After several weeks of trauma, we are now ensconced in our new retirement apartment. Small but very comfortable, getting to know our fellow residents; coffee mornings, 'knit and natter' for my wife and various events to keep us occupied.
It is strange coming back to Hawkhurst after 30 years, where as a family we farmed from 1921 until 1991. I wandered along the Colonnade surveying the shops and taking in the changes. Visiting the chemist my mind drifted back to my teenage years when the Pharmacist was Aubrey Singleton (a friend of my Dad) and a motorcycle fanatic, who would rebuild his bike in the front room of his house (not sure if Mrs Singleton approved.) also when returning from my school in Tunbridge Wells (on the 84 bus) I would get off at the Colonnade and nip into Baldock the Baker (it s now Rye Bakery) and buy either a Cream Bun or a Swiss Bun; today I popped in and bought a Swiss Bun for tea, 'just as I remembered'
I have bumped into two old friends, one Hazel who is a couple of years older and in my youth, I felt she was a big sister and in the Chemist waiting for my medication, thought 'that face' seems familiar! Hi Charlie, John he replied, what are you doing here? Just moved back into the village I replied; Charlie was a brilliant engineer and fixed problems with my tractors way back in the 1970's and 1980's.
Every day seems to bring another 'blast from the past'
While I have been 'off line' the National Fruit show took place on Wednesday 5th November; the first I have not attended for more than 50 years!
By all accounts it was a great success and the new format devised by the committee and led by Chairman Nigel Bardsley and Vice Chair Annette resulted in a fantastic level of show fruit entries, 90%more than in 2024.
NFS President Catherine Paice and Show Manager Eileen Haffenden are key contributors to the success of the 2025 show!
Below: left. Nigel Bardsley introduces Judith Bachelor OBE and right. Judith addresses the attendees before the show gets under way
Opening the 92nd National Fruit Show, Judith Batchelar OBE highlighted the vital role horticulture plays the UK's food system, encouraging growers to view change as progress and celebrate the innovation within their sector.
Below: left. Annette and NFS President Catherine Paice and right. Annette with show organiser Eileen Haffenden
Below: Ali Capper Chair of British Apples and Pears updates attendees with news of BAPL's plans for the expansion of home grown apples and pears
Ali Capper, executive chair of British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL), sponsors of the President's Breakfast and Show Opening, also spoke at the show opening, announcing two new financial products which have been secured exclusively for BAPL growers.
"We want 60% of all apples sold in UK supermarkets to be British by 2035. With cutting-edge storage facilities and fantastic varieties, there is less and less reason to turn to imports. These financial products from Oxbury Bank have been designed to fund new orchards, storage, grading and packing investment. These will, however, depend on long-term contracts between growers, packers and retailers."
Show Manager, Eileen Haffenden, said:
"This year's show has been a real celebration of collaboration and commitment within the fruit sector. It's been fantastic to see so many previous exhibitors returning to the show, as well as welcoming many new faces to the line up. I'd like to thank all our sponsors, in particular our major sponsors Hutchinsons and NP Seymour, whose ongoing support enables us to deliver such a strong event for the industry."
Nigel Bardsley, Chair of the Marden Fruit Show Society, which organises the event, added:
"The National Fruit Show continues to play a vital role in bringing the industry together. We've seen a clear increase in visitor engagement this year, showing the value of creating a space where growers and suppliers can connect, share knowledge, and celebrate the quality of British fruit production.
Jonathan Blackman, Chair of Judges, said:
"We have been very pleased to see a lot more entries this year. The standard has been high again, and we are delighted that the new, simplified entry criteria have encouraged more participants. The display looks as impressive as ever. It is once again a true centrepiece we can be proud of and something iconic that sets the National Fruit Show apart from any other industry trade show. Finally, thanks must go to the panel of judges, who did an excellent job, for giving up their time, and to the Marden Fruit Show Society committee members who have been instrumental in encouraging growers to enter this year's competition."
Show President, Catherine Paice, commented:
"It's been wonderful to see the show so full of energy and optimism. After a period of change, it's clear that the one-day format has given the event new life. As we look ahead to the 93rd show, there's every reason to be confident in the future of both the event and the British fruit industry."
The National Fruit Show organisers extend their thanks to all visitors, exhibitors, competitors, and sponsors for their continued support, particularly major sponsors Hutchinsons and NP Seymour, as well as British Apples and Pears, Worldwide Fruit, Staplehurst Transits, NIAB, Agrii, Mansfields, Produce Packaging, East Malling Trust, AC Goathams, Amfresh, Bennett Opie, Bloomfields, CA Services, Chavereys, Evelyn Partners, F Edmed & Sons, The Fruit Grower, Haynes, Isolcell, Lambert & Foster, Landseer, NFU Mutual Canterbury and Sittingbourne, NFU Mutual Marden, New Spitalfields Market, RH Group, The Rural Planning Practice, South East Farmer and UKCA Ltd.
Below some of the pictures of the 2025 show sent to me by Martin Apps - Countrywide Photography
Below: Visitors inspecting the show fruit and seeing who the winners are!
Below: A scene demonstrating how many visitors flocked to this years show.
Below: NP Seymour winner of the SEF Farmer 'Best Overall Stand'
Below: left. Nick Seymour receives the prestigious Jon Jones Award from President Catherine Paice and right. Jamie McGrorty from South East FARMER magazine.
Below: Kirkland winner of the SEF Farmer 'Best Machinery Stand' and right. South East Farmar Stand
Below: left. 'United Box' won the SEF Farmer 'Best Shell Scheme Award' and right. South East Farmer Stand
Below: NFU Stand
As mentioned this was the first National Fruit Show I have missed in more than 50 years, but it means a lot to me that my son Stuart, who has been on the tastiest apple panel for several years and is now a member of the MFS General Committee. He also made his first as appearance as a Judge at this year's show. As an NFU Mutual employee he has initiated the NFU Stand where tasting of the show fruit has become a popular event.
Below: left Stuart with Technical Advisor Richard Gaskin and former NFS President Teresa Wickham and right. Stuart judging with Hutchinsons Agronomist Andy Bull
Below: Judges hard at work
Below: left. Reuben Collingwood receiving The 'Tastiest Apple Trophy' from Catherine Paice and right. The Winning Jazz entry
Below: left. Jazz stand and right. Tony Harding Worldwide Fruit
Below: left. New Holland tractor and right. Richard Smith Haynes Marketing
Below: left. BIFGA stand and right. Nigel Bardsley with John Breach celebrating on the JR Breach stand
That is all for this week, next week more pictures from The National Fruit Show 2025
Take care
The English Apple Man