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14/06/2009


my photos

THE SOUTH OF ENGLAND SHOW

A show celebrating countryside, rural life and farming, is held annually at the South of England Showground at Ardingly.



One favourite display of mine was From Plot to Plate, 'grow your own' harvested straight from the allotment, set amongst vintage kitchen and garden 'alia.



For the first time since the Second World War, food seeds are outselling flower seeds. No longer just a hobby to keep occupied in retirement, an allotment plot is popular with all ages. With organic produce and thrift on the menu, once vacant sites are now full, with long waiting lists.



Gromit measuring his marrow, with prize winning potential!



When it comes to Pot Leeks, among the men of Geordieland, size is important! Competitions date to the late 19th century, when miners began organising shows in clubs and pubs, paying a little each week to fund prizes.

Things have now become so serious that some exhibitors spend the night out with their vegetables to guard against intruders. It has been known for men to sleep with their leeks more often than they do with their wives!

A recipe for a traditional North East Leek Pudding, a recipe dating back to the 18th century.

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11 comments:

re said...

Wonderful photographs of the show, off to check out that recipe.

Christy Amular said...

This is beautiful! What a surprise to see Gromit!

Sal said...

It all looks wonderful and I spot some 'blue and white' in the vintage kitchen!
Great photos!
;-)

Flighty said...

A show like this this is always full of interest.
I find the idea of growing big vegetables slighty odd, but I suppose that it's a typical British eccentricity! xx

Poppy said...

The show looked great, and your pictures were fab!

Thanks for your lovely comment, Ben is not too sure what he wants to do at the moment, he is going too college so hopefully he will get some more ideas then, I’m sure it will be something to do with art.

I would love the gardens of the school too!

Love Lou xxx

sheila said...

Amazing flag!

Obviously size matters to Gromit, I guess he's a secret Geordie (or maybe a not so secret and I just had no idea!).

Last summer I picked a book up from the Sally Ann, written by a woman who lived through WW2. It was actually her diary, and her grandson-in-law had found it in an attic and published it. In it she details her own victory gardening all through the war. It was quite a fascinating read.

life in red shoes said...

The photos look as delicious as the the produce!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent.

Suburbia said...

I just love these shows, though haven't been to one for sometime and I was most upset to hear that Royal Show is in it's last year (I know that it is more of and agricultural show but it had lovely 'country bits'), what is the world coming to?!!! I used to go as a child and have fond memories.

Lovely pics as always

Heather said...

I just love your photos, Louise. The pic with the vegetable cart is wonderful.

Anonymous said...

i love leeks... and have some in the garden.. so fingers crossed come the winter i could have a go at the recipe.
what a great display too at the show and lovely pictures.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I like the Union Jack made out of veggies!

I love leeks --but I don't think I'd want to sleep with them..lol