Exciting and keenly competitive Village Vegetable Show (From Dorset Echo)

Exciting and keenly competitive Village Vegetable Show

1:21pm Thursday 11th August 2011 in Community

Sutton Poyntz Village Vegetable Show was, as always, keenly competitive.

In addition to the individual flower and vegetable categories, with everyone present voting for their favourite, there was the fabled ‘Spud in a Tub’ competition. This year the potato weighing went metric, much to the disgust of a previous organiser, and another spectator who was heard to murmur “bring back the kitchen scales” (though as this was the previous organiser’s daughter an independent viewpoint cannot be guaranteed!) The tubs were emptied and potatoes harvested with growing excitement, except from Scooby the dog, who plainly couldn’t see what all the fuss was about.

One well known resident attempted to smuggle in a supermarket bag full of bought potatoes but was spotted by the eagle eyed judge Peter Sheaves, and disqualified. Eventually the Des Evans ‘Spud in a Tub’ trophy was awarded to Paul Nicolson with 2.32 kg (that’s over 5 lb!).

Following a pause to enjoy the tea and marvellous homemade cakes provided by the ladies, Bill Egerton announced the winners. £170 had been collected during the two weeks of scarecrow competition – at one point the Springhead Pub ran out of voting forms - and the winner was John Willows at the Waterworks with his theme “Follow the yellow brick road”.

In the individual categories there was a wide spread of names, including Paul Nicolson, Peter Sheaves, and Pat Bellis (twice each) and Brenda Pennington, Ruth Egerton, Caroline Crisp, Dot Emblen, Mike Haine, Richard Porter and Dave Caddy. John Crisp also won a certificate for the ‘bunch of flowers’, which seemed to surprise him!

This was a very enjoyable morning, and thanks are due to the hard work of the organisers, the ladies for the refreshments, the competitors for their green fingers and everyone for turning up in such large numbers.

The road surface in Wyke Oliver Road has been steadily deteriorating over the past few years.

In addition to the general unevenness caused by the tarmac wearing away, three large holes developed. Recently a sign appeared saying ‘Caution. Temporary road surface’, as the holes were dug up then filled in and treated to a coat of brand new tarmac. This, of course, has left the rest of the road in its usual worn and bumpy state.

Unfortunately, as the sign has also gone this can’t be a temporary road surface, and will presumably remain forever. A pity that just some of the millions spent on traffic lights couldn’t have gone on resurfacing our local roads.

The Dorset Historic Churches Trust Annual Ride and Stride fundraising event – that’s quite a title! - takes place on Saturday 10 September.

On this day members of churches are sponsored to ride their cycles or walk around Dorset visiting as many of the churches taking part as they can. Last year the Preston Team raised well over £800, and they are looking to improve on that figure this year.

If you would like to take part, raise some money for the upkeep of our magnificent churches and have a good day out in excellent scenery and pleasant company, give Dennis Ackroyd a call on 778122. He will be walking and is planning a suitable route, but if you would prefer to cycle I am sure he can put you in touch with others going, as we walkers say, the easy way!