ONE of the highlights of the farming and gardening year takes place on October 14 when the Kirk Andreas Produce Show is held in Andreas Parish Hall.

It is thought to be the longest established show of its type on the Island, the first having been held in either 1901 or 1902, according to records of the Andreas Root Show Committee. It is originally thought to have been created to provide help for the poor people of the parish with the exhibits donated to the people.

The first show consisted mostly of root vegetables and was confined to entries only from Andreas Parish. It was later opened to other northern parishes and eventually to the whole Island. The event has been held in Andreas Parish Hall since 1948.

Open to anyone on the Isle of Man, the show attracts a lot of interest every year with classes in numerous categories including vegetables, fruit, flowers, floral art, preserves, honey, wine, crafts and photography.

Competition is friendly, but keenly contested and has been ever since it started at the beginning of the last century. This year the annual show will be opened by David Callister MLC at 3pm and the prizes will be awarded at 7.45pm, including a large number of trophies, some going back many decades.

The Committee said, “We wish to thank the Department of Environment Food and Agriculture for contributions towards prizes and to the Farmers Combine in Ramsey for collecting entries.”

Exhibitors are able to remove their produce following the presentation of prizes, but the organisers encourage everyone to donate their items for the auction which raises money for charity. In 2009 the proceeds of the auction produced £600 which was donated to ten local charities.

Programmes for the show are now available and entries close on October 9th. Entries can be made to the secretary - Mrs P. Kinrade, Mountain View, Nassau Road, Bride (Tel: 880331) - or at the Farmers Combine, Ramsey. Entries can be accepted by telephone.