PLOT-holders in Winsford may know their onions but a dash of expert advice proved useful at this year’s annual show.

‘Strong community spirit’ was in the air as growers at Over Allotments were given a master class in how to judge vegetables at this year’s competition on August 25.

Entrants were given a special treat when National Vegetable Society judge George Cornes, from Crewe, invited them to listen in as he worked his way around the Moss Bank site.

“We had more than 100 entries on show this year,” said show secretary Jim Kettle.

“George offered valuable advice to our members on what judges look for when they’re judging competition veg.

“We picked up a lot of tips which we’ll put to good use in next year’s show.”

The Over Allotments and Leisure Gardeners’ Association Cup for best exhibit was awarded to Jim Weedall for the best tray of specified vegetable– five potatoes, two leeks, three onions, four beetroot and five medium tomatoes.

Jim was also the winner of the Geoffrey Harrison Trophy for the most points in the vegetable section.

John Malam, vice chair of the association, said: “There was a strong community spirit among the plot-holders.

“It was great to see a wide range of veg on show, grown by both beginners and seasoned hands.

“We’re all keen to pick up tips and from what we saw on the display tables, many of us are now thinking about what it will take to be a winner in next year’s show.

“As for my beetroot, my ‘end of term report’ said ‘can do better’. I can but try.”