Page 30 - Simply Vegetables Spring 2024

Letters
Hello Kelvin
Reading the comments by Barry Newman on “The Presentation
of Exhibits” article in the Winter issue of Simply Vegetables highlighting how judges sometimes leave exhibits after handling them. Being a judge myself, I quite agree that some respect
needs to be shown. When an exhibitor has spent months tending his produce to get it to good standard and then spending hours preparing and getting his exhibits to the show and then being very careful to stage them in a way that shows them at their best. It is then unkind for a judge to handle them carelessly. All judges and most exhibitors understand that exhibits need to be handled. It is usually only by picking exhibits up and inspecting them all round that you can truly see how good or bad an exhibit is. If time is short there is no reason why the judge can’t ask the steward to make sure the exhibits are presentable for the opening of the show.
Maybe judges sometimes forget that they can make a difference between a novice having another go or being put of showing all together. It is also the way prizes are awarded (or not in some cases) that sometimes need a bit more consideration. It is common knowledge that if there is only one entry in a class the judge does not need to give a first prize or even a second if the exhibit does not merit one. At a local show a couple of years ago, I noticed in one class that there was only one exhibit, and it didn’t receive a prize at all, admitted it wasn’t a very good specimen, the judge had disappeared straight after judging so the exhibitor couldn’t even ask what he could do to improve for next time. This guy was probably a first-time exhibitor and may never try again.
Personally, I not only think it’s the right thing to do, but I quite enjoy staying a while after judging and talking to exhibitors about how they can improve. Sometimes I learn something new. If there is not much time after judging, there is nothing wrong with leaving a note on an exhibit occasionally if the reason for your decision isn’t obvious. Sometimes, there is no choice but to give NAS but if the exhibitor finds a note explaining the reason he will know why and hopefully won’t make the same mistake again.
Sometimes just a bit of consideration is needed.
Andrew Moakes
Gardeners Dream
I am going to that place we’re soil is velvet smooth. A place of no digging, you don’t have to move.
Soil prepared overnight medium to sow.
Those seeds of happiness we all know.
All canes and supports tied up with string.
Ready for beans, peas to climb and do their thing. Fertiliser, compost apply to plant’s needs.
Sun shines all day to germinate and feed.
Water is provided by timer, super quick.
No cans, or buckets to trip.
All weeds disappear as soon as you do see. Sit back and watch, drink your cup of tea.
Plants grow no need for my attention.
No worry of slugs and snails to mention.
Harvest here, beans straight, carrots no fly, potatoes round. Peace, tranquillity, you can’t hear a sound.
Gardeners Dream over now, back down to earth. All garden subjects start a new birth.
All jobs I dreamed of will be done in time.
Then I will wait for the sun to shine.
Written by Nigel Ball Lyme Regis Dorset
Hello Kelvin,
I have just read the article in Simply Vegetables about the resurrection of Crossmolina Agricultural Show. It’s delightful that a show that closed 5 years ago has now been given a new lease
of life. We hear of so many shows both locally and nationally that have folded and are never likely to resume again that it is wonderful news to hear of one that has been revived.
This prompts me to include a small plug (well maybe a big plug as I am proud of it) for Shevington Show near Wigan. Our show seems to get stronger year on year. We didn’t know what to expect after Covid, but we thought last year was a good show. This year we had over 100 more exhibits than last year.
It’s difficult to pinpoint any one thing
that makes our show successful, so, it must be a number of things coupled together that contribute to the success. Although our committee are ageing (we do need some young blood) they are all dedicated, and age does give
us experience. We are so lucky to have so much support from many local businesses and institutions that we
can give many extra prizes on top of
the ordinary prize money. We have two allotment sites in Shevington and many of the tenants are getting involved in
the show, so we are slowly encouraging some of the younger blood that we need for continuity.
Another important thing is to listen to the exhibitors to find what their expectations of a show like ours. I don’t call it a village show any more as we
have quite a few exhibitors from further afield.
It’s also worth mentioning that 2024 will be our 40th anniversary show, and we are already making plans to make
it the best show ever. We’re looking at ways we can extend the exhibition space available. We have grown out of 4 venues over the years and are presently in the biggest venue in the village so, finding more space could be a challenge but we are confident.
We are also looking at a possible brass band, some extra classes to celebrate the occasion and are hoping to get at least one of the local schools involved. All this is a lot of hard work but well worth the effort.
Andrew Moakes
Chair Shevington Garden Club
30 Simply Vegetables