By Catriona Mossop
The 104th Pudsey Flower and Vegetable show was held at Pudsey Parish Church on Saturday, 5 September.
The show is a celebration of the dedication, hard work and pure talent of Pudsey people.
This year’s show was very successful, there were over 300 visitors who were treated to a “good afternoon out”.
There were 650 entries from the following classes, 165 vegetables, 89 flowers, 27 cacti, 13 floral arrangements, 26 novelty class, 53 children’s class, 137 home produce, 88 handicraft and 55 photography.
The church had an excited hum as young people discussed which category to enter next year. Pudsey Allotments and Cottage Gardners’ Association emphasises on their website that “everyone is welcome to enter”.
This year’s growers were challenged by the extraordinary hot, dry weather during the Summer. Steve Harrison, one of the show stewards, said the weather had “shrunk my plums”. However it was believed that the growers in Pudsey have faired better than other areas. The vegetables’ judge, who has judged vegetables at 15 other shows, felt the Pudsey’s entries were far superior.
The heat was not the only thing that affected the exhibits. The storm and strong winds of the previous days has destroyed some of the flowers to be used in the show. Flowers are cut on the morning of the show for fresh displays.
Sadly this year’s Spring show had to be cancelled due to a shortage of experienced volunteers.
There was a campaign to recruit new volunteers, which was successful. One of the new volunteers to answer this call was Paul Vipond. He said: “I have always been aware of the association and when I retired I decided I was interested in gardening”.
He found volunteering experience enjoyable and thought this year’s show was “excellent”.
Ian Feber, show secretary, said: “New volunteers are always welcome and needed.”
He wanted to express a special thank you to all the volunteers and helpers involved in this year’s show.
The next event will be Pudsey Spring show planned for March 2027. At each show the refreshments are provided by volunteers from Pudsey Parish Church.
For more information, e-mail: info@pacga.org.uk or visit the website.
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