Dear English Apple Man readers, my sincere apologies as this week's Journal is very late. I have had a myriad of problems with my PC and software this weekend, frustration driving me silly........
So in turn this week (or last week - however you look at it)the Journal is not up to my general standard. Hopefully back to normal for the next Journal.
In the meantime, I publish some of the pictures I managed to take last week.
Wednesday 4th November at The Kent Event Centre showcased our National Fruit Show
The show which began in the 1930's as The Marden Fruit Show was renamed The National Fruit Show in the 1990's still under the parent body of Marden Fruit Show Society.
Reflecting the economic pressures of recent years, the society decided to change the format from a two day event, to a one day show in2024. This format is proving to be successful with good visitor numbers and happy stand holders.
Central to the sponsors was NP Seymour
Below: left. Machinery stand and right. The travelling Jazz van set up at the show. It travels all over the country promoting Jazz
A message from my friend Caroline Ashdown after both her children: Beatrice and Rupert won classes in the National Fruit Show Competition: "As promised here are some photos of the children when they were selecting their fruit for their entries.
It all started last year where Rupert beat Beatrice to 3rd place by 0.25 marks, so she was determined to beat him this year! For the BBN we went to Chandlers as a family and set about selecting the fruit. They had size rings each and Ben and I let them get on with it. Beatrice was very possessive over her fruit as there was a couple of times Rupert tried to 'borrow'some! Anyway after a couple of hrs, they had enough so home we went.
Below: Beatrice Ashdown's Best in show winning entry
Below: Beatrice and Rupert Ashdown collecting and preparing their Show Fruit entries
The storing, polishing and prepping took place at Berryplants Ltd as we know team there very well and nice and close to us. Again I was not allowed anywhere near Beatrice's entries! I had the job of carefully taking them up to Detling on Monday in readiness for judging Tuesday.
The first time I got to really see their entries properly was Tuesday and did think Beatrice's BBN looked a strong contender, but wasn't expecting the call on Wednesday morning saying she had the best exhibit in the show!
I had only told each child they had won 1st each for the Magic Star and Cameo classes but didn't tell them the outcome for class 17, so it was a surprise for her when we arrived at Detling.
Below: an example of the entries, with another of Beatrice Ashdown's winning entries in the centre with Red Rosette
Below: left. Mansfields winning Bramley and right. Mansfields Pink Lady
Below: left. Claygate Breaburn and right. Mallions display of Cox
Sorry readers this week is a bit thin.............
Below: The NFU Stand with my son Stuart pictured (centre) - NFU offer the opportunity for visitors to taste the show fruit varieties
That's all for this week
Take care
The English Apple Man