Page 64 - Simply Veg 4 2022

Welsh Section
Welsh Branch News
It was certainly great to participate
in the Royal Welsh Show again, and everyone pitched in and helped put up a wonderful display of vegetables.
There were no trade stands at the show this year, our display along with the display from the National Sweet Pea Society were well visited by the public. The Sunday (Setting up) and Monday saw those record temperatures that we all endured. This made things uncomfortable to say the least. What struck me more than anything was the way that everything stood up during the 4 days. I believe the plants had lignified somewhat during the hot weather and probably that’s why they never wilted too badly. Thanks must go to various members of our committee for manning the stand over the 4 days.
Although I don’t want to mention anyone individually, we have an ace raffle ticket seller amongst our ranks and particular thanks must go to him. And also, everyone who grew vegetables for the stand and everyone who helped put it all together. We have a great team and it’s a privilege
to be part of it. I am going to mention Alan Hopkins. Alan was a top exhibitor and after a few health issues gave up showing. Alan’s plot is next to Jim Thompson’ old plot and they are good friends. Alan now grows some excellent veg for our stand, and we all appreciate it. Meanwhile Jim Thompson has had quite a long stay in hospital, after treatment he is now on the mend. We wish Jim well and hope he continues to a full recovery.
Andrew Jones Basket
While our display was a great success, the competitive entries were down after 2 years of no shows. This was not just the vegetables but also the flower classes. There were some good entries with the NVS silver medal going to Robert Holmes’s broad beans. In fact, Robert was the most successful exhibitor. He didn’t have it all his own way, Cecil Townsend had a lovely dish of Winston in the white potato class. Our new committee member Lesley Stone had some very nice cauliflowers, Tom Rowlands showed some amazing soft fruit. Robert Holmes won both the Top Tray and the Salad Collection along with
several other classes.
in single figures every night except for
one night. Since the heatwave they have been between 10-15°c and this has made
a big difference. Now (1st August) they are really growing fast and have put on quite
a bit of size in the last 10 days. I suggest as these summer heatwaves seem to be more prevalent, that we all keep good records of sowing and planting dates, as I’m sure we’ll all have to make adjustments. I have a wind down shading system I’ve been using over my leeks, but I’m mindful that leeks like good light, so as soon as the sun had gone behind the mountain, I wind it up.
The hot weather is sure to disrupt the timing of vegetables like cucumbers, cauliflowers, peas and beans
Saturday 6th August there were two shows attended by Welsh Branch members. Oswestry show had an information stand
by Sue McCall, Andrew Jones, Gareth Morris, Gareth Roberts, and Arwyn Edwards. Sue and Andrew had some nice entries in
the show, (see photos).
John Oliver and Ivor Mace judged at Brecon County show. The pick of the entries were Trevor Humphries Hawksbury Wonder French
beans and his globe beetroot, and Robert Holmes’s collection and his Stenner beans.
I would like to congratulate Eirian Jones (silver), Gareth Morris and Tom Maher (Ireland) both FNVS on their awards.
Our next committee meeting will be at the Lamb & Flag inn at Rhyader on Saturday 1st October 2022 at 11am.
Ivor Mace
Andrew Jones Beans
Now we look forward to
our Branch show. Its in a
new venue, the Market Hall
in Wrexham. I realise the
show will be over by the
time this goes to press but
nevertheless I must thank
Gareth Morris for liaising
with Wrexham City Council
and I must commend the
council’s representative for recommending the market
hall instead of the Memorial
Hall as planned, apparently
it is bigger with more going on there. Let’s hope the classes will be keenly contested, and the show goes well after a two-year break.
The hot weather is sure to disrupt the timing of vegetables like cucumbers, cauliflowers, peas and beans. My garden is almost 700 ft above sea level, I found that my onions have been behind their usual size for this time of year. Until those very hot days the night temperature has been
64 Simply Vegetables