25th October 2008
Mangold Hurling at Orchard Park Garden Centre Gillingham, Dorset

Right: Specially-commissioned plates were awarded to the winning Senior and Junior entries. These were made by Spotty Pots who are based at Orchard Park - why not visit and try your hand at pottery painting?

The Weigh-in and Prizegiving...

This now traditional event took place in ideal weather conditions - blustery, overcast and threatening rain. Just like Somerset!

Despite adverse growing conditions this year, an encouraging number of entries were received for the mangold-growing contest.

The weigh-in and prizegiving was followed by an open mangold hurling contest in which mangolds of all sizes were provided so everybody could have a go. Exciting action pictures below!

The crowd goes wild as the Senior class winner displays his plate.

Richard presents the prize for the most interestingly-shaped mangold.  Unfortunately it is not actually in the picture, but you may rest assured that it was indeed interesting.

The winner of the Junior class receiving her prize from Managing Director Richard Cumming. This was the heaviest Junior mangold despite having been attacked and partly eaten by something, probably a slug.

This lady had the most aesthetically pleasing mangold. It has a nice shape, a long root and a lovely orange colour.  She puts it down to the fine soil in her garden.

Above: This year’s Mangold King poses with the ennell, a sort of ceremonial mangold- carrying device.