Hooe's marrows made in heaven

HOOE's who can grow the biggest marrow competition took place at the village's Red Lion inn recently - and for the third year running the winner turned out to be Christopher Fookes.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Oct 2010, 16:40 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 19:39 BST

He notched up a hat-trick with a 72lbs giant which was 10lbs heavier than the vegetable grown by his nearest rival, Toby Pont. Dave Turner and Nat Bonasserra took the “bronze” with a 57lbs marrow, and fourth at 50lbs was MC for the evening and the champion’s dad, Robin Fookes,

In total, almost 30 people took part and 11 marrows were finally presented for judging.

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All, however, fell well short of the record for the world’s largest marrow - 134lbs and nearly four feet long.

The competition was devised four years ago by Darrell and Trudi Elkins, and they have organised the handing out of seeds and final weigh-in ever since.

Winner Chris was presented with his trophy and a bottle of wine by Trudi at the Red Lion, which annually hosts the popular event.

Profits from the competition were given to the Red Lion for its charity, St Michaels Hospice. Some of the marrows were taken by local farmer and sixth-placed contestant, Danny Kemp, for his pigs to eat.

The rest went home with contestants determined to try various recipes for marrow-based jam and rum.

ABOVE: the winners