Much-missed champion vegetable grower honoured at Bolton-le-Sands show

Wednesday, 17 August 2022 08:24

Brian Noon pictured at the Bolton-le-Sands Summer Show in 2016.

A champion grower of vegetables has been remembered in Bolton-le-Sands with a special presentation to his family.

Brian Noon, who died of Covid-19 in 2020, was a regular winner at horticultural shows across North Lancashire and the South Lakes.

At the Bolton-le-Sands Horticultural Show on Saturday, the Banksian Medal for 2020 was presented in memory of Brian to his wife Desley and daughters Kerry, Michelle and Maria (pictured below).

Louise Belcher, show secretary, said Brian was "much missed by all in the horticultural community".

"He was a champion grower of exhibition vegetables, particularly mammoth onions," said Louise.

"He regularly won the Blue Ribbon at Shows all across North Lancashire and South Lakes and won it at Bolton-le-Sands shows too many times to list. Brian is much missed for his unfailing good humour and willingness to share his expertise in growing and showing vegetables with anyone who wanted to learn the tricks of the trade."

This was the Horticultural Society's 92nd Annual Summer Show and was held at the Village Community Centre.

“This was the first Flower Show in the village since 2019 and it was great to be back, although we had no idea what to expect after such a long absence” said Louise.

“However, we need not have worried as the show exceeded all expectations and the hall was filled with a magnificent display of flowers and local produce”.

The extremely hot weather on Saturday made conditions in the hall particularly challenging. In spite of the heat, the hall was full and was enjoyed by well over a hundred people who ventured out on the hottest show day that we’ve ever experienced.

This year the show was opened by Barry Atack, a long time committee member, horticultural expert and supporter of Morecambe in Bloom. Barry thanked the committee and exhibitors for their efforts in producing such a wonderful show. He was presented with a bouquet of flowers by Josh Rhodes.

This year’s auction was conducted by President of the Society, David Regan. The auction raised just under £47, of which £25 will be donated to the society's charity of the year, the First Light Trust.

Louise thanked all the committee members and helpers who ‘made’ the show.

"We were a bit rusty and it was too hot, but we did it and it was fabulous!” she said.

Special mention went to Joan Baker, Pauline Timms and their team of volunteers providing non-stop refreshments despite the heat of the kitchen; auctioneer, President and Committee member of 30 years standing, David Regan, who is always ready for any challenge on show day; and the enthusiastic young people who helped set up tables, annotate schedules, helped steward for the judges, wrote prize cards and acted as auction runners: Jonty, Piran and Kerenza Lentell, Josh, Loki and Bel Rhodes, Jenson Lofthouse and Joanne Thompson.

Photos by Ruth Piearce.

TROPHIES AWARDED AT SUMMER SHOW 2022

MARY BALDWIN ROSE BOWL Best Exhibit Open odd Local even years Class 103 D. Hack

MISS FOSTER VASE Most points in open flowers B. Howarth

W SHARPLES TROPHY. Most points in local vegetables A. Jolley

R MOORE CUP Most points in open vegetable B. Howarth

H HILL TROPHY Most points in local flowers J. Bond

H M FOSTER CUP Most points in homecraft A. Dean

T O WALKER CUP Most points in handicraft S. Dawson

MRS M A GRUBB CUP Most points in floral art R. Iverson

MRS D ORR CHALLENGE CUP Most points in children’s Baking Jenson Lofthouse

MRS J WHITHINGTON CHALLENGE CUP. Most points in children’s Art/Photo Jenson Lofthouse