Down but not out

As expected I didn't move any mountains at Malvern. I got a 3rd place in the Malvern Championships side for my trug (out of 3!) and 3rd out of 4 entries in the collection of onions. I picked up 2nd place in the novice class (out of 7 entries) in the NVS Midland Branch Championships with a set of 6 tomatoes, so I guess that counts as a start!

I got to the venue just after 5am having travelled down just after midnight and kipping in the car for a couple of hours just outside Malvern. Walking into the tent and seeing the likes of Allan Young, Andrew Jones and Sherie Plumb doing what they do best was a bit nerve racking and I nearly walked out when I saw the quality of some of the exhibits, but I snapped out of it and managed to stage my dozen or so entries, starting with two vases of dahlias to calm me down a bit. And know what? I was far from being disgraced. My 8oz onions and tomatoes in the main classes, despite not getting anywhere were certainly not out of place in such grand company.

Having done my staging and after a quick cuppa in the car I then walked the Malvern ridge in superb weather with amazing views in all directions. Until 8am I more or less had the hills to myself. After a quick trot round the RHS flower hall where there is another amazing Medwyn display I went to see the fruits (or otherwise)of my labour in the Harvest Pavillion. I'm now reassured that I can compete at this level. I certainly have the dedication, it's just the time needed to get my exhibits to the next level, not easy when you work full time and are competing against retired guys absolutely at the top of their game. I shall certainly be back next year older, wiser and hopefully a bit better.