Maplehurst vegetable competition a grower

In just six years, the show has grown from a few regulars at The White Horse attempting to grow mammoth onions, to one of the ‘must do’ events in the village social calendar.

Moving the show from a Friday evening to a Saturday proved popular and allowed contestants time to arrange their prized vegetables before tucking into a bbq, while judge and onion expert Keith King had the difficult job of picking out the winners.

Three additional classes were added to the show schedule this year, heaviest marrow and pumpkin as well as housewives choice. It was the latter that grabbed the imagination of the growers as they proudly displayed an assortment of their veggies in baskets and trugs.

Of the established classes, the ever popular heaviest, best pair and celebrity onion (onions dressed this year, in the theme of children’s tv programs past and present) were as always, very well supported.

In all, ten trophies were awarded. Andy Stonestreet heaviest and best onion in show, Jean Cox best pair, Jane Gates celebrity onion and best in show, Karen Taylor heaviest marrow, Toni French longest runner bean, Dennis Livingston heaviest pumpkin and Paul Dalby won the Housewives choice.

Report and picture contributed by Andy Stonestreet.