Page 34 - Simply Vegetables Winter 2021/22

Jersey Autumn Fair
GRAEME LE MARQUAND FNVS
With life getting back to a sense of normality, the autumn fair organised by the Royal Jersey Agricultural and Horticultural Society was one of the best supported for many years with just under 1,000 entries and over 2,300 people passing through the gates at the Royal Jersey Showground.
For gardeners, it was an opportunity to display their finest produce including examples of the heaviest and longest vegetables. This included pumpkins with the award for best in class going to Richard Le Sueur who set the record in 2018
District Association of the National Vegetable Society where we strive to promote the best that Jersey has to offer, as well as our dedication to involve the many children as well
with a specimen of 979lb. This year his pumpkin was not quite so gigantic, tipping the scales at 337lb 12ozs. Richard also had a win in the show classes with his leeks while his wife Jennie took best in section in the preserve section
with her pot of orange marmalade.
One of the most successful exhibitors was the States of Jersey Prison Service, securing numerous wins plus best in show with an outstanding collection of vegetables arranged in a wheelbarrow. The Prison Service also set a new
record for the largest
swede, weighing in at
19lbs 10ozs.
as grownups in the art
of growing their own vegetables, especially
for home consumption where over the last few years more folk in Jersey since Covid are now taking up this wonderful healthy and fun way in becoming green fingered enthusiasts.
Apart from vegetables,
the show included
sections for fruit, cakes,
cut flowers, pot plants
and floral arrangements
plus classes for children.
Other attractions
included cattle and poultry shows.
It’s always an honour to show case the best of Jersey produce, especially under the banner of The Jersey
It’s always an honour to show case the best of Jersey produce
we strive to promote the best that Jersey has to offer
Typical examples have been with the many children who are
entering our fun carrot competitions and recently last year the thirty
five children which included some schools who entered the pint sized pea competition which was in conjunction with the Royal Jersey Agricultural &
Horticultural Society which could easily quadruple this year.
The annual fun
carrot competition
with some of our government team leaders [previously the social security Department]
is still gaining interests with more of their
departments wanting to take part this year. I must admit that I was presented with a lovely carrot cake after the judging, and it was delicious!
Finally I would like to thank the Royal Jersey Agricultural & Horticultural Society once again for accommodating our display at the show on the 2nd and 3rd of October 2021 which created a
lot of interest for all to see with over thirty different varieties of vegetables displayed on an old Victorian cart.
The vegetables on show were provided by Three Oaks Vineries, Woodside Farms, and the States of Jersey prison service, which at the end of the show were all donated to Olio for distribution throughout the Island.
34 Simply Vegetables