GROWERS have been feeling the heat – but once again produced some excellent produce for the bench at the annual Gainford Leek Club show.
Rob Kirby took the title for best pot leeks with a combined volume of 237.42 cubic inches ahead of club chairman Mark Rayner (134.81) and secretary Brian Boucher (127.63).
One of Rob’s pot leeks was judged best exhibit in the show, for which he was awarded a new trophy, the John Challen Memorial Shield, presented in honour of the club stalwart who died earlier this year.
Rob said: “It’s been stressful growing this year. It’s been hard with the weather. It’s getting hotter and the leeks don’t like the heat.
“I potted 64 leeks and I have struggled to get six out.”
Despite the difficult growing conditions, it’s shaping up to be a successful show season for Rob.
In addition to success in his home village show, he also won the New Bank Top show in Darlington with leeks measuring 213 cubic inches and will be competing again this weekend at Heighington before heading to the national show in Seaham.
There was more success for the Kirby family when Rob’s 12-year-old daughter Tulisa picked up the junior prize for her novelty display.
Among the winners in the other vegetable and flower classes was George Lynch, who once again put on a masterclass with his carrots and parsnips, while Mr Rayner impressed with his onions.
Judging this year’s show was Phil Goldsborough, who has taken home many trophies as a competitor at Gainford in previous years.
He said: “Considering the year it’s been weather-wise and disease-wise, the entries have been good.
“The first three in the leeks are exceptional.”
Mr Boucher declared the show “not bad” and said that with a waiting list of growers wanting to join, the leek club would consider increasing its membership at the annual meeting in October.
He also paid tribute to Mr Challen.
“John was a big part of the club and he only hung his hat up a couple of years ago. He is very sadly missed.”
Trophy winners
Pot leek: 1, R Kirby; 2, M Rayner; 3, B Boucher.
Best leek: R Kirby.
Blanch leek: T Kendal.
Intermediate leek: R Kirby.
Flowers: B Lowery.
Veg: R Kirby.
Most points in show:
B Lowery.
Best overall exhibit: R Kirby.
Junior: T Kirby.
