Vegetables still have ap-peel after 14 years (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Vegetables still have ap-peel after 14 years

4:00pm Sunday 5th February 2012 in News By Helen Morton

POTATO-mania made its annual eruption in Whitchurch last weekend.

Thousands of visitors flocked to the 14th Hampshire Potato Day at Testbourne Community Centre, in Micheldever Road.

Spud fans who travelled from far and wide for the two-day festival, queued patiently before organisers opened the event at 10am on Saturday.

With 140 varieties of potato seed up for grabs, including 30 organic, there was plenty of choice.

Organiser Phil Cooper, 65, said the event attracted people of all ages and backgrounds.

He said: “We’re really lucky to have such a good venue and people tell me that they really enjoy coming. Everyone can get involved with growing their own potatoes, even if they don’t have a garden, with a growbag.

“It’s a really good turnout and I’m pleased to see so many families have come along with their children.”

He said the event was getting bigger each year, with this year’s attendance beating last year’s 2,200 visitors.

Mayor and Mayoress of Whitchurch, Cllr Barry Jackman and his wife Sandra, were at the event picking up some Desiree potatoes for their garden.

Cllr Jackman said: “It’s a lovely community event and we keep on coming back. It’s something that Whitchurch can be proud of.”

Besides the potatoes, which were sold by Charlton Park Garden Centre, in Wantage, there were also stalls manned by local gardening groups selling a wide range of peas, beans, garden plants and garden-related gifts.

Mr Cooper said: “There are around 25-30 helpers volunteering on each day. A lot of people work hard to get the event together.”

He explained that any surplus money raised would be split between the Hampshire Organic Gardening Group, the Friends of Whitchurch Primary School, and Whitchurch Parish Hall Committee.