Page 52 - Simply Vegetables Spring 2021

Scottish Branch
MEMBERS 30000 TO 39999
Chairs Thoughts
Although we are still in the depths of COVID-19 hopefully by the time you read this there will be some light at the end of the dark tunnel we have been in. Personally, I am hopeful of having a bit of normality, so we have been planning within the Branch. Our AGM will be delayed until a suitable time where we can meet and hold it in safety. As I mentioned previously the new Scotland’s Garden Show will be held at Scone Palace from the 29th – 31st May, where we will be putting on a display of Past, Present and Future. We also have our Branch Championships at Haddington on the 4th of September to look forward to, together with our Seminar in November. I appreciate that there is some uncertainty, however, let us be positive and look forward and get back together if we safely can.
It has been really weird missing our normal activities such as talks and shows, and all getting together and enjoying each other’s company. It will come back so let us personally, and as a Society be ready to pick up enjoying our great Society when it does.
One piece of news I was really saddened to hear was the passing away of one of our longest standing members and a Vice President of the Society, George McSkimming. I had the pleasure of working with George when he was Secretary and I had just taken on the Treasurers role many years ago. George was a great source of knowledge and help and I owe him a great deal for that. I also had the pleasure on many occasions of accompanying George on a few escapades which culminated in the partaking of alcohol, the most notable Ebbw Vale Garden Festival many moons ago where we put up the Scottish Inter Branch display. Oh, what a site to behold!! It was sad and unfortunate that we could not pay our last respects to him – I am sure there would have been a huge number of people wanting to do so for this larger-than-life man.
So hopefully I will see a lot of members throughout the year, COVID-19 permitting, but until we can please stay safe.
George P. McSkimming
It is with great sadness to announce that George McSkimming passed away on the 29th November 2020, age 93.
George was a stalwart and great ambassador for the National Vegetable Society and held many roles within the NVS. George was the Scottish Branch Secretary from 1980 to 1999, having worked with four Branch Chairmen within that period; Donald McLean, Bill Roger, Kim Kirkness and Jim Williams.
Well known throughout the UK, George had served on the National Executive Committee for over twenty years, including holding the position of Vice President. George was well known for keeping the N.E.C. on its toes and his excellent memory.
George was awarded the NVS Silver Medal in 1988 and Gold Medal in 1993 (the second member of Scottish Branch to achieve this).
A much-respected and successful exhibitor at all levels, George also judged all over the British Isles.
Jim Williams recalled back in 1985, after finishing work, that he had driven down to Southport to stage a mini collection. Arriving at 3.00am, in a near deserted tent, cold, tired and miserable, Jim suddenly heard this “great belly laugh” from next door, and of course it was George. George always enjoyed himself, knew everyone and had a great sense of humour and also, if there was a “dram” on the go, George would find it!
Jim Veitch also recalled showing
at Ayr back in 1985, and on entering the tent at Dam Park with his box of “PRIZE” Kelsae onions the first person to welcome him was George, “nice shallots laddie” was George’s comment! We will all no doubt have similar
fond memories of George and he will be sadly missed. We have lost a great character and a true legend.
Ian
Members with a “DD” Postcode
We just wanted to apologise to our members who have a DD postcode as there was a delay of a few
weeks before you received your Winter edition of the SV Magazine. Investigation confirmed that it
turned out to be a Royal Mail related backlog and was out with our control. Hopefully you are now reading this Spring edition on time.
Fiona Shenfield
Scottish Branch – 200 Club
In January, you may recall that we included a 200 club entry form in with your copy of your magazine and that this year the prize draw is running from March to December. As I write this early February, we eagerly anticipate hearing of the first winners for 2021.
It’s never too late to join and you do not have to be a Scottish Branch member (or even an NVS member) to join, so please encourage friends and family too).
If anyone requires a copy of the form, you can now find a PDF copy in the “Resources” section of the NVS website to enable you to print one out, alternatively contact Gareth Cameron. 2 Dyke Nook, Yeathouse Road, Frizington, Cumbria CA26 3QL, Telephone: 07935 117 397 or email: garethattheplot@hotmail.co.uk
Prize money is dependent on how many 200 Club members we have with half the revenue generated going towards the Scottish Branch funds and half going towards prize money. (1st prize is 75% of the prize money & 2nd prize is 25% of the prize money).
Thanks again to everyone and good luck for this year.
52 Simply Vegetables
Alistair Low
It’s with great sadness to announce that Alistair Low from Kinghorn passed away suddenly on January 20th, 2021 after a short illness.
Alistair was a Scottish Branch Member
for over 30 years and was a well-respected grower in the Fife area. He was a lovely quiet man who, in addition to growing veg and donating plants to support funds for his local church, also gave Badminton lessons for the youth in Kinghorn .
A keen Veg exhibitor, Alistair eagerly entered many shows over the years and loved to attend the Scottish Branch Seminar each November. He will be missed by all his friends.