COVID-19 may have put a stop to most events but there was no it was going to ruin a now annual tradition.
The annual ‘Bodfari biggest pumpkin’ competition was judged on October 22.
Winner Tony Johnson with landlord of Dinorben John Unsworth
The ‘fire-break’ lockdown meant the competition had to be brought forward.
Pumpkins arrived at the The Dinorben Arms at 4.30pm ready to be measured and judged by pub landlord, John Unsworth.
Dave ‘the roof’ Lewis. Last year's winner. Dave is isolating so couldn't be there in person
Julie Burnage, wife of Antony Burnage who in 2018, challenged his friend David Kynes to see who could grow the largest pumpkin - resulting in the first contest, said: "John has ‘form’ as a judge having been involved since the competition began. He was also called upon to judge the longest carrot competition on August 19 [won by Scott Davison with runner up Antony Burnage]."
1st - Top Tony, 2nd - Ant - Julie’s husband and 3rd - Margaret, Dave the roof’s partner
“The pumpkins were then carved and put on display at the Dinorben pumpkin carving competition at Halloween,” Julie added.
This year the competition was won by ‘Top’ Tony Johnson whose pumpkin had a circumference of 67 ¾ inches.
Runner up was Antony with 61 inches and third place went to Dave ‘the roof’ with 57inches.
The tape measure is out!
Julie added: “Covid certainly changed things this year – Dave couldn’t bring his pumpkin to the pub himself as he had been contacted by test and trace and had to self-isolate.
"Others who planned to enter, such as friends and fellow growers, were unable to ‘drop by’ to check - or spy - on the competition throughout the season.
George Matishock, aged two, picked his favourite!
“The carrot and pumpkin competition will be held again next year and as this year’s winner Tony will choose another vegetable, fruit or flower to add to the list making the competitions open to more and more people who live in the village.
Scott 'The Trout' Davidson - winner of the longest carrot and Antony Burnage - Julie's husband, runner up in longest carrot
“Community is everything, even more so when times are tough and the people of Bodfari are grateful to John and the staff at the Dinorben for their support.”
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