Page 6 - Simply Vegetables Winter 2024/25

Lady Chair’s Report
SANDRA HALL FNVS, NATIONAL LADY CHAIR
This has been a busy period with many miles travelled. Firstly, to the Southern branch Championships at the New Forest. It seems like such a long time ago. A very good show again and of course we had scorching weather, it always seems to be nice down south. Then onto Oswestry and Shrewsbury shows’ local to us which we always try and support.
Then, it was the turn of the Welsh Branch and the Scottish branch which were on
the same weekend sorry Scotland, but
I’m sure everyone will get to you next
year when you are holding the National championships in Ayr. So, Wales it was for us a great show and well supported having exhibitors from the Irish D.A.
Northern Branch championships, Newby Hall. We arrived late Thursday night, and to say the temperature had dropped was an understatement, and to wake up on Friday morning to a frost too! After spending the day on the showground and purchasing a new greenhouse, we then moved on to a campsite nearby for the weekend. Saturday, we walked into Knaresborough, then in the afternoon caught a train into Harrogate.
You go to shows to meet up with friends and fellow members of the NVS, which
is great, and you also get to visit so many different places around the country.
The National championships were held by the Southern branch, and they had found a new venue Ardingly. This was
a brand-new venue to the NVS and in
an area not very often visited. Members travelled as far afield as Ireland, Scotland, Wales the Scottish Islands as well as across the various areas of England.
This year an Inter-Branch trug competition was held. My husband Mark had volunteered to do the Midlands entry, so as you are aware behind every good man there’s a good woman, so I gave
my full support along with more of the Midlands Branch Team from provision of veg and creative ideas. A full report can be
found on page 51.
The national AGM and presentation
were held in the village of Ardingly, and
I’m delighted to thank our new treasurer, Ian Mackenzie, for having volunteered to take over from Jean in her retirement. A big personal thank you to Jean for the work
she has put in over the past five years at National Level. I have known Jean for over twenty years when we met at the North Midlands D.A. meetings, held at Brereton Social Club, Rugeley, Staffordshire. She was a very quiet, reserved lady and always sat nearest to the bar. The more I got to know her the more I understood
Romanesco and Carrot seeds throughout the year in addition to all our sponsors who have also generously supported our various Championships with sponsorship money and prizes.
The winter Zoom talks are well under way now, which I’ve been enjoying. Thank you to all who have volunteered to give a talk and thanks to Raymond Higgins for organizing it all.
Earlier in the year I had agreed to give a talk for the Essex DA, thinking of making it later in the year to give me time to prepare. Well with such a busy year, I managed to
why! Ha ha. Jean has been by my side for over 10 years, not only as National treasurer, but she was the treasurer of the Midlands Branch when I was chair there. We only live half
an hour away from each other so the breakfasts, lunches or even just coffee will continue, and she is known as aunty Jean to my grandchildren, who as babies came along too.
For such a long season, the benches were full of superb veg which is always great to see
get it all done in time and enjoyed my trip to Essex. This means I’m thankfully now organized for my Zoom talk later this month.
On a lighter note, I have for the winter taken up line dancing along with my two daughters, Samantha and Marie, held in the social club in town... and yes there is a bar... So, there’s an extra incentive.
The Southern branch had organized a social evening with another fun quiz from Simon Smith and snail racing. I was very fortunate this year to be on the winning quiz team this time.
To round off what was a very hectic show season was the Midlands Branch championships at Malvern. For such a long season, the benches were full of superb veg which is always great to see.
With the new Judges exam flexibility
in dates, I am happy to see so many candidates sit the judge’s exams throughout the year. Thank you to everyone who came forward to sit the exams and congratulations to all our new judges.
I would like to thank our sponsors and partners for their continued support of providing seeds for our members with
Planning for 2025 is well under way for the veggies as usual and I hope to share how I’m doing with that in
our Spring edition. Meanwhile, I wish you all a happy and healthy New Year and hope you all have better weather and a great growing season.
6 Simply Vegetables