26th February 2010
Ipswich residents are being urged to get into their gardens and grow pumpkins to raise funds for life-threatened children and their families.
Once again the Ipswich Allotment Holder’s Association Ltd are hosting their annual pumpkin competition in aid of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
EACH provides care and support for life-threatened children and their families in their own homes, as well as at the charity’s hospices based at Ipswich in Suffolk, which also serves North Essex, Quidenham in Norfolk and Milton in Cambridgeshire.
Organisers of the event are giving away free seeds, which have kindly been donated by Ipswich-based firm Thompson and Morgan, and participants are being encouraged to sow them in March/ April ready for judging in October.
Everyone who enters is encouraged to raise funds for EACH through sponsorship, and there will be adult and child prizes for the heaviest pumpkin and best decorated pumpkin, which have been kindly donated by the Kier Group.
Last year’s winning pumpkin, weighing in at a whopping 103kg, was grown by Robert McNay of Jasmine Close, Ipswich, and organisers are hoping his success will inspire others to take part.
Claire LeLievre, EACH Suffolk community fundraising assistant, said: "We are absolutely delighted that the Ipswich Allotment Holders’ Association are once again hosting their pumpkin growing competition in aid of EACH.
"The event is suitable for anyone, whether you are a seasoned pumpkin grower or a complete novice, and we hope the success of last year’s event is enough to encourage people to get out in their gardens and get planting!"
The competition weigh-in takes place between 9:30am and midday on Saturday October 16 at Ransome’s Sports and Social Club in Sidegate Avenue, Ipswich, and judging will take place at midday.
There will also be a country produce sale and many other stalls- so why not come and get your giant pumpkin for Hallowe’en if you haven’t already grown one yourself.
If you would like to take part in the pumpkin growing competition call John Greenacre on 01473 716424 for your free seeds, sponsorship forms and growing tips.
