LEEK club officials in Gainford decided the show must go on despite the Covid-19.
It was a pared down occasion when produce was put on display at the village Scout hut earlier this month.
Instead of the usual 36 classes, there were just seven – two pot leeks; two trench leeks; a collection of three vegetables; two onions as pulled; two onions dressed; four shallots and one flower benched with one vegetable.
Gainford Leek Club show was not open to the public.
The judge was Joe Keeler, of the National Pot Leek Society, and all 15 members benched at least a stand of pot leeks.
The pot leek class was quite outstanding, and the winning stand of John Soulsby New leeks, produced by Brian Boucher, of Barnard Castle, was simply magnificent.
Although not the biggest leeks ever seen at 180 cubic inches, the quality was unsurpassed.
Mr Keeler remarked that they were worthy of winning any show – and the first six stands were of excellent quality.
The first six places went to: 1, Brian Boucher, 180 cube and best leek; 2, David Snowball, 177 cube; 3, Rob Kirby, 161; 4, Chris Geddes; 5, Dave Hunt; 6, Mark Rayner.
Other class winners
Trench leeks: Phil Goldsbrough; Collection of three veg: Chris Geddes, including best overall exhibit; Onions as pulled: Mark Rayner; Onions dressed: David Snowball; Four shallots: David Snowball; One flower/one veg: Brian Boucher.
The club’s John Challen said: “The show was conducted with Covid in mind, with entry and egress through separate accesses.
“It is sincerely hoped and intended that the full schedule will be reinstated for the 2021 show.:
Applications are now being accepted for the 2020/2021 season – forms are available on the club’s Facebook page, and can be submitted to Mr Challen via Messenger.
