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Sheppey Horticultural Society's fruits of labour put on show at its annual flower and vegetable show

There was wide range of produce on display at an Island group’s 51st annual exhibit.

Sheppey Horticultural Society held its flower and vegetable show over Saturday and Sunday.

The weather shone for the growers and an estimated 130 people came to have a look at the fruits of their labours across the two days.

Dave Applegate with Renato Magri's nearly 30kg pumpkin at the Sheppey Horticultural Society's annual show
Dave Applegate with Renato Magri's nearly 30kg pumpkin at the Sheppey Horticultural Society's annual show

There were 45 exhibitors, which was on a par with last year, and they managed to fill DeLacey Hall, Esplanade Gardens, Sheerness, with 280 displays.

Chairman Dave Hale said it was an impressive haul given how difficult the past year has been for gardeners.

The mild winter was followed by lots of rain and then sun which meant there was a glut of some items but less of others.

The Grand Challenge Cup, which is awarded to the entrant with the most overall points went to John Lewis, who also picked up the Challenge Cup which is given to the person who grows the best vegetables.

Renato Magri won best pumpkin again this year for his 29.75kg offering, which was less than half the size of the mammoth 73.5kg one he entered last year.

This was the second year that there has been a separate hanging baskets category and there were twice the number of displays than last year, from three to six, with a pure white one being selected as the winner.

Dave Underhill, committee member came first with his fuchias at Sheppey Horticultural Society's Flower and Vegetable Show
Dave Underhill, committee member came first with his fuchias at Sheppey Horticultural Society's Flower and Vegetable Show

There were two special classes this year which were Sunday lunch for two – which involves four different vegetables including potatoes – and five-a-day, where participants enter different foods according to guidelines set by the World Health Organisation.

Mr Hale said: “It is gratifying to know that we are able to put it on over two days and people do come along.

“There was a socialising element to it as well and a lot of people started talking allotments and gardening which was great.

“It was good to see a lot of people coming to the show asking about how they can join an allotment.”

Money from the day is yet to be counted but any profits made will be given to a local charity.

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