Page 56 - Simply Vegetables Winter 2024/25

Hants DA
I would like to belatedly thank Ian Clemens for growing a giant marrow for Hants DA to use at the New Forest Show for visitors to “Guess the Weight.” We raised £200 and gave away £150 in prize money to three winners, one for each day of the show.
Hants DA take a break in August and then in September we hold our popular annual veg and fruit show. Exhibitors always came from far and wide, and whilst entries were slightly down this year, we knew it was because a couple of key exhibitors were unable to attend. The quality of exhibits was the usual high standard, and we attracted some new exhibitors which was very pleasing.
Barbara and Debs did an amazing job as usual with the catering. We were particularly lucky to have Barbara at the show because she had been due to have a knee operation. The hospital must have known we could not cope without her bacon butties, and it was postponed. Barbara did eventually have her op, and we wish her well with her recovery.
Many thanks to our judges, and all the exhibitors and visitors to the show, and
the Hants DA team who make the show possible. Congratulations to all those whose exhibits were placed and to the exhibitors who won trophies and special prizes.
Our first talk back after the summer was Barry Newman on “Vegetable Growing in Raised Beds.” It was an absolutely filthy night with lashing rain and flooded roads. Despite that, Barry and Yvonne made it from West Sussex, and we had about 30 people in the audience which was a great turnout for such terrible weather. The talk was well received, and everyone was extremely impressed by how tidy Barry’s allotment was.
Winning 20 point collection
Keith and Len Judging
In the next issue of SV, you will hear about our November talk by Eddie Bailey from RhizoPhyllia School of Gardening. Eddie appeared on BBC Gardeners’ World in October which was very timely. I emailed my circulation list to shout out that Eddie was “as seen on TV” but unfortunately BT Internet and Google decided I was Spam and numerous emails bounced back. Despite following Google’s advice and setting up “Groups” to email, Google still suspends my account every so often. Grrr!
Our AGM is in December, and we do not have a talk in January as we recognise that most people prefer hunkering down in front of the TV during the grotty winter weather.
We have found it getting harder to get ideas for talk topics and at the time of
Beautiful Dahlias
Ian Clemens with marrow
writing have no one booked for March. If you have any suggestions for talks
and even better, can recommend a speaker please get in touch on alisonclarke1920@gmail.com
Meetings
Venue: Sherfield English Village Hall, Salisbury Road, Sherfield English, Romsey SO51 6FL, unless otherwise stated.
• 11 Feb – “Summer Flowering Bulbs” by Jo Woodland from Direct Bulbs
• 11 March - TBC
• 8 April – “Preparing for Your Show
- Veg, Fruit and other Horticultural
Classes” by Barry Newman
• 2-4 May – BBC Gardeners’ World
Spring Fair Live at Beaulieu
Ian Clemens
Malvin Ward
Malvin Ward
Malvin Ward
John Gilbert/Malvin Ward
Ted Perren
Graham Edwards
Andy Astbury/Martin Swan
Graham Edwards
Ian Clemens
TROPHIES
2024 Winners
Ted Perren Trophy
Tim Hooper Plaque
NVS Silver Medal
NVS Plaque
Special Prize
Special Prize
Special Prize
Special Prize
NDS Silver
NDS Bronze
Best Exhibition Shallots
Best dish Hants D.A member
Best dish of veg – parsnips
Winner of Class 20 collection of 20-point vegetables
Most points – vegetables
Most points – fruit
Most points – flowers
Most points – novice
Best vase of Dahlias in Show
Reserve best vase of Dahlias
56 Simply Vegetables