First Experience of Judging

A few weeks ago my good friend Dave Mercer from Tain called me at work and asked what I was doing on the 17th of August. I was out GPS surveying a large hill paddock at the time and without thinking said"nothing much as far as I know".  Great said Dave I'll put you down to judge the veg at the Tain show that Saturday.

Well the 17th arrived and I duly travelled the 60 miles up to Tain.  I was some what nervous as this was going to be my first attempt at judging and all the little comments I'd heard at show over the last 4 year were flooding back to me.

As with all small village shows there was quite a variation in the quality in some classes, however given the type of growing season we have had there was a number of good quality entries.

After 2 hrs I had come to the conclusion of my judging and a fine set of large onions were awarded the best veg exhibit.

I stayed on after the judging and had a number of interesting conversations with the exhibitors and from what I could tell no one was too put out by my decisions.  In fact I was asked if I was available to judge two show up that way next year.  There are two ways to look at this, either they thought I had made a reasonable job or they are really hard up for judges!!!!

Anyway I found it fairly enjoyable and will probably attempt some more in the future.    

Black Isle Show results

Sorry I've not been on the blog for a while, due to work commitments.  This has had a detrimental effect on my veg with my Leeks all going to seed and my onions not making much more than 13 inch.  That said I had 7 entries at Black Isle where I got 4 firsts and 2 seconds. 1St:- Peas,Stump Carrots,Beetroot & Salad Trug. 2nds for my onions from set and Parsley.  I'm pleased with these results.