Page 12 - Simply Vegetables Spring 2025

A Weekend to Remember:
The 26th and Final Masterclass
Hosted by Medwyn Williams
RAYMOND HIGGINS FNVS
From November 1st to 3rd, 2024, the
Royal Victoria Hotel in Llanberis, North
Wales, was the venue for Medwyn
Williams 26th and final Masterclass
Weekend. This milestone event
celebrated horticultural achievement,
friendship, and a shared passion,
drawing gardening enthusiasts, experts,
and a large contingent of National
Vegetable Society (NVS) members.
The weekend began on a poignant note,
as attendees learned that Medwyn’s wife,
Gwenda, had suffered a fall earlier in the
week. True to her spirit and dedication,
Gwenda insisted that the event go ahead
as planned, though her absence was
deeply felt by all.
Friday evening set the tone for the
weekend with a sumptuous
four-course dinner,
followed by a thought-
provoking keynote address
from Professor Christian
Dunn. A leading wetland
scientist, Professor Dunn
underscored the vital role
of peatlands in biodiversity
and carbon capture while
advocating for sustainable
alternatives to peat-based
composts.
Adding a cultural
highlight to the evening, the
Welsh Male Voice Choir, Hogia’r Ddwylan
(The Boys from Both Shores), delivered a
mesmerizing performance, captivating the
audience with their rich harmonies.
Saturday offered a wealth of knowledge
and practical advice through a series of
engaging talks. Neil and Niamh Jones
of Kitchen Garden Plant Centre began
The Welsh
Male Voice
Choir, Hogia’r
Ddwylan,
delivered a
mesmerizing
performance
the day by sharing their
journey in cultivating and
exhibiting culinary herbs.
Their commitment to
chemical-free, sustainable
growing practices and their
success at the Chelsea
Flower Show left attendees
inspired.
Next, Phil Burgess
delivered an insightful
presentation on maximising
small garden spaces
for vegetable growing. Drawing from
his experience as a National Vegetable
Society judge and National Champion. Phil
demonstrated how even the most modest
plots can produce extraordinary results.
After a delightful buffet lunch and an
opportunity to explore the hotel grounds,
Jim Williams took the stage with an
entertaining session on the complexities
of vegetable judging. As Chair of the NVS
Judges Panel, Jim shared decades of
expertise, offering insights into the rigorous
standards and unique quirks of the judging
process.
Adrian Baggaley’s stunning display of
homegrown apples and melons added
an unexpected treat to the day. Attendees
were thrilled to sample his produce,
which was undoubtedly a highlight of the
weekend.
The afternoon continued with Ian
Sutherland, who shared his expertise on
cultivating dahlias for exhibition. As a 27-
time National Dahlia Society champion,
Ian’s advice resonated deeply with both
seasoned growers and newcomers.
The day concluded with Gareth
Hopcroft’s session on the science and
benefits of organic living soil. Gareth’s
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