is a short summary of each award recipient to give you an insight into their work and most appreciated contributions to the NVS.
FELLOWSHIPS
Chris Spree
Chris joined the NVS in 2013. A Southern Branch Committee member, Chris became a qualified NVS judge in 2021 and judged at the Sothern Branch Championships for the 1st time this year. Chris took on the
role of National Sponsorship Manager in 2022 and has been doing an excellent job working with our partners and sponsors. Chris was also a committee member for the Kent D.A. and recently became the Kent D.A. Chair this year.
Bob Bleasdale
Bob joined the NVS in 2010, joining the Bucks DA in 2014 and became their Membership Secretary in 2016. He has worked tirelessly for the DA and took on the role of DA Vice Chair in 2023. Bob became an NVS qualified judge in 2018 and has judged from local to National levels. Bob has since also joined the Midlands Branch Committee in roles of Assistant Show Manager and joint Cup Steward. Bob also grows veg to help towards the Branch display stands
Ruth Bleasdale
Ruth joined the NVS in 2012 and is a Midlands Branch Committee member and took on the busy role of Membership Secretary as well as sharing the Cup Steward roll with her Husband Bob. Ruth is a member of the Bucks DA and took on the role of Secretary. Ruth also organises speakers for the DA meetings. At the Midlands Branch AGM in 2024, Ruth also took on the job-share position of Branch Secretary, doing minutes and general admin work.
Jill Branham
Jill joined the NVS back in the 80’s and has been on the scene ever since, whether supporting the Midlands Branch and Bucks DA. Jill hosts the many garden visits with her husband John. Always in background, Jill supports the NVS by growing and preparing vegetables for the various branch displays at Malvern and for plant sales
and helps set up the veg and information displays for the DA at the Bucks County Show and is a great promoter of the NVS.
Simon Smith
Simon joined the NVS in 2004 and has been an active supporter of the Midlands Branch from writing prize cards to stewarding. Simon became a qualified NVS judge in 2011 and regularly judges at local, DA and Branch level across the country. Simon shares his knowledge of veg growing and gives talks across the country from Newcastle upon Tyne to Medwyn’s Master Class weekend in Llanberis and of course local gardening clubs, promoting the NVS as he goes. Simon has also given two zoom talks for the NVS and is a great supporter
of all the Zoom talks. Simon supports the NVS with regular input on the Facebook members site helping out answer questions.
Craig Blunsdon
Craig joined the NVS in 2013 and has served and supported the Welsh Branch Committee for over 5 years. Craig became a qualified NVS judge in 2017 and judges
at many local shows and has judged the Welsh Branch Championships in 2023. Craig represented the Welsh Branch by judging at the National Championships this year. Craig helps out regularly at branch events, including setting up and dismantling stands plus providing vegetables for displays.
Sean Egan
Sean joined the NVS in 2019. Sean is the treasurer of the Irish DA and has been instrumental in driving the DA forward. Sean organizes the 200 club (now in its second year) which helps generate much needed funds for the society in Ireland plus he grows plants for Irish Spring seminar each year. Sean became a qualified NVS
judge in 2022 and actively judges at local shows in Ireland. Sean is dedicated to the advancement of growing quality vegetables in Ireland and promotes the NVS at every opportunity, including on National Radio.
Reggie Mitchel
Reggie joined the NVS in 2015. He has been a committed member of the Irish
DA since 2015 and attends all meetings and grows plants for Irish Spring seminar each year. Reggie regularly travels to the UK for shows having attended the NVS National Championships in 2022 and 2023. Reggie was the show manager for the inaugural Irish Championships in 2023 at Moate Show. The championships were very successful, and he will take the role again for the 2024 championships. Reggie became a qualified NVS judge in 2022 and actively judges at local shows in Ireland.
John J. Mollen
J.J. joined the NVS in 2010 and has been
a DA committee Member since then. J.J.
is a regular attendee at all meetings and supports the Irish DA in Dundee with their display at the 2010 NVS championships (golden anniversary of the NVS). Age 89, J.J. is still competing at the highest level and is a regular exhibitor at shows around Ireland. He won the Best in show in the 2023 Inaugural Irish Championships and 2022 All Ireland Onion Championship. JJ is an Inspiration to young growers and always happy to share tips
SILVER MEDAL
Keith Hine
Keith joined the NVS in 2013. Keith joined the Surrey DA Committee in 2015 and
the following year became Chairman, a post that he held up to 2024 when he
stood down after many years of sterling service. Keith currently also serves on the Southern Branch Committee. Keith became a qualified NVS judge in 2017 has judged
at the Southern Branch Championships on several occasions as well as many local County and Village shows. Keith also judged at this year’s National Championships and also helps manage the judges exam for the Southern branch. Keith actively assists with organising the
34 Simply Vegetables