SINCE he first entered his prized vegetables in the Horticultural Section at Chagford Show in 1999, David Hoare of North Tawton has been a regular trophy winner, especially with his giant leeks, onions, carrots and much more.

Terrier racing at the Chagford Show, video Alan Quick

Some of the displays in Chagford Show Horticultural Section. AQ 9392
Some of the displays in Chagford Show Horticultural Section. AQ 9392 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

This year was no exception and David won many classes and trophies at the show for his exceptional vegetables.

Asked how he grows such giant-sized prized veg, David’s reply was that it was a “trade secret”.

He would not “leek” the information!

Heavy horses and riding side saddle in the ring at Chagford Show, video Alan Quick

Heavy horses in the main ring. AQ 9350
Heavy horses in the main ring. AQ 9350 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

A Rolls Royce in the vintage section. AQ 9366
A Rolls Royce in the vintage section. AQ 9366 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

He did however reveal that he has exhibited at local horticultural shows for more than 50 years.

He praised Chagford Show’s Horticultural Section, stating that it was “the best in the area”.

Gilbert Stephens Solicitors welcomed visitors at Chagford Show. AQ 9384
Gilbert Stephens Solicitors welcomed visitors at Chagford Show. AQ 9384 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Country Kitchens of Devon had a stand at Chagford Show. AQ 9379
Country Kitchens of Devon had a stand at Chagford Show. AQ 9379 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Dartmoor National Park stand at Chagford Show. AQ 9387
Dartmoor National Park stand at Chagford Show. AQ 9387 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Section Secretary Laura Reed said that despite the weather, the section attracted 1,050 exhibits, “not far off last year”.

The Show saw a few showers pass over the Dogmarsh Field showground but it was welcomed after weeks of dry weather.

Side saddle in the main ring. AQ 9352
Side saddle in the main ring. AQ 9352 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
A trio of lovely veg exhibited by David Hoare and a large scale model of a steam engine. AQ 9395/9359
A trio of lovely veg exhibited by David Hoare and a large scale model of a steam engine. AQ 9395/9359 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Lou Brereton from Spreyton had a first with 6 hen’s eggs. AQ 9405
Lou Brereton from Spreyton had a first with 6 hen’s eggs. AQ 9405 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Bluetongue meant the show’s sheep and cattle classes had to be cancelled, but organisers adapted the programme to fill the gaps they left.

Horses and ponies continued to fill the show rings, while visitors could watch dog agility and terrier racing or browse the 200 trade stands.

The first prize-winning scarecrow at Chagford Show. AQ 9426
The first prize-winning scarecrow at Chagford Show. AQ 9426 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Rural Crafts in action at Chagford Show. AQ 9454
Rural Crafts in action at Chagford Show. AQ 9454 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Other attractions were the rural crafts area, food hall featuring the finest local producers, music stage, funfair, local hunt, vintage vehicles, motorcycle display by “Flyin Ryan” or see the range of agricultural equipment displayed.

The preserves and cake entries. AQ 9428
The preserves and cake entries. AQ 9428 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Some of the Chagford Show committee with secretary Tiggy Fuller, second left. AQ 9477
Some of the Chagford Show committee with secretary Tiggy Fuller, second left. AQ 9477 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Show secretary Tiggy Fuller said: “We had some great entries and lots of public coming to the gate. Obviously, the lead-up’s been a bit different because we didn’t have any sheep and cattle. We filled up the field with some dog agility and some more children’s entertainment.”

Roger Hutchings was a winner with 5 mixed dahlias at Chagford Show, video Alan Quick AQ 9440
Roger Hutchings was a winner with 5 mixed dahlias at Chagford Show, video Alan Quick AQ 9440 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Janet Jarvis of North Tawton exhibited and sold her paintings, cards and prints at Chagford Show, video Alan Quick. AQ 9450
Janet Jarvis of North Tawton exhibited and sold her paintings, cards and prints at Chagford Show, video Alan Quick. AQ 9450 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Gethin Brererton (14) of Spreyton won a first with his Chocolate Orange Marble Cake and right, the third prizewinning scarecrow portraying Donald Trump. AQ 9413/9424
Gethin Brererton (14) of Spreyton won a first with his Chocolate Orange Marble Cake and right, the third prizewinning scarecrow portraying Donald Trump. AQ 9413/9424 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The day also raised money for Children’s Hospice South West, the show’s chosen charity for 2026, all raffle proceeds going to the charity.

Devon CPRE were collecting signatures against the proposed Devon Data Centre, left, Penny Mills and right, Rebecca Bartleet. AQ 9459
Devon CPRE were collecting signatures against the proposed Devon Data Centre, left, Penny Mills and right, Rebecca Bartleet. AQ 9459 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Public watching activities in the main ring at Chagford Show. AQ 9471
Public watching activities in the main ring at Chagford Show. AQ 9471 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)