The 1993 season was really in the words of Her Majesty the Queen, “Annus Horribilis” weatherwise, and most of the growers here were late for practically all the local shows and the majority of growers were just starting to come into full flush when the first frosts arrived. As if that wasn’t bad enough and to crown it all we have had temperatures down as low as minus twelve degrees along with power cuts which will have most certainly killed off any life that was remaining in the tubers that were in store.
David Munro from Alness, who always works particularly hard in all aspects of growing and showing, did exceptionally well lifting the top silverware for his dahlias and chrysanthemums at Alness, Inverness, Culloden, Ardersier and Forres.
In September David along with his good lady, Ann, made the long journey south down the A-9 to Stirling for the second year but this time with newcomers, Warwick Wilson and his wife Caroline, also from Alness in tow.
Having found the Mayfield Centre, the first thing on the agenda was the customary “Cuppa” and one of John Whytes’ world renowned sausage rolls. After the long journey the hospitality was most welcome and with their batteries now fully charged they made a start on the staging process. In the rush south sleeping bags were left at home so the night was spent watching the “BIG GUNS” staging and making new friends. However it all proved worthwhile with Warwick lifting the Norman Sheed Trophy for two first prizes in the novice chrysanthemum section and a first and second prize in the open single vase classes. David lifted a first prize in the novice dahlia section and several second prizes in the open chrysanthemum sections.
Warwick a young farmer, like many other farmers throughout Scotland, England and Wales has suffered from the effects of ORGANOPHOSPHORUS based sheep dips. The symptoms are in many ways similar to that of M.E. However it appears that in such circumstances the nerve endings could be permanently damaged resulting in muscle spasms,acute listlessness, loss of memory and loss of feeling in limbs. Along with other victims Warwick underwent one week of examination and tests at the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow. He was encouraged to take up a hobby and chose chrysanthemum growing. If his first years results are anything to go by, he can hopefully look forward to even greater achievements and we wish him well.
The long term effects of such a problem are, as yet, unknown but it should serve as a timely reminder to us all of the dangers associated with modern treatments. It appears that organophosphorus based products can be ingested through both skin and lungs. So, when using chemical preparations in our quest to rid our prize blooms of the dreaded Black Fly and other “beasties”, we should at all times follow the manufacturers’ instructions on using the correct protective clothing and just as important the safe disposal of any unused quantities and containers.
To finish on a lighter note a very brief report on chairman Bruce Andrew’s first judging visit to Alness - ‘Arrived in low spirits, met up with good spirits (the Dalmore), left in HIGH spirits, arrived home spiritually refreshed in body and mind for the task ahead the following day at the National in Stirling” Both he and his good lady were impressed with the quality of exhibits in most classes. Enquiries are continuing to establish whether or not he had a hand in the discovery of the elusive black begonia between 1 and 2 am. when staging boards were being hurriedly painted. Haste ye back Bruce.
To all friends far and wide good health, good luck and good gardening in 1994.