Page 62 - Simply Veg 1 2024

Sussex DA
Our Mini Show in September was a great success with some 15 members entering over 65 exhibits in 16 classes. It was a pleasure to welcome back our Judge, Dennis Collins, who has been off the circuit for a little while. Chairman Marion Nedon acted as steward for Dennis while everyone else was entertained with a Quiz written by Gordon and Dilly Cooper.
Overall Show winner was Gordon Cooper with most points and Kevin Duncton Best in Show with his Tomatoes.
Our next meeting in November is a visit to Caley Brothers, who won Gold at Chelsea, to see how they grow their exotic range of mushrooms. We will also be able to take advantage of a local hostelry and try the local ‘brew.’
The Committee are meeting to discuss the programme for next year and planning our AGM for March 13th 2024 at Ashurst Village Hall. As in past years, no meeting will be held in January to allow for adverse weather conditions.
Brian Jeffries Hon Secretary
62 Simply Vegetables
South of England Autumn Horticultural Show 2023
The Sussex DA were again asked to organise the Horticultural Show on behalf of SEAS at this year’s South of England Autumn Show at the Ardingly Showground over the weekend of 23rd and 24th September. Entries have still not reached pre-pandemic numbers, partially because the date has changed slightly and clashes with the Malvern Show, but nevertheless it was encouraging that numbers are still increasing, even if only slightly. After a couple of years without any junior entries it was good to see that we had at least one entry. We will probably target some of the local schools next year in an attempt to get more juniors to enter.
18 competitors entered with all 86 entries staged on Friday evening so 100% staged.
It was decided to have a Novice Class for a dish of four vegetables this year in order to encourage new exhibitors, unfortunately there were no entries, but we will persevere
next year. The standard this year was also an improvement over previous years post- pandemic with the Best in Show going to a trug of vegetables staged by Barry Newman. Congratulations go to Roy Spooner who once again had the most number of points (26) followed by Barry Newman with 18 points, Bill Hammond with 13 points and Brian Jeffries, Gordon Cooper and Yvonne Newman all with 10 points each. We must also not forget the remaining exhibitors, so congratulations go to them and better luck next year. A full results sheet accompanies this report together with a selection of photos.
In addition to the section organised by the Sussex DA, SEAS put on a flower arranging section, the first time that this had occurred and again was well supported with seven entries, all of a very good quality of display and flower selection.
Norman Dickinson F.N.V.S. Southern Branch Chairman