AT their regular meeting at the Plough in Stoke Lacy on October 9, 21 members of the Bromyard Probus Club were treated to an illustrated talk by Bob Oliver from Alfrick, a long standing member of the National Vegetable Society, who began his lifelong interest as a child at Alfrick Show, helping his father set out his entries.

Today, Bob judges vegetables at prestigious shows throughout the country.

Bob is also a renowned and respected competitor who has many Championships under his belt.

His detailed, often impassioned tour d'horizon of the world of championship veg was enlivened by a hands on experience of prize winning examples on show at the pub.

Members were privileged to learn just how it is done to grow and show different winning vegetable varieties.

Needless to say, there were many eager questions from the floor; these ranged from concerns about permitted fertilisers and soil composition through core proportions of different carrots to the best methods of growing and displaying varieties of potatoes to competition standard.

This illuminating talk, akin to a private audience with Gardeners' World shared many secrets.