Page 35 - Simply Vegetables Autumn 2024

Southern Branch Championships as well as taking on the role of show manager. Keith promotes the NVS at every opportunity, both locally and nationally and is a good ambassador for the Society
John Oliver
John joined the NVS in 2002 and is a Welsh Branch Committee member. John gives talks on behalf of the NVS in the Rhondda area and is very well known
and well respected for his vast knowledge on horticulture and the style in which he imparts it. John became a qualified NVS judge in 2016 and he is in high demand
in the Rhondda. He has also judged at
both the Welsh and Midlands Branch Championships. John is a major contributor and has been for a long time with vegetables for the Welsh Branch displays at public-facing events and is always on hand to talk to the public with his unique style.
Ron Jones
Ron joined the NVS in 2007 and is long- serving Welsh Branch Committee member. Ron became a qualified NVS judge in 2016 and is in high demand in the Rhondda community where there are many thriving flower and vegetable shows. Ron gives many talks, representing the NVS in the Rhondda area and is very well known and well respected for his vast knowledge on horticulture and the way he puts it across. (He is a retired teacher). Ron can always be relied on, growing plants and supplies vegetables for the Welsh Branch displays at public-facing events. He helps on the stands and readily talks to the public at these events. Ron represents the NVS at local level. He is also Chairman of Ystrad Gardening Club and Secretary of his allotments site.
GOLD MEDAL
Derek Brooks
Derek joined the NVS in 1987. A member of the Northern Branch, Derek has served on the Manchester DA Committee for 30 years and provided vegetables for the original display by the DA at RHS Tatton Park, and also manned the stand there. Derek has lectured to Gardening Societies in the Manchester area for a number
of years on both flowers and vegetable growing and showing. Derek has been a prolific contributor of articles for the NVS National Magazine – ‘Simply Vegetables,’ namely ‘Jobs for the Month’ which he has done over many years. He is also the Author of three of the very successful ‘Getting Started’ booklets published by the NVS (Show Bench, Allotment and Cut Flowers). Derek also writes articles for ‘Gardening News’ entitled ‘Over the fence,’ something which he has also done for many years. He previously created and maintained a school vegetable garden at St Pauls Primary School, Walkenden, Manchester using this
experience to produce 7 articles for ‘Simply Veg’ showing the seasons progress in the school garden
Jean Forrester
Jean joined the NVS in 2004. Jean was a member of the North Midlands D.A, (when it was active) and was always on hand
to help out in any way she could as, and when required. In 2013 Jean stepped up as Midlands Branch Treasurer and became
an active Midlands Branch Committee member in addition to the treasurer role. After only a 12-month break Jean stepped back into the role of Branch Treasurer, which she held the position until the Midlands Branch AGM in 2023. Jean continues to support the Midlands Branch Treasurer’s role as and when required. Jean also helps out on any display stand events for the Midlands Branch, promoting the NVS, e.g. Malvern Spring Show and the recent Countrytastic event. Jean helped out at all Midlands branch shows, including helping compile results at branch shows. In 2019 Jean also selflessly took on the role of National Treasurer and has continued
in this role as Treasurer and Trustee up to her retirement this year at the September AGM. As part of this role, Jean has been very proactive with the new membership database, compiling Direct Debit and
card payment sheets daily and is worked alongside Norman Dickinson and the Branch Membership Secretary’s to aid in membership accuracy and reporting.
Judges Corner
It’s great to see our members Facebook site being used more often now by growers asking lots of questions from our members community about showing their veg and what to look for.
On a few occasions, some of
our more experienced growers
have mentioned referring to the “judgesguide”. ThefulltitleisThe Judges and Exhibitors guide, and
we would certainly recommend that Exhibitors ensure that they have
a copy to refer to as it helps you when considering what is important, for example, Condition often has more points available than size. We have provided two examples from the guide for Potatoes and Stump Carrots which are the more common veg types to let you see the level of detail that the guide contains.
If you would like to order a copy of the Judges & Exhibitors Guide ( £10 plus P&P), then contact Sandra Hall (email chair@nvsuk.org.uk, Tel 01952 541 396).
Free carrot seed for all members
We are delighted to advise that DT Brown has generously provided
a packet of carrot seed for our members within this edition of your SV Magazine.
The variety is Nantes 5 and it’s
a classic early carrot, but equally good for ‘little and often’ sowings through several months. This variety produces blunt ended carrots with good uniform roots. The great colour, flavour and a crisp texture make this variety an excellent addition to summer salads.
DT Brown advise to sow outdoors : March to August, thinly at a depth of half-inch (1.5cm), at two weekly intervals for successional crops. Thin plants to an eventual spacing of 4in/10cm apart, allowing 12in/30cm between rows. Harvest : June to October. This gives you time to plan ready for next year.
The NVS web site has a growing guide leaflet
for carrots within the “Library” section. It contains information from soil preparation through to harvesting and storage, so why not take a look as part of your planning.
Just a reminder that DT Brown also give our
members a great 10% discount on all seed orders, so
check out the NVS website in the “Partners” section to pick up the discount code.
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