The Autumn Show
The Autumn Show returned on 11th September after a year's absence, and attracted almost one hundred entries of vegetables, fruit and preserves. Despite some rather negative weather forecasts, the sun remained out and the rain held off for the duration of the dog show (the warm-up act, reported in last month's Crier) and the vegetable produce show.
Judging of the many and varied entries was undertaken by the highly experienced John Norris and his young apprentice, Nathan Wrench, who, fortuitously, turned out to be a specialist in jam and chutney tasting. Of the many categories, tomatoes and eggs were most heavily contested; Andy Mitchell coming out on top with his selection of tomatoes, and Margaret Arksey taking the top award for her alabaster white - and still warm - eggs. Several families entered produce in a range of categories: the Pumfreys and Mitchells each won three categories, but were narrowly pipped by the Prestons with four winning entries.
After the heady excitement of judging, cream teas were served, and Alastair Everitt took up his gavel to auction off the produce: total takings were £109, the profits from which will be used in the upkeep of the Hall. On a negative note, the organisers were reprimanded for one glaring error and an omission. It seems that having "cake" as a category is simply not good enough! We have taken this valid criticism to heart, and promise to do better next year. The omission was the lack of a sunflower category, which will make a return in 2011 - our apologies to those of you who were disappointed.