Totally Tomato Show 4 & 5 September 2010
West Dean’s Totally Tomato show is not only a foodie’s heaven but the search is also on for the tastiest tomato and, NEW for 2010, the heaviest tomato!
As usual, tomato growers will have the chance to enter their produce into the Tastiest Tomato Competition, being run in conjunction with the British Tomato Growers' Association. The competition is open to anyone - amateur, professional, adult or child. In the first year, honours were pretty even between gentleman and players, gardeners and growers, with the title going to a Hampshire back garden crop. However for the last two years the professionals have piled on the pressure and, despite the soggy summers, made the most of their facilities and skills to sweep the board. So once again the TGA lays down the gauntlet - can the amateur gardeners beat the professionals at their own game?
Tastiest Tomato Competition Rules:
* Entry to the competition is by paid admission to the Totally Tomato Show.
* There will be three categories according to fruit size:
1. Cherry and baby plum varieties (0-40mm)
2. Classic round and plum varieties (40-75mm)
3. Beefsteak varieties (75mm plus)
* One entry only per person in each category.
* All entries must be accompanied by a signed entry form. Click here to dowload entry form.
* Entries should consist of a minimum of 250g of fruit of any single variety.
* Entries will only be accepted at the TGA marquee from 10.30am on Saturday 4th to midday on Sunday 5th September.
* One winner will be chosen from each category and then an overall winner from the three finalists.
* Judging criteria will be taste, texture and intensity of flavour.
* Judging will be by a panel of judges invited jointly by the TGA and West Dean Gardens.
* Winners of the category heats will be awarded engraved plaques and an entry voucher for West Dean Gardens.
* The overall winning entry will be awarded the Len Summerton Cup plus an entry voucher for West Dean Gardens.
* Announcement of the winners and presentation of prizes will be at 4.00 pm on Sunday 5th September.
New for 2010, is the Heaviest Tomato Competition, aimed at amatuer growers.
Heaviest Tomato Competition Rules:
* Entry to the competition is by paid admission to the Totally Tomato Show.
* All entries must be accompanied by a signed entry form. Click here to dowload entry form.
* All entries must be handed into the TGA marquee between 10.30am on 4th September and midday on 5th September.
* The winner will receive £100 and a trophy.
* Announcement of the winners and presentation of prizes will be at 4.00 pm on Sunday 5th September.
In addition to event entry, show visitors can make full use of the Parkland walk, a circular walk encompassing stunning landscapes and specimen trees in and around St Roche’s arboretum.
Opening times: 10.30am - 5pm
Tickets: £7.50 (adults) £7.00 (over 60s) £3.50 (children 5 - 15) £18.50 Family Ticket (2 adults, 2 children) Children under 5 Free.
Please note: Dogs are not allowed into the Gardens or Events at anytime, except guide/assistance dogs.
Gift Aid
West Dean Gardens is part of The Edward James Foundation, a registered educational charity. Consequently, if you are a UK taxpayer, and you are willing to pay 10% on top of the normal admission charge, the Foundation is able to treat the whole payment as a charitable donation and reclaim 25p in every £1 from the Government. This will further benefit the work of the Gardens and the Foundation. Click on the following link for more info on West Dean's Gift Aid.
As a thank you for your donation we will provide you with vouchers to spend in the Visitor Centre Shop or Restaurant which, if you were planning to use either of these, will actually reduce the cost of your visit. Click on the following link to download a Gift Aid Declaration Form to complete before your visit.
Registered Charity No: 1126084
