Winners at the Lewis and Harris Horticulture Show 30/8/10
Stuart Oakley of Carloway, Tong School, David Reid of Stornoway, and Ruaraidh Ferguson
of Tong were the top prize winners at the 3rd Annual Lewis and Harris Vegetable and
Flower Show.
The event, organised by the Lewis & Harris Horticultural Producers [LHHP]
at Martin’s Memorial Church Hall on Saturday 28 August, was extremely well attended.
Oakley
bagged five trophies, ranging from Overall Champion in the Flower Section to Heaviest
Marrow. Tong School brought home four, including the Fas Fallain Trophy for single
Best Fruit Exhibit.
Reid was the outstanding newcomer, winning the show organisers’s
LHHP Trophy for Best Novice. Ferguson’s outstanding display of fruits in that section
garnered him the Lews Castle College Trophy for Best Overall Fruit exhibits.
“I was
glad to see a lot of interest in both the showing and the viewing of the displays
which contained a lot of high quality produce,” Stuart Oakley said after the show.
“It was encouraging to talk to a number of the exhibitors from all over the island
who were pleased by their efforts and were intending to show again with even more
produce.”
“It was particularly good to hear the new gardeners saying this, as well,”
Oakley added. “Keen new blood, with a desire to get the red [first place] card, will
strive to improve and drive the standard of the produce even higher.”
Indeed David
Reid agrees. “Obviously I am delighted but very surprised at winning the new grower
category,” he said. “I was first inspired to start growing by the high standard and
variety of produce at the LHHP market.”
He added: “Hopefully next year I can further
improve the quality of my produce. My advice for anyone thinking about growing their
own fruit and veg is to give it a go as it is a very rewarding pastime.”