Page 30 - Simply Vegetables Summer 2023

North East Horticultural Society Seminar
Some time back, John Soulsby and Ian Stocks started to discuss the idea of holding a Seminar in Stanley based
on the model of the successful NVS Scottish Branch Seminar which has been running for many years. Discussions, ideas and planning continued, and with help from Gavin Thomson of Premier Hydroponics, Broxburn and Gareth Cameron, Scottish Branch Sponsorship Manager, the inaugural Seminar took place on March 25th at the Civic Hall Stanley. Sadly, with Ian’s passing, he
was not able to see the project through to fruition and so this very first seminar was carried out in tribute to Ian.
After an emotional start to the Seminar, the audience was able to watch a recording of Ian Stock’s zoom talk on growing carrots, as the first speaker of the day. It was emotional hearing Ian’s voice once more, whilst engrossed with his informative and entertaining talk.
The second NVS
speaker of the day was Ian Simpson from the Scottish Branch with a talk on growing peas which was very well received.
Lunch time and more time to spend time with the commercial reps to learn more about their products and how they can help with growing vegetables.
Gavin (Premier Hydroponics) and the commercial companies did us proud and we were delighted with the great information stands which had been set up for the day along with giveaways, and magnificent raffle prizes. Premier
Hydroponics, an established hydroponic retailer/grow shop based in Broxburn,
and Dundee has many years’ experience in the industry with plenty of in-depth knowledge of
the products and how best to use them through having tested everything in their grow rooms.
Autopots, partner of the NVS, provided
a display and information along with very generous raffle prizes of four Autopot 4
Pot Systems plus two Autopot 4 Pot XL System’s. Thanks again to Jason Ralph Smith and Jono for their generous support. The Autopot watering systems ensure each individual plant controls its own irrigation and receives fresh nutrient enriched water exactly when they need it. (See back page
advert for more information).
The Team from CANNA had travelled
through the night from a previous event,
so thank you to Nikko and the team for
this great effort of support. CANNA offers high quality fertilisers, additives, and substrates for growing any plant to its highest potential. There are many different cultivation methods and mediums. CANNA also provided information, giveaways and raffle prizes on the day.
Ecothrive had a great display and giveaways and although Gareth Hopcroft was unable to attend on this occasion, Gavin and Nick Thomson from Premier Hydroponics were able to answer all the questions and supplement the stand. Ecothrive remains at the forefront of the UK organic growing scene and continues to build its base of premium organic products including Eco-Life living soil, Coco Pro
It was emotional hearing Ian’s voice once more, whilst engrossed with his informative and entertaining talk
30 Simply Vegetables