Quality shines through as Seahouses pub leek show goes ahead despite Covid-19

The show took place in the beer garden of the popular pub, maintaining a 52-year old tradition.

Local grower Alan Warnaby claimed the Best Leek title, with Ray Massey taking second place and show chairman Ben Patterson collecting third.

Alan said: “You’ve got to put the time in to get result, but it's good fun as well.”

Clinching first place in a selection of three standard vegetables was Jimmy Johnson of Newham Buildings, with Ray Massey taking second place and third going to Claire Thorburn.

Judge Thomas Pringle said: “The leeks presented today were slightly up on last year quality wise. The first thing that takes your eye is the size, but it's quality which goes a long way. The quality of the winning leeks were perfect.”

The show went ahead in a reduced format to comply with Covid-regulations.

Secretary Colin Banks said: “There were worries that the show wouldn’t go ahead at all this year because of the pandemic, and the worry with things like this, is that if you miss one year, they don’t come back.

“The committee would like to thank David Swan and all at The Olde Ship Inn for letting the show go ahead. David was adamant a show would take place and while it’s certainly been different this year, it’s been a great result having the leeks on show.”

Club chairman Ben Patterson said: “We had to cut down the number of classes in the show, but we wanted to make a show of the actual leeks and it’s turned out well so we’re happy.

"We want the club to continue and to have people of all ages growing vegetables. We always welcome new members, so if anyone is interested in getting involved feel free to stop into the bar of the Ship and find out when we are next meeting.

"The danger is that smaller shows like this are dying out. At one time every village pub would have a leek show. This is one of the last few. We need people to get their hand in, roll their sleeves up, get some leeks into the ground and have some fun.”

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