KEEN gardeners overcame the summer heatwaves to grow some magnificent produce for this year’s Chobham Show.

Massive leeks, onions and pumpkins particularly impressed visitors to the event in the village hall on Saturday last week (19 Sept).

The splendid vegetables were on display for the 175th anniversary of Chobham and District Agricultural and Horticultural Society, which stages the show.

“It was a very well-supported occasion,” said society chairman Sue Hallam. “Entries across all categories of the show were of a high standard.

“The number of vegetables entered was surprising, considering the very hot weather throughout the growing season.

“There were some huge leeks and onions among the many entries and a bumper crop of seven pumpkins in the special classes for heaviest pumpkin.”

The floral classes featured some beautiful specimens of dahlias and decorations. The art, photography and handicrafts classes were full of excellent work.

This show champion is Keith Hine, who won the Centenary Challenge Bowl for most points across all classes. Keith, a national judge for flower and vegetable competitions and a respected local allotmenteer, won cups in vegetables, flowers and special classes and for best in show in the horticultural classes.

The Norman Roake Memorial Bowl, for the second highest points, went to society president Brian Barr and the Reginald Coleman vase for third highest points was won by Ann Taylor.

Sue said there was a pleasing number of entries in the children’s classes, which range from paintings to chocolate brownies, needlework to the largest sunflower head.

“The section looked very colourful with so many paintings hanging on the walls,” she added.

The fun dog show – sponsored by The Chobham Vet and judged by Patricia Knowles – was also a great success, with 35 entrants.

“All in all, it was another successful Chobham Show, in our 175th anniversary year.”