Longford Pumpkin Competition

Pumpkin

Longford & District Pumpkin Club

Pumpkin Show 5th October 2024

Once again many amateur pumpkin growers and friends gathered at Wyaston Village Hall for the annual show, dinner & prize giving. About 80 village members, old and new, young and not-so-young, arrived clutching pumpkins, flowers, vegetables & cakes for the competitions. Each pumpkin was carefully weighed & measured on arrival. There were pretty flower arrangements, individual flowers and delicious looking cakes divided into adult & child classes.

When all entries were in, judging was undertaken by Enid Hawkesworth, who knows everything there is to know about cakes and flowers and Michael Jeffreson, who very kindly stood in at the last minute. Thank you so much to both of them.

The Gaffer, Mick Tunnicliffe, announced that dinner was ready & everyone chose from the delicious spread of casseroles, lasagnes etc supplied by many local residents – another huge thank you to all of them These were followed by a fabulous range of puds. Many enjoyed a second helping, unsurprisingly, considering the wide range desserts available to try.

After the meal we heard the entries for ‘An ode to Longford’, two entertaining odes devised by Rosanna & Seren Montgomery. Finally it was time for the Gaffer to announce the winners of each category. They were all presented with beautiful rosettes by James & Andy to thunderous applause from the audience

Finally, after a game for the winners, (won by Mick who says he never wins anything), the Gaffer gave his annual speech. He expressed his thanks to the judges Enid and Mike; to the pumpkin committee of James, Andy, the other Andy, Garry and Alan for organising the evening; to Katie and helpers who did a wonderful job organising the meal; to everyone who donated food & raffle prizes, brought in competition items & attended & to everyone who cleared up too. Mick also mentioned that he would be retiring from his post of parish clerk after 40 or more years.

The raffle was drawn, bringing to an end another very enjoyable & lighthearted evening of fun. The proceeds of the evening this year will go to cancer Research UK Ltd. £400 was taken on the raffle (well done Grace!) and, along with ticket sales, a grand sum of about £1,100 will be donated.

Thank you and well done everyone – we look forward to seeing you again next year!