We recently held the final of our annual growing competition – which is open to all Rob Lane allotment holders and our rivals from Mesnes Park Allotments.
Last year it was watery eyes all round as competitors aimed to bring the heaviest onion – but this year it was the turn of the heaviest pumpkin. There were some absolute whoppers but the eventual prize went to Charlie and Arthur Rathbone who won with an absolute behemoth weighing 83lbs 8oz (that’s ALOT of pumpkin soup!).
It was the second year in the row the Mesnes Park group had a win, with Charlie winning heaviest onion last year. So for now he remains the holder of the much coveted Pellyken Prize but we’d all urge Charlie not to get too comfortable as we’re already thinking about our game plan for next year (whilst also trying to peek in Charlie’s shed to see what their secret is).
Whilst the aim of the comp is to grow the biggest veg, the ultimate aim is to raise money for a very worthy cause – Willowbrook Hospice. This year we raised £290 and as always, made some great memories.
Thanks to all who took part with special thanks to Brian Pelly and Ken Jackson who started the tradition a few years ago and who drive it forward each year.
