Page 58 - Simply Vegetables Winter 2024/25

Kent DA
As I write in late October, we are coming to the end of another very good year for the Kent DA.
Since my last report in the 2024 Autumn issue of SV we’ve enjoyed three talks at Bridge Village Hall. Chris Stewart came along in August with his talk on ‘The Hop Bine and Hop Pickers of Kent,’ which brought back many fond memories (for many of us) of our childhood experiences in the wonderful hop gardens of Kent
(not to mention the apple scrumping in neighbouring orchards!!). In September, Laura Brady gave us a talk about her quest to bring the flavours of the world to our plates. Laura is the owner of The Wonky Parsnip Market Garden & Kent Farm, which is located at Brogdale, Faversham. Inspired by her passion for travel and food, Laura concentrates on growing unusual vegetables from around the world on
her three-acre farm (which is about to
be extended). The aim is for quality over quantity and over 150 unique varieties of vegetables are grown for their exceptional taste rather than sheer yield. When asked how many staff she had, her reply was ‘just me.’ Stella Cubison from Koppert was our speaker in October with a very interesting talk about ‘Biological Pest Control.’
We had our Kent Annual DA Show in September at Wingham Village Hall. Both entry and exhibitor numbers were down this year, which was a bit disappointing. More effort next year please! However, the weekend was enjoyed by all. The quality of the vegetable exhibits was very good and kept our judge, Richard Hilson very busy. Thank you to the show team who work so hard to put the show on. Special thanks go to Gordon and Stewart and of course to Linda for keeping us all fed and watered! Congratulations to all the exhibitors and trophy winners. All show results are in the accompanying table.
The Kent Federation of Horticultural Societies held their Autumn Show at Ditton near Maidstone in September.
KFHS Show
What a fantastic show it was! The display of flowers, fruit and vegetables was just amazing. As the KFHS is affiliated to
the NVS, we are all eligible to enter their shows. Some NVS members were among the prize winners. Roger Simmons won the Tap Root Challenge and the best vegetable exhibit with a lovely set of blanched
leeks. Chris Spree won both the Onion Championship and Potato Championship.
Peter Ellis won the cup for the best dish of fruit.
We have a full programme of events for 2025, thanks to Carole Passey for organising all the speakers. Our DA plant sale will be a one-day event in May to
be held at Stockbury, date and details to follow. Keep an eye on the NVS website ‘Events’ page and the ‘What’s on’ page
of the SV magazine where all our future events are advertised.
Kent DA monthly meetings are held at Bridge Village Hall, CT4 5JZ on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from March to October (except July) starting at 7:30pm. All are welcome, so please do bring along your friends.
Meetings at Bridge Village Hall
Wednesday 12th March - Kent DA, AGM followed by a talk / slide show ‘A Look Back at the National Championships 2024.’
Wednesday 9th April – Steve Edney with a talk on ‘The Kitchen Garden.’
For further information about the Kent DA contact Chris Passey on 01732 352707 email: chris.passey52@gmail.com
Chris Passey
58 Simply Vegetables