Page 56 - Simply Veg 4 2022

Manchester and Cheshire DA
We finally got our meetings going again and we have had two great speakers, having speakers really helped with our numbers as we attracted six new members. July was John and Coral Bebbington with “A year on the allotment” and August was Damson Tregaskis, head beekeeper at Hive 5 Manchester. Both were very enjoyable talks which we all learnt a lot from.
In September we are having a group trip to RHS Bridgewater which I am looking forward to. At our September meeting we will be arranging what speakers we would like to see for the coming year and
sorting out what months it
is best to meet. I have had a
new “A Board” sign made for
people struggling to find our
meeting room. Our meetings
are the first Tuesday of the
month starting at 7:30pm
at The Hough End Police
Club, Mauldeth Rd West,
Chorlton M21 7SX. Everyone
is welcome and there is no
charge.
Sandra manchesternvs@gmail.com
Obituary
Ronnie Jackson
It is with deep regret we have to report the passing of Ronnie Jackson, who died suddenly on Thursday 9th June.
Our heartfelt condolences are with his wife Sara and their two sons. Ron was a member of the Northern Branch, a top veg grower at National level particularly displaying a skill and passion with Onions and Leeks. Winning the Welsh and Scottish Championships with his large onions, the UK Leek Championship, and the UK Carrot Championship, he won the 250gm onion championships on numerous occasions.
He was always willing to give advice, but only if asked, for Ron was a quiet man who didn’t brag about his successes, a true gentleman in every sense of the word. With all these wins he was most proud of a cycling proficiency award given to him by his fellow plot holders after he went over the handlebars of his bike on his way to the plot.
What many people may not know was that Ron was from Millom, Cumbria and in his younger days had been a professional Rugby League player. He started his career playing for Millom Rugby League Club, reports suggest he was a brilliant player, he was speedy and most feared to those that played against him.
Although he was not the tallest of players, he was a man with great talent who not only played for the club but was first team coach when the Millom reached the national cup final. Ron also had trials for Barrow in Furness and two years playing for Whitehaven until a broken leg put an end to his playing career, it was then he returned to Millom as Coach.
Ron’s smiling face will sadly be missed at the shows.
56 Simply Vegetables