Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum
SRGC Shows and Events => Events => Topic started by: shelagh on June 09, 2012, 03:02:01 PM
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Well Brian and I don't mind suffering for the good of everyone else and yesterday we along with Clare and John Dower and Mandy McLoughlin went of to recce the venue for the Summer North AGS show next Saturday and also the PUB.
I'm afraid it's a drive although some of us might need the walk back afterwards to recover the vestiges of a waist band.
A very good menu and they are laying on a room just for us, so bring your pennies, stop eating now and prepare yourselves in true Yorkshire fashion for a' blow out.' ::)
Sorry Ferme won't be with us to defend his title but at least if gives someone else a chance. ;D Looking forward to seeing you there.
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Thanks for that Shelagh.
Some of us have taken preparations very seriously indeed and have been at a secret training camp in Turkey, alternating our days between beach runs, hill climbs, river jaunts and pool sessions and our evenings testing three or four course meals (at various establishments with mysterious names) brought to the table by swarthy (but incredibly friendly) characters.
Our liquid intake has been admirable and our specially tailored sweatsuits proved unnecessary in the constant thirty degree heat.
We have been doing regular exercise (usually in the form of knee-drops or belly flops) with the Nikon apparatus and associated aromatherapy in the middle of oleander or eucalyptus groves.
All in all, we should be at our peak for the Pudsey pursuit but we suspect dark forces may have been at work - everyone on the plane home coughed simultaneously for over four hours and we believe this to be an attempt to strike us down with 'competitor's croup' - a mean and dastardly method of 'nobbling' the favourites. We know who you are and we know how you smuggled the germs on board - we will not be beaten by such unscrupulous tactics and intend to be there on Saturday with empty, but well-tuned tums!!!
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As you know, I am full of admiration for the dedication shown by all my gardening chums in their pursuit of horticultural excellence. I think we should all pause for a moment to acknowledge the level of expertise and effort expended (should that be expanded ?!) on the preparation for the ancillary projects so beloved by so many Forumists.
Avanti, Piglets!
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And I'm pleased to announce that a mystery package arrived today in the post, all the way from Victoria, Australia, containing this year's Pudsey Pig prize, kindly donated by last year's winner, Fermi, who can't make the journey this year ;D ;D
The contents of the package will remain a mystery until the day, as always. ;D
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Oooh that sounds very exciting......
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The Pontefract Porker will be contested by the Pudsey Piglets, the hungriest souls attending the AGS Summer Show, North, on June 16 from 12 noon to 4.00 pm. The show will be held at the Chesneys Centre, Regent Street, Featherstone, Pontefract, WF7 5EW.
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I'm glad you put the information re Saturday in the correct order Maggi, wouldn't like anyone to think the show was important :o ::) ;D
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And I'm pleased to announce that a mystery package arrived today in the post, all the way from Victoria, Australia, containing this year's Pudsey Pig prize, kindly donated by last year's winner, Fermi, who can't make the journey this year ;D ;D
The contents of the package will remain a mystery until the day, as always. ;D
Yes, alas, the work/holiday schedule doesn't allow our return to the UK to defend the title!
Diane warned that the date was approaching and so we turned the house upside-down [well it looks like it was!] to try to find the prize which Will and I bought in KL on the way home to OZ last year. We suspect that one of the cats had taken a fancy to it and has hidden it somewhere out of our reach! Fortunately I was able to find a reasonable replacement locally and was able to whisk it off to Diane so that it arrived in time! I'm amazed how quickly those posties can run when the Pudsey is at stake!
Best wishes to all this year's contestants and remember that in an Olympic Year more will be expected!
cheers
fermi
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What a shame you won't be here Fermi ... you've probably been in training for a number of months and were just at your peak? Perhaps you can come over and regain your title next year? All best wishes from the Piglets and thanks for thinking about us.
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Why is it these Pontefract Porkers and Pudsey Piglets congregate so much around the Summer Show North? Are there more truffles around in these regions? Or do you just have better pubs?
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It's historical Tim ... the story has been told a number of times and dear Maggi may (very kindly) be able to find previous postings?
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I think the whole story wasonly told once... and that was in the original forum, the archive of which is sadly lost :'(
You'll need to re-tell the tale, Cliff... there will be lots of new readers who wonder what on earth you piglets get up too!
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You'll need to re-tell the tale, Cliff... there will be lots of new readers who wonder what on earth you piglets get up too!
I'll start it off, although I hope others will add to the tale.
The Pudsey saga began many years ago. The AGS Summer North Show was in those days held in Pudsey and friends met for lunch at a local hostelry, renowned for its gourmet food and large plate size. Brian Smethurst ordered a Mixed Grill and when it arrived it was bigger than him, and he was challenged to eat the lot.
Amazingly he did, and was named The First Ever Pudsey Pig. Every year from then until the present, a food loving group has met for lunch, usually at the occasion of the Summer North Show, but as necessary, when this show has not been held, it has taken place at Southport and East Cheshire. A training event has often taken place at Harrogate Flower Show a few weeks before, where leading contenders have been spotted tucking in to a buffet table groaning with food.
There is a rumour that the winner of the Pudsey Pig is appointed on account of how much food they eat, and indeed first and second place has been hotly contested in the past with a large portion of sticky toffee pudding. However, the rules have never been written down, and in fact there is only one rule, which is passed down by word of mouth each year, usually by Johnny D who proclaims the rule on the day “There are no rules”. Some participants take it very seriously and go for a warm up exercise a couple of weeks before, thereby getting a preview of the menu, and are thus able to plan their tactics on the day. This sneaky exercise is called a "reccy" and is disguised as a ploy to check out the seating arrangements.
Past winners have sometimes fled the country to escape the paparazzi (well Cliff can be a scary site as recent visitors to Facebook have observed), and now some of these previous winners reside in New Zealand, Australia and Kentucky. The winner is expected to present the prize the following year, except in exceptional circumstances, such as living 12,000 miles away.
Here's some of the fun, captured over the last few years:
Harrogate 2008
http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=1705.15 (http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=1705.15)
Southport 2008
http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=1797.0 (http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=1797.0)
Pudsey 2009
http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=3716.15 (http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=3716.15)
Harrogate 2010
http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=5358.0 (http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=5358.0)
East Cheshire 2011
http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=7198.0 (http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=7198.0)
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Very many thanks Diane! I have to say that a few of the plants pictured could well have been eligible for the prize too. Some stunning specimens (the Cypripedium pictured by Cliff is very beautiful). I have been known to force down sticky toffee pudding, but I expect we would have to come up with a more refined event down here in the south.
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Here is a cake that Cindy made for our daughter's first wedding anniversary 20 years ago. It would seem to be apt for a Pudsey pig-in !
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in fact there is only one rule, which is passed down by word of mouth each year, usually by Johnny D who proclaims the rule on the day “There are no rules”.
Seem to remember from my piglet days, you didn't stand a chance of winning if you hadn't totally cleared your plate, so this involved an element of gamesmanship. For example, you didn't order fish and chips that came with a slice of lemon or you'd need to eat the lemon, rind and pips and all. Think it was Brian who had the judges in a huddle, when one or more of his peas "escaped" and landed on the floor - did he have to eat it to be declared the winner? Was the pea helped on its way, and would this set a precedent if the judges allowed it?
A hint to would-be competitors - elasticated waistbands are of great help!
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There is also no 'dodging' of the morning bacon buttie allowed, as Mandy has already ordered the bacon. She will be on duty at Chesney's all day but has given me a 'pass out' to attend at lunchtime.
Don't forget there is a show on as well so bring your plants.
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Many thanks to Diane and Doreen for their descriptions and updates. The Pudsey Pig (for that is it's name and no geographical amendments should be permitted) has a long and proud history.
To rules we say; "Bah!" To convention we shout; "Bunkum!" To indigestion tablets we scream; "Yes please!"
Let the battle begin ... preceded, of course, by a parade of past champions - either in body or in spirit - many having retired to their salad days in far flung lands of wafer biscuits and temperance bars.
Pontefract is famous for it's cakes - it's about to gain it's puddings!!! ;D
A late amendment to the 'rules' from the locals (bacon butty supplements for all participants) has certainly raised the stakes - as I said, there are no rules, only updates. ;D
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The Bacon butty development is an interesting addition to the day. In the heady days of Pudsey Civic Hall, the catering arrangements didn't allow for bacon butties, so the exhibitors breakfast was, uniquely I think, "hot rolls" 8)
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Tom I think one of those cakes would do admirably any chance of your wife doing one for tomorrow or shall I book you both in for next year ;D
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Shelagh, a bit late for today and we don't even think of a year ahead now!
However, I am reliably informed that the cake was basically a chocolate cake, hollowed out and filled with a white chocolate mousse, covered in ganache . The porkers were two walnut whips covered in marzipan. I don't get things like this nowadays unless family and grandchildren come on a visit.
Looking back over 25 years, pig motifs seemed to figure large with our daughter. I can remember Cindy knitting a black woolen sweater for our daughter with a large,pink flying pig on the front. It was much admired in University circles and probably is still kicking around in daughter's wardrobe somewhere.
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Went the day well ?
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Unless others reply before then, I will add images and results after the football has finished.
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Yes......but will modesty forbid :o :o :o
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Yes......but will modesty forbid :o :o :o
Dear me, I hope not... we frown on modesty here, don't we?
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No modesty here folks ... just genuine delight. Mr Dower and the other unidentified Pudsey Pig judges came up trumps and announced an unprecedented joint-win in the lunchtime competition at Pontefract AGS Show today.
The Bookeroos (Susan Greatly Chuffed Booker and Clifford Almightily Pleased Booker) held the trophy aloft to tumultuous applause from the massed ranks of Piglets. No jeers, catcalls or boos were heard and the decision stood.
At the main event, the excellent AGS Show at The Chesneys Centre, Featherstone, Pontefract run by Eric Rainford and his superb team, 'Best in Show' (but not unfortunately a Farrer Medal) went to Barry Winter with his splendid Verbascum.
Many more pictures and insights into the show and the Pudsey Pig will follow in the morning.
Mr and Mrs Joyous Booker and their trophy.
Chief Judge - JohnnyD. aka John Dower
Barry Winter and his 'Best in Show' winning Verbascum.
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Heartiest congratulations to Sue and Cliff on this dual triumph! Their recent training in Turkey is surely the secret of this success. 'Tis a lot of trouble to go to, but it pays off.... speculate to accumulate, and all that!
Super Verbascum, a shame for it not to get a Farrer. I hope Barry Winter is pleased with it, none the less.
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Some images of the Pudsey Piglets at the trough, their faces displaying the fear, the trepidation and the pride they felt on the day. Twenty six of the nation's finest hogs vying for the ultimate prize, to follow in the trotters of such names as Alan 'IronBelly' Grainger, Carol 'Make mine a Magnesia' Kellett, John 'Bun, Bun, Bun' Bunn and Brian 'Just Desserts' Smethurst - gathered around the trough at an excellent and quite salubrious new venue.
I don't think neutral observers will understand the pace of the contest - courses enter and leave the field of play at an alarming rate (see image one) and there is barely time to lick one's lips (or anyone else's for that matter) between rounds.
Meals were superb (we managed to taste the wares) and drinks eased many nerves (please see the image of JohnnyD. in my previous posting).
No images of the meals this time - the photographer was concentrating on his own successful bid for the trophy and similarly no photos of competitors play-acting for the camera - this was 'ultimate sport' at it's most intense - you could cut the tension with a knife (if you could grab it out of Martin Rogerson's grasp). ... And at this juncture may we all wish Martin a very long and happy retirement as he finishes with Rolls-Royce on Wednesday this week. Take it easy buddy and enjoy!!!
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Just in case visitors to the site think that AGS shows are to do with eating and that plants are only there as an excuse to eat I had better add what few pictures I have of the flowering part of the show
Verbascum letitia from Barry Winter, judged the Best in Show, just why it did not get a Farrer Medal is open to conjecture, was a lovely plant in a 30cm+ pot (does Barry do them less) in fine fettle
Anthyllis hermanniae minor...Barry Winter
Campanula (might be betulifolia but couldn't read label on pic) Barry Winter
Celmisia sp...Barry Winter. This caused some of the judges a bit of a problem as it was in a class from Native to Australasia and some said it was a UK commercial hybrid...still rather nice
No show is complete without some fine plants from Cecilia Coller so here are a few
Her winning Large Three pan which included
Neirembergia pulchella
Campanula thessala
Her winning small six entry which include
Scutellaria indica v parvifolia
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We have tried more than a few times to remember exactly when the Pudsey Pig competition started.
After the great efforts at Yesterdays show Clare came home to dig out the one and only Dower win – in 1995.
The prize was a crocus pot in the shape of a pig and was inscribed in felt tip with the date.
We think the previous year may have been Brians win and so, if that is correct, then the first mention of the Pudsey Pig would have been 1993.
This means that next year sees the twentieth anniversary of the competition.
There have been many notable wins, with Brian Smethurst being the only multiple winner. Indeed it was he who almost suffered the indignity of losing when the pea mentioned by Diane was observed on his plate at the end of the meal in the Owl pub in Rodley, the first and still the most memorable of all the venues.
On that occasion a stewards inquiry determined that the pea had been recovered from the floor and was thus declared ‘a mucky pea’ which should not disqualify its’ owner.
It is quite amazing the lengths contestants will go to secure the prestige of being a Pudsey Pig winner.
Alan Grainger and Martin Rogerson in a duel to the death – pinching chips from other contestants plates so as to secure an edge. In the end it was a clear tie – but it was Martins birthday and so he was declared the obvious winner. (As has been pointed out earlier in the thread – there is only one rule and that is that there are no rules.)
The following year nobody had a chance as Alan finished a substantial meal with biggest sweet you have ever seen. It took him ages but he got there in the end and was a deserved winner.
Yesterdays contest was quite keenly contested with a number of large and quite excellent meals being devoured. Service was top class and everyone thoroughly enjoyed repeating the tradition which started all those years ago.
Long may it continue.
JohnnyD
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Having serious problems with the server, three attempts to post rejected, last try seems the server uses different arithmetic to me as when I was at school 7 was less than 10...must use new maths
More from Cecelia Collers' small six
Ramonda myconi in normal and white forms
Pimelia ferruginea one of several she had on the bench...mine is still in bud!
Bulbs were in the main not overly represented on the benches but
Allium campanulatum from Robert Rolfe was an impressive pan
I quite fancied
Calochortus albus rubellus from F&P Bundy, it was difficult to get the entire pot in to do it justice so here are two in close up. They also had two pans of
Roscoea humeana alba which were much admired...mine all went to mush in the 2010 winter but I have seed germinated this year, hope it breeds true
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Two pans of Rhodohypoxis baurrii 'Badger' were on display, the larger by Dave Mountfort the smaller Ivor Betteridge but I show both as I feel it indicates where the 'Badger' bit came from
In the main campanulaceae were fewer in number than might have been expected but
Campanula pelia from Anne Vale how exhibited two pans that caught the eye
Edraianthus dinaricus from George Young
Two eriogonums were at the show in good form, again mine are in early bud...where's that sun?
Eriogonum thymoides from Brian Burrow and
Eriogonum umbellatum v haussknechtii from Trevor Whitaker
Cypripedium kentuckiense from Diane Clement was the first plant you saw as you walked into the show hall...good start you could say
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Last few
Gilia caespitosa from Robin Pickering
Penstemon hirsutus v pygmaeus from Ian Instone
Physoplexis comosa from John Richards
Sarmentia repens from Wilma & Jim Wright
Thats all I have, all in all the new venue was easy to find, not far off the motorway, parking could have been a problem but just about was ok, food was served by a smiling crew throughout the day and was good tasting value for money, plenty of crack around the benches...especially about the Best in Show so the organising team had to be very pleased with the day
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Congratulations to the Bookeroos! [Perhaps that we could get a contract with the manufacturer of the crocus pot for a job lot?] Nice to see some familiar faces in the pics.
And a great look at the Show, too!
Is there more discussion on the AGS site about why a Farrer wasn't awarded?
cheers
fermi
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Many thanks, Fermi,
It wasn't the same without you both, but we coped!!!
I'm sure a few of the judges on the day will be reading this topic ... any comments about that Farrer question, folks? ??? :-*
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You know the answer to that Cliff, doesn't matter what the class is you're querying "OH I DIDN'T JUDGE THAT ONE". ::)
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Ah, but everyone judges 'that one' :-X :-X
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Ah, but everyone judges 'that one' :-X :-X
Can we expect a host of replies then? :D :o
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Can we expect a host of replies then? :D :o
I wouldn't advise holding your breath.
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At Chelsea they have the 'people's prize' for the best garden. But how many who come to Alpine Shows have a real appreciation of the challenges and differences in growing plants? It can be an impossible choice. But for those who Show having an authorative overview must be important, not-with-standing the fact that some of the most enjoyable displays are non-competitive, that is showing a range of plants within a family or genus, or simply together to show how plants can be grown in a garden. Who would be a judge sometimes? I think Alpine Shows would benefit from less judging and more variety in how we display plants. After all everyone knows really if they have grown a plant well, the great thing is to show other people how to do it too.
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I shall put my tuppenceworth in, we walked round the show and decided that there was not one plant to which we would have given a Farrer Medal. Yes, the Verbascum was the best plant in the show, but judged against a hypothetical standard it was not quite good enough. It is only the same as not giving a First in some of the classes.
Now whether that is the right way to judge is another matter altogether and would involve changing the criteria, from being as good as that particular plant can be, to just choosing which plant is the best in the group, on the day, no matter how poor the plants in that section are.
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I shall put my tuppenceworth in, we walked round the show and decided that there was not one plant to which we would have given a Farrer Medal. Yes, the Verbascum was the best plant in the show, but judged against a hypothetical standard it was not quite good enough. It is only the same as not giving a First in some of the classes.
Now whether that is the right way to judge is another matter altogether and would involve changing the criteria, from being as good as that particular plant can be, to just choosing which plant is the best in the group, on the day, no matter how poor the plants in that section are.
Spoken like a judge, Eric :) You are quite correct in your comments I am sure. At times there is just not a plant "quite" good enough... it happens.
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Certainly in the open section it is something the judges adhere to, although they tend to be a little more lenient in the intermediate/beginners sections.
Several years ago, before saxifrages regained popularity, I entered in the large saxifrage class at Loughborough, came first, but did not win the award for best saxifrage which was not awarded that year. Quite rightly, as it was just not good enough. One has to uphold certain standards after all! ;)
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I made a few enquiries from the judges of the day and it would appear that the feelings of Palustris were indeed the feelings of the judges in that while the Verbascum stood out as the best plant in the show the vast majority felt that its standard was not good enough to merit the Farrer award in that there were a few dead flowers that could have been removed but at the same time it would have been helped if more flowers had been open. As a judge who is having a year out from judging I feel that the decision on a winner/loser does not always seem fair/right, but whereas an individual class is judged by 3 judges and forthright judge can 'dominate' in favour of their personal taste, the judging for the Farrer is by all judges, which may be 12 people, and the voting is usually by hidden ballot so is a pretty fair system. The majority in this case was against a Farrer being awarded.
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Many thanks Eric, Peter and George for their replies, which I'm sure are accurate and reflect the circumstances at Pontefract.
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Certainly takes the Pontefract cake. 8)