Sunday 8 August 2021

 

SADNESS AND TRIUMPH FOR GOOSTREY GOOSEBERRY CHAMPION

A champion gooseberry grower dedicated his winning berry at Goostrey, Cheshire to his brother after revealing he had died overnight.
Veteran Chris Jones learned only hours before the village show on Saturday about the loss of his brother, Tony, from coronavirus.
But he decided to continue to compete at the annual event and produced the biggest berry of the afternoon in his moment of grief and triumph.
Chris, 69, who has been growing gooseberries for over 30 years and came second last year, won with an Edith Cavell premier berry of 28 pennyweights and 08 grains.
And as well as the winner's silver trophy he will be awarded one of the prestigious plates provided by the Blackden Trust and named in memory of the legendary Goostrey grower. Frank Carter.
His 80-year-old brother died in South Africa where he lived for 50 years and owned a boat business in Johannesburg.
He contracted Covid in the last two weeks after battling cancer for 12 months.
"We realised Tony was not well at all but it was a shock the night before the show when I learned he had passed away," said Chris.
"I am one of six siblings and we have been very close over the years and his loss has been tough.
"But I felt the show must go on and decided when I won I would dedicate the berry to my brother whose funeral I will not be able to attend because of the Covid pandemic."
Chris last won Gooseberry Goostrey Show at the Crown Inn, also with an Edith Cavell of 31pw 13grns in 2005, and holds the world record for the biggest green berry ever grown.
His Bank View of 37pw 20grns at the Swettenham show has been unchallenged since 2002.
Weights at Goostrey Gooseberry Show were better than expected but less than in many previous years after a tough growing season.
Speaking of his winning choice of berry, Chris said he thought the severe winter had helped the Edith Cavell to thrive more than some other varieties.
"When I look at the records and in the seasons it has done well, it has liked a harsh winter, and it is best to give it a lot of shelter from the sun and keep it well watered," he added.
Last year's winner Terry Price, who suspected his crop was sabotaged three months ago with a poison chemical, came seventh in the show after entering a red Just Betty berry of 18pw 14grns from a two-year-old tree in his garden at Twemlow Green.
Show secretary Martin de Kretser was second with a Montrose berry (25pw 21gns)and Emma Williams, who has won two previous contests, held on to her third place from last year with a Montrose of 22pw 12grns.
Jamie Goode won the trophy for the junior section with a Blackden Gem and Joe Banks Williams, the winner last year, was second with a Jodrell White.
So far, one of the biggest weights of the season gained Lee Warhurst the champion's trophy at the merged Marton and Lower Withington Show at Swettenham Club. His Millenium topped the scales at 35pw 02gns.
PICTURES Chris savours the winning berry he dedicated to his late brother and celebrating after the show with members of the Goostrey Gooseberry Society and the event in action (Image John Williams)